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The Journey to the 1st Crack Coffee Challenge 2025 Finals

The anticipation is building for the 1st Crack Coffee Challenge 2025 (1CCC 2025), as it gears up for its finals on September 13, 2025, at Tokyo Culture Culture in Shibuya. Organized by GIESEN JAPAN, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, this competition aims to showcase the artistry and skills of the country’s finest coffee roasters and baristas. With a record-breaking 90 participants from across Japan entering this year's preliminary rounds, the competition has never been more fierce.

Understanding the 1st Crack Coffee Challenge

1CCC is not just a typical roasting competition; it emphasizes the triumvirate of roasting, extraction, and presentation. Contestants are evaluated on their ability to bring out the best flavors from their coffee beans through these three core components:

• - Roasting: Maximizing the inherent flavors of the coffee.
• - Extraction: Creating the most delicious beverage from the roasted beans.
• - Presentation: Sharing a personal story or theme that enhances the coffee experience.

This competition values not only technical skill but also the soul and story behind each cup of coffee.

The Competition Format: Preliminary and Finals

The preliminary rounds of the 1CCC were rigorous, measuring participants' abilities to replicate roasting techniques scientifically. Employing methods like FT-IR spectroscopy and gas chromatography, the judging panel ensured a high standard of quality.

In the finals, six top competitors will have 15 minutes to create a beverage aligned with the year’s theme, “Your Vision of Coffee: Now and in the Future.” Judges will evaluate the drinks based on finesse, presentation, and creativity.

The champion will earn the title of 1st Crack Coffee Challenge 2025 Champion, securing their place among the elite in the coffee community.

Meet the Finalists

The final roster of competitors includes:
1. Hideto Takenaka (Donate Coffee, Tokyo)
2. Kei Ogasawara (Sawara Coffee, Hokkaido)
3. Takashi Morimoto (Middle Earth Coffee, Chiba)
4. Kazuha Sasaki (ICOI COFFEE, Ehime)
5. Eiji Shimizu (Haiz Coffee Roastery, Toyama)
6. Daisuke Sakaki (FUKUSUKE Coffee Roastery, Aichi)

Event Schedule for the Finals

Date: September 13, 2025
Location: Tokyo Culture Culture, Shibuya, 1-23-16, Cocoti Shibuya, 4F

• - 12:30 PM: Doors Open
• - 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM: Panel Discussion: “What Makes a Delicious Coffee?” with Brewing Champions
• - 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM: Exploration of Coffee with Celebrity Guest, Yuki Takeuchi
• - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Competition Begins
• - 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Latte Art Challenge and Mini Brewing Contest (Open to All, Prizes Available)
• - 6:30 PM: Awards Ceremony, Announcements of Results
• - 8:00 PM: Closing

Attendees can enjoy tastings of the finalist's coffee, as well as special brews prepared by guest baristas like ACID Coffee and NOG Coffee Roasters.

Hosts and Special Guests

The event will be emceed by coffee enthusiast and talent, Yuki Takeuchi, along with Kouta Noguchi from NOG Coffee Roasters,
who will conduct engaging discussions about coffee.

Tickets and Entry Fee

Entry is priced at ¥2,000. Pre-registration through the linked Peatix page is recommended: 1CCC 2025 Registration

About GIESEN JAPAN

Founded in Shinagawa, Tokyo, GIESEN JAPAN specializes in importing and maintaining coffee roasters, while also organizing coffee-related events to enhance Japan’s coffee culture.

Experience an unforgettable day of coffee culture at the 1st Crack Coffee Challenge 2025 finals, where passion, skill, and creativity come together to celebrate the art of coffee!