FIELD REPORT
GUATEMALA & EL SALVADOR
TOKYO
SCAA, PORTLAND, OREGON
of sake, masu—which are a symbol of prosperity—still have a place in modern times and are still used for the purpose of ceremony or to show generosity. These masu—which were stacked in a ceremonial pyramid
through which sake poured freely—were printed with the Barista Nation logo, and each attendee was encouraged to take one home as a gift from Key Coffee. It was a beautiful gesture. Midway through the party, Mr. Nakano called everyone's
attention for the announcement of the winning team of baristas in the summer drink building contest. When Team C heard its name called, all the baristas erupted in excitement, and why shouldn't they have? They had each won a custom tamper made by Mr. Katakura of Life Café. As is always the happy circumstance at the end of a
Barista Nation event, goodbyes and promises to stay in touch were exchanged at the close of the evening. Gone was the nervousness from the morning, when the attendees hardly knew each other. Just a day's event later, they were fast friends, and each was confident in new skills developed through the lectures and trainings organized by Unic Tokyo and Key Coffee. For Barista Nation's first overseas foray, this Tokyo event could not have been a greater success.