Haruna Murayama

Who they are

Haruna Murayama is an acclaimed Japanese barista and free-pour latte art specialist. Representing the historic Ogawa Coffee in Kyoto, she rose to international prominence as the first Japanese competitor to win the World Latte Art Championship.

Philosophy

• Precision in movement: Emphasizes the importance of posture and steady hand movements to achieve symmetry.
• High contrast: Prioritizes the clarity between the white microfoam and the dark crema to ensure the design "pops."
• Respect for service: Views latte art not just as a visual skill, but as a crucial component of hospitality and the overall guest experience.
• Consistency: Practices the philosophy that a champion's design must be reproducible every single time, regardless of the volume of the cafe.

Signature gear & coffee

• Ogawa Coffee Signature Blends: Specifically the beans roasted for competitive milk-based drinks.
• Traditional Milk Pitchers: Often associated with the classic spout styles used for high-precision free-pouring.

Known for

• 2010 World Latte Art Champion: Winner of the title in Maastricht, Netherlands.
• Ogawa Coffee Ambassador: A key figure at the Kyoto-based roasting company, helping to elevate their global profile.
• Free-pour Mastery: Renowned for complex designs achieved without the use of etching tools.
• Training and Mentorship: Serving as an inspiration for the surge of elite competitive baristas emerging from the Japanese coffee scene.