Shopping Guide
On Aug 3, the Tokyo Otaku Mode sponsored two-part “First Latte Art Showdown” was held at the AppBank Store in Shinjuku. Latte art is a forte of skilled baristas who create designs in cappuccinos and lattes using high grade techniques. The showdown was a battle of skills between two baristas who both push the limits of illustration and art using such techniques.
Professional baristas and TOM Special Creators Mattsun and BELCORNO participated in the showdown. BELCORNO made a special trip to Tokyo from Nagoya just for the event.
The enthusiasm of the two could be felt on the day of the event at the AppBank Store. When Mattsun said, “As TOM’s first latte artist, I will show my willpower,” BELCORNO quietly replied with competitiveness: “Since this is my third battle, I for sure want to be victorious again.” BELCORNO has lost both of the two prior battles he has participated in with Mattsun.
For the first part, the creators were asked to produce Dragon Ball and Hatsune Miku latte art and were allowed approximately five minutes to work on each piece. The audience was taken aback at the moment Piccolo suddenly began to appear in Mattsun’s latte. However, BELCORNO wasn’t backing down as he created a full-color art using food dye.
The second part began with a relaxed atmosphere. The first match was Naruto themed, so a Naruto battle unfolded, and with yellow hair food dye, vivid Naruto art was created in one of the cups. The last theme was “Summer x Animal” which debuted the showdown’s 3D latte art created with the foam of steamed milk. The performance caused the audience to gasp in awe as fluffy animals arose from the cups. Although they both had said five minutes wouldn’t be enough time, they were delivering excellent work in a very short time and in an unfamiliar workspace.
When the showdown finished, Mattsun and BELCORNO accepted requests from the audience. Thereupon, a long line formed of fans awaiting a latte art designed to their liking. After many hours, the entire event commenced as the “last cup” was asked of them. Not displaying any signs of fatigue, they both willingly responded with, “Sounds good,” and began properly steaming milk. Thereupon, a crowd naturally formed, attracted by the sound.
The last cup was samurai latte art! Yes, it was again such art that just to drink and be gone with it seemed to be a waste. The event ended with a shot being taken of the two artists together with Misae Komori, who helped lead the event while dressed as Hatsune Miku.
Please take a look at this once again amazing showdown between Mattsun and BELCORNO!
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
