#Japan #Tokyo #Coffee Roasting #Saza Coffee #Micro Roasters

Introduction

On July 18, 2026, Saza Coffee Roaster, located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki, is set to host an event titled "ROAST CONNECT." The primary objective of this gathering is to deepen participants' understanding of coffee roasting and green beans, targeting micro-roasters and individuals curious about coffee roasting. This event promises to be an enriching opportunity for coffee enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced roasters.

Event Overview

"ROAST CONNECT" aims to engage attendees by allowing them to experience firsthand the roasting process using the same green beans, specifically a new crop of Kenyan Washed coffee. In collaboration with manufacturers of small smart roasting machines such as Aillio, LINK, and ROEST, participants will have the chance to roast the same green beans using various machines and profiles, culminating in a tasting session. This hands-on experience will showcase the differences in flavor and characteristics between each roasting method.

Furthermore, the event will feature lectures and networking opportunities with champions from domestic roasting competitions and baristas, facilitating a space for individuals to connect and learn at their respective skill levels. Our goal is to promote knowledge-sharing about roasting techniques and quality evaluation, while also helping form a community among small roasting machine users, green bean dealers, and roasters.

Background of the Event

The inception of "ROAST CONNECT" comes against the backdrop of increasing popularity for small roasting machines, yet with limited opportunities for systematic learning about roasting techniques and quality assessment. Additionally, the scarcity of high-quality specialty coffee beans creates challenges, particularly for micro-roasters and small business operators trying to access information and resources.

Saza Coffee has focused on establishing direct connections with producers worldwide to procure and sell quality green beans. By encouraging the sharing of knowledge and skills related to coffee, the company promotes a greater understanding of roasting among different stakeholders in the coffee industry.

Program and Activities

During the event, attendees will use the same bean (Kenyan Washed) for tasting sessions conducted by various roasters with distinct profiles. Participants will have the opportunity to perform cupping while deepening their understanding of the flavor differences resulting from roasting and the specific traits of each roasting machine.

• - Aillio R1 V2: This small roasting machine can process 300 to 1000 grams of beans with high-precision temperature control and data recording for reproducible roasting.
• - LINK Roaster: This machine allows for roasting with over 1000 pre-programmed profiles, ensuring that anyone can easily achieve their preferred roasting style, with a capacity of 50 to 100 grams.
• - ROEST L100 Plus: With a capacity of 50 to 200 grams, this machine allows for extensive data collection during roasting, making it ideal for professional quality control and research.

In addition, Saza Coffee will conduct cupping sessions featuring specialty coffees sourced from various regions including Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, showcasing their unique flavor profiles from direct purchases.

Expert Participation

The event will host key figures from the coffee community, including Kenharu Onuki, the 2024 Champion of the Japan Coffee Roasting Championship (JCRC), and Yuki An, the runner-up in the 2022 Japan Barista Championship (JBC). They will share their insights and experiences regarding roasting and quality assessment. Throughout the venue, there will also be spaces for exhibiting participating companies and networking opportunities, fostering connections between attendees and industry professionals, ensuring valuable learning experiences for all.

Event Details

• - Location: Minato Ward, Tokyo, 1-12-32 South Aoyama, inside Little Darling Coffee Roasters
• - Date and Time: July 18, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• - Participation Fee: ¥3,000 (reservation required)

Conclusion

"ROAST CONNECT" serves as a significant opportunity to enhance the coffee roasting community by connecting industry players, sharing knowledge, and expanding the specialty coffee culture. Join us in creating a vibrant community through coffee!