Hiroshi Kimura | Japanese Comandante Champion

What is your job, and where do you live and work?

I run my own place in Hikone City called Micro-Lady Coffee Stand, where I serve as both the roaster and barista.

What does coffee mean to you, and what do you love about it?

Coffee has been a part of my life since before I started this job. When I was little, I begged my coffee-loving mother to give me a sip, and from the moment I took a sip, I was hooked on the taste. Sharing a cup of coffee connects people, sparks conversation, and increases smiles.

What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?

I think it's incredibly precise. It grinds the beans to the desired grind size.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?

I was well aware of the Comandante's capabilities and thought it looked interesting.

How was the competition for you?

I enjoyed talking to the other contestants and was excited to see how my recipe would be evaluated.

What is your advice for future competitors?

It's important to keep making it until you find the flavour you like. I think you need to practice many times so you can recreate the same flavour in a competition. Also, if you can communicate with the other competitors in a competition, you'll be able to relax and take on the challenge. You also need to relax to perform at your best.

What are your future goals?

In the near future, I would like to use the Comandante Grinder to achieve success in other competitions. I would be happy if my customers become more interested in coffee based on my experience.