Last updated: October 19th,2025 :11.21PM
One of the awesome professions that many young people in this world love very much is the profession of “coffee makers”, or internationally recognized as Barista. The number of cafes or coffee shop entrepreneurs in Indonesia, including in my area in Pontianak, makes Barista a very rare and well-paid profession nowadays.
I am not that coffee addicted. In other words, I am not a coffee lover, especially with something black without any sugar or milk. I do like drinking mixed coffee, combining coffee with other ingredients such as fresh milk or a little bit of crackers. I have them for breakfast or in the afternoon. I don’t drink it all the time just on special occasions. .
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| Me and Hidenori Izaki during his coffee presentation held in Botany caffee in Pontianak last April 2017. |
Unfortunately, I do not even have a coffee maker machine. LoL.
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Not many people have the talent and ability to mix coffee professionally. One of them is Hidenori Izaki, the 2014 World Barista Champion from Japan. I was so lucky to meet him last April 2017 in Pontianak, when Hide Izaki and his crew members performed coffee presentations for coffee lovers in the city. .
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I would like to express my gratitude to Felycia from Toffin Indonesia, who sent me the invitation that allowed me to attend a workshop featuring Hidenori Izaki. Here is the photo taken during the event I have attached to this article. It’s been a while, but finally I can share it! .
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I also met Hidenori Izaki on Instagram. Although he does not follow back my account, after I followed him, I was thrilled when he liked a photo I posted from the event. I was really happy for that small gesture it felt like a special connection with a world-class barista. .
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A Little More About Hidenori Izaki.
Hidenori Izaki was born in 1990 in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. He started his coffee journey at a young age, working at his father’s coffee shop, Honey Coffee, after dropping out of high school at 16. His passion for coffee deepened after meeting Enrique Navarro, a Costa Rican coffee producer, which inspired him to pursue the art of coffee more seriously. .
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In 2014, Izaki became the first Japanese and Asian barista to win the World Barista Championship, held in Rimini, Italy. During the competition, he highlighted the quality of Colombian coffee and praised the work of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation a recognition that put both him and Asian coffee talent on the global map. .
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Today, Izaki continues to influence the global coffee scene. He is the founder and CEO of QAHWA Inc., a consulting company that provides services including product development and marketing for coffee chains and F&B brands. He also established Cokuun, an exclusive coffee bar in Japan that blends traditional Japanese ingredients with rare coffees sourced worldwide. Beyond that, Izaki shares his expertise through educational platforms, including his popular YouTube series, “The World’s Most Delicious Coffee Brewing Method,” which has over 1.5 million views. .
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Lessons and Tips from Hidenori Izaki’s Workshop.
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During the workshop in Pontianak, I had the chance to observe how a world-class barista approaches coffee. Here are a few key lessons I took away: .
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1. Precision is Everything Izaki emphasized the importance of consistency in every step from grinding beans to brewing and pouring. Even a small variation in temperature, grind size, or timing can change the flavor of coffee.
2. Know Your Beans
He encouraged coffee lovers to learn about the origin of their beans. Understanding the coffee’s story where it’s grown, how it’s processed helps in bringing out the best flavors.
3. Experiment and Innovate
Izaki showed that creativity matters. He combined traditional techniques with unique Japanese flavors, demonstrating that coffee is both an art and a science.
4. Presentation Matters
The way coffee is served influences the overall experience. Izaki’s attention to detail from cup selection to latte art showed how presentation elevates the drink.
5. Passion and Patience
Perhaps the most important lesson was his attitude: mastering coffee requires patience, practice, and genuine passion. Even as a world champion, Izaki continues to learn and innovate. .
Observing these principles in action was not only educational but also inspiring. Even for someone like me, who is not a daily coffee drinker, it made me appreciate the craft behind every cup. .
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Meeting Hidenori Izaki in person was truly inspiring. Seeing him work, learning from his presentation, and sharing the excitement of coffee lovers in Pontianak was an unforgettable experience. His dedication, talent, and creativity make him not only a master of coffee but also a role model for anyone passionate about their craft. .
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.Observing these principles in action was not only educational but also inspiring. Even for someone like me, who is not a daily coffee drinker, it made me appreciate the craft behind every cup. .
.
Meeting Hidenori Izaki in person was truly inspiring. Seeing him work, learning from his presentation, and sharing the excitement of coffee lovers in Pontianak was an unforgettable experience. His dedication, talent, and creativity make him not only a master of coffee but also a role model for anyone passionate about their craft. .
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