Rui Sugimoto | Japanese Comandante Champion

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

I work for a trading company that deals with wholesale and retail of video and audio equipment in Tokyo, Japan, where I live.

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

Coffee connects people-baristas, customers, family members... Coffee is like a life partner for me, something that I am happy to have in my day-to-day constantly. I feel that being involved in coffee culture is my calling- I expect to enjoy a lifelong relationship with it. Coffee can heal, rejuvenate, and for a moment set aside the difficulties of life. The joy of the coffee experience is for everyone. I love the excitement in choosing beans for the brew of the day, or drinking a cup brewed by another barista.

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

I acquired my first Comandante grinder after watching a review by Philocoffea CEO Kasuya Tetsuya on YouTube. After over a year of use, my personal experience has been it is the best coffee mill in terms of comfort and how it feels in my hand.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?

I saw this tournament as an opportunity to immerse myself in and overcome difficulties in my life. It was a challenging time in my personal life and the preparation and participation in the event helped me sort out my mind. It is a wonderful opportunity open to everybody, and I knew it was a chance I couldn't let pass by.

How was the competition for you?

Being the first competition to be held in Japan, participating and enjoying this event meant more to me than results. I paid special attention to preparing a unique recipe and that played in my favor. I also met so many great people in a short frame of time. All in all the competition was a dream come true.

What are your future goals?

My mother gave me a simple recognizable name she got from a superstar of her age. She wants me to leave my mark on the world. I would like to live up to this dream and have my own coffee shop named after me, Rui, so people can recognize and love the name that my mother gave me.

What is your advice for future competitors?

I have 3 pieces of advice for future competitors, Have fun. Believe in yourself and the coffee you brew. Communicate with fellow competitors, have them drink the coffee you brew and create bonds. The moments in which you expand your world through coffee become special memories. This was my experience.