At Tasse Coffee Roastery, we are proud to welcome coffee enthusiasts from all corners of Japan. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a dedicated staff member from a café in Okinawa, who made the journey all the way to Tokyo to participate in our SCA Barista Foundation Course.
This barista, Yuki, had been working at a charming café in Okinawa for a few years, serving locals and tourists alike. While she had hands-on experience with making coffee, Yuki was eager to solidify her knowledge and hone her barista skills to a professional level. She chose our course because it offered instruction in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, allowing her to feel comfortable learning in her preferred language—Japanese.
Why She Chose Tasse Coffee Roastery
Yuki was determined to learn the craft of coffee from the ground up, and she knew that becoming an SCA-certified barista would elevate her career. Our SCA Barista Foundation Course provides the essential training and certification that aspiring baristas need to build a strong foundation in coffee preparation. From the moment she arrived, Yuki knew this was the perfect environment to take her skills to the next level.
The First Step: Understanding Coffee Fundamentals
The course began with a focus on the fundamentals. Although Yuki had been making coffee for a while, she quickly realized there was so much more to learn about the science behind brewing. The first day of the course covered essential topics such as the origins of coffee, grind size, and extraction techniques. Yuki learned the intricacies of how water temperature, pressure, and time impact the flavor and quality of coffee.
One of Yuki’s key takeaways was mastering the espresso machine—an essential tool for any barista. Even though she had some experience using one, the hands-on training at Tasse Coffee helped her perfect the techniques required to pull a flawless espresso shot.
Hands-On Experience with Brewing and Milk Steaming
The second part of the course was focused on practical skills. Yuki practiced brewing espresso under different conditions, adjusting variables like grind size and extraction time. She also had the opportunity to experiment with steaming milk—an area where she wanted to improve her technique.
With the guidance of our expert instructors, Yuki quickly became proficient in creating smooth, creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. The joy of mastering milk steaming was clear when she crafted her first latte art, producing a perfect heart on top of her cup.
Building Confidence through Practice
What really stood out for Yuki was the balance between theory and practice. Every day, she had the chance to apply what she had learned in real-time, receiving personalized feedback from our instructors. This practical approach not only helped her build muscle memory for each task but also boosted her confidence behind the bar.
By the end of the course, Yuki was able to create consistently high-quality espresso drinks, demonstrating her knowledge of brewing, milk steaming, and even some basic maintenance of coffee equipment.
Taking Her Skills Back to Okinawa
After completing the Barista Foundation course, Yuki felt ready to take her newfound skills back to Okinawa. The certification she earned will not only elevate her position in her café but also open new doors for her in the specialty coffee industry. Yuki is already planning to share her knowledge with her coworkers and improve the overall coffee experience at her café.
But her journey doesn’t end here. Inspired by the experience, Yuki is considering returning to Tasse Coffee Roastery to take the Intermediate Barista Course next year, continuing her path toward becoming a coffee expert.
Interested in Becoming a Certified Barista?
Whether you’re working in a café like Yuki or just starting your journey into the world of coffee, our SCA Barista Foundation Course provides the perfect foundation to grow your skills and gain an internationally recognized certification. With courses available in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, we welcome students from all over Japan and beyond.
Join us at Tasse Coffee Roastery and take the first step toward mastering the art of coffee.
