#Japan #Tokyo #UCC Coffee #JCIGSC 2026 #Katsurou Doi

UCC Coffee Academy's Stellar Performance at JCIGSC 2026

In a remarkable show of talent and creativity, Katsurou Doi, a prominent instructor at UCC Coffee Academy in Tokyo, achieved fifth place in the prestigious Japan Coffee in Good Spirits Championship (JCIGSC) 2026, held on March 1 in Hyogo Prefecture. This marked Doi's third consecutive year as a finalist in this competitive event, highlighting his skills and dedication to the art of coffee cocktails.

The Japan Coffee in Good Spirits Championship (JCIGSC)

The JCIGSC is Japan's national competition for coffee cocktails, initiated by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE). It aims to celebrate the fusion of coffee and alcohol, attracting competitors from various countries across Europe, Central and South America, and Australia. Japan has hosted this championship since its first edition in 2013, organized by the Japan Specialty Coffee Association (JSCA).

The competition format challenges finalists to craft two unique cocktail creations: one traditional Irish coffee made with coffee and Irish whiskey, and two original coffee cocktails, either hot or cold. Competitors must present these drinks to two judges within a set timeframe, showcasing not only flavor but also their personal creativity and understanding of coffee and alcohol's multifaceted appeal. This year, 36 participants entered the preliminary rounds, from which six finalists emerged to compete for victory.

Doi's Unique Cocktail: Tenware

Doi's signature cocktail, named Tenware, was crafted with a focus on enhancing experiential value, aiming to convey the stories and sentiments of coffee producers through the cocktail experience. His ingredient of choice was the Sidra Most Fermentation Natural from Colombia’s El Diviso farm—a forward-thinking producer who marries traditional cultivation practices with innovative fermentation techniques. Doi drew inspiration from the dedication of Nestor, a young producer at the farm, capturing both their narrative and the essence of the coffee in his presentation through sight, taste, and storytelling.

In creating the cocktail’s concept, Doi emphasized stimulating the senses of customers, aiming to inspire new experiences through the enjoyment of coffee. This resulted in two distinct cocktails, designed to embody his vision.

Recognition and Feedback

Commenting on his achievement, Doi expressed gratitude for the support he received from colleagues and the broader coffee community. His presentation and performance structure impressed the judges, leading to his fifth-place finish. Doi shared, “Through this competition, I aimed to explore the potential of coffee cocktails and elevate the value of my profession as a barista. I believe it’s my mission to create experiences that transform everyday perceptions of coffee and coffee cocktails.”

His reflection on being a three-time finalist emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community support, underlining his commitment to contributing to the coffee industry’s growth and nurturing future talent.

UCC Group continues to stand out as a premier institution not only in Japan but globally, fostering specialists with unmatched expertise. Guided by the mission to unlock the power of coffee for a better world, UCC is dedicated to continually exploring coffee's value.

For further insights into past competitions and to witness the artistry of coffee cocktails, visit UCC Coffee Academy’s YouTube channel.

About Katsurou Doi

Katsurou Doi joined UCC in 2005, hailing from Wakayama Prefecture. He began his career at UCC’s food service division, engaging in roles such as manager and product development lead. Now, as a dedicated instructor at UCC Coffee Academy Tokyo, Doi is involved in educational initiatives, recipe development, and industry competitions, showcasing his versatility. His accolades include first place in the Japan Hand Brew Championship in 2014 and third place in the JCIGSC 2024.

UCC Coffee Academy offers a variety of seminars for both beginners and those aspiring to enter the coffee industry, fostering a community where individuals can find joy in their coffee journey.

For inquiries about UCC Coffee Academy programs, contact them at [email protected].