#Japan #Specialty Coffee #Hitachinaka #Panama Coffee #Esmeralda Geisha

Celebrating Excellence at the Esmeralda Geisha Festival

Coffee enthusiasts are in for a treat as the highly anticipated Esmeralda Geisha Festival is set to take place on November 8th and 9th, 2025. Celebrated in Japan, this festival will showcase three significant achievements in barista artistry centered around the exquisite Panama Geisha coffee variety.

A Celebration of Barista Triumphs

The festival highlights the accomplishments of Keisuke Honma and Wataru Idaka, who, in 2025, claimed the top spots in their respective categories at the Japan Barista Championship and Japan Brewers Cup using the finest Esmeralda Geisha beans from Panama. Their remarkable victory not only signifies personal triumphs but also elevates the reputation of Saza Coffee, the renowned company hosting the event.

The event's concept revolves around “three Japan’s best,” inviting coffee lovers to come and enjoy these celebrated coffees. Saza Coffee secured exquisite beans from the Esmeralda Farm, which has produced world-renowned coffee of unparalleled quality.

Location and Events

The festival will be hosted across three venues:

• - Saza Coffee's Head Office in Hitachinaka
• - Tsukuba Station Front Store in Tsukuba
• - KITTE Marunouchi Store near Tokyo Station

On both days, attendees can savor five different Panama Geisha coffees for 3,000 yen as part of a special tasting set. The distinct aromas and flavors of these beans have made Panama Geisha a celebrated name in the coffee world.

Understanding Panama Geisha

Panama Geisha is celebrated for its enchanting floral notes and sweet undertones, often described as having a jasmine fragrance, peach-like sweetness, and a lingering bergamot finish. The journey of Panama Geisha began in 2004 when its presence at the “Best of Panama” competition changed the world of coffee forever.

However, coffee lovers must remain vigilant as there are many inferior versions of Geisha coffee on the market. The Saza Coffee Geisha Festival aims to educate consumers on identifying genuine Geisha coffee through organized tastings and workshops.

The Auction and Competitions

The festival will also highlight the competitive spirit of baristas as they participate in auction events where the finest Geisha beans are contested. Here, coffee quality is a shared passion among roasters and baristas alike, who strive for excellence in every cup.

The previous year saw Saza Coffee emerge victorious at the auction, winning beans from the highly coveted Gigante lot known for its rich flavor and aroma. The festival not only celebrates this win but also emphasizes the hard work and dedication behind producing exceptional coffee.

Special Events Featuring the Champion Baristas

On November 8, starting at 12:00 PM, guests can join the festivities at the Saza Coffee Head Office, where the champion baristas will be available for meet-and-greets and coffee preparations. On November 9, attendees can head to the Tsukuba Coffee Festival where both champions will again showcase their winning techniques and serve exquisite brews.

Coffee lovers can also partake in a unique experience of roasting their own beans at the KITTE Marunouchi Store on November 9, with limited spots available for those eager to learn the art of coffee roasting.

A Journey of Passion and Dedication

Keisuke Honma and Wataru Idaka have dedicated over a decade to perfecting their craft, making sacrifices along the way to achieve their dreams. As they both approach the pivotal age of 40, their achievements serve as an inspiration to many aspiring baristas. Their success is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in the realm of coffee.

Join us in honoring these champions and celebrating the culture of coffee at the Esmeralda Geisha Festival. Whether you are a seasoned barista or a novice enthusiast, this event promises to offer insights into the world of specialty coffee and the exceptional Geisha variety that has won the hearts of coffee lovers across the globe.

Mark your calendars for November 8 and 9, 2025. Let’s celebrate coffee, creativity, and the champions who make it all possible!