Day 0 at the World Barista Championship is traditionally the day that the espresso industry reunites in person and this year in Tokyo, Japan, it's not different - the big family is together again! Of course, some friendly faces are missed, but by and large, this is always the biggest single gathering of espresso-enthused experts.

Along with so many familiar faces, there's always ne additions to the family, and so many new people are here this year. This is the first time the WBC has been held in Asia, with all the prior championships going to the US and parts of Europe. There's a very large Australian contingent here - possibly over 40 - and I think it's even larger than the Japanese support at this event.

Today is the day that all the national Champion Baristas undergo their briefing for the championship, and the judges all have their final meetings, prepping for the big event.

We entered the hall, filled with anticipation as well as a stifling humidity. You can feel the buzz in the air as all the Baristas listen carefully to the new rules for this year, and take a moment to introduce themselves to everyone. There's 48 national Champions in all, though it appears like some have not been able to make the trip, including Ethiopia, which if true, would be a major disappointment. But there are more representatives from coffee-producing nations this year than any year before, and that is something to get very excited about. Other countries, like Zambia, Singapore, and others are sending first time representatives.

Michelle Addresses the Baristas and Trainers Michelle Campbell of the SCAA and WBC addresses the huge group of national champion baristas and their trainers / coaches.

Iceland Arrives Some of the members of Team Iceland, including Ingbjorg Jona Siguroardottir (left), Iceland's National Champion.

Team, er, UK? Technically the bloke on the left isn't in the UK, but here's Steve Morrissey and Jim Hoffmann on the right, the UK Champion.

Because this year's World Barista Championship is in the Asia Pacific region, it means the Australian contingent didn't have to trave that far. As a result, there's a lot of Australians here. I do mean a lot. I think there's over 40 of us here to support Scotti Callaghan, from New South Wales, in his bid for global espresso domination!

It was also an opportunity for me and many Australians to visit Paul Bassett's line of espresso bars in Tokyo, and they didn't disappoint.

Shirted Out Emily Oak brought with her a big number of official shirts for all of Team Australia to wear over here while supporting Scott Calaghan in his championship run.

Oy Team Go Just a small part of the huge team over here to support Scotti. Simon James left, Emiily Oak middle, Corinne Tweedale far right, Anne Cooper back middle.

There's a trade show going on here, for the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan, and the World Barista Championships isn't the only one going on. Towards the back of the exhibition hall, there's another championship brewing: the Syphon Championships!

Japan has a big culture of syphon coffee (vacpot, vacuum brewed coffee, siphon coffee). You can see this reflected in the countless syphon coffee bars dotted throughout Tokyo. I hope to have more from this later on, but here's a few photos to whet your appetite.

At the Championship They do siphon coffee seriously here!

Siphon Bar One of Japan's many syphon coffee bars.

I don't plan on posting many of ZacharyZachary's videos here but there's a few I'd love to share. If you want to see them all, make sure you hop over to ZacharyZachary to get hours and hours of videoblogging fix.

I was hoping to post Colter Jones' round as he represents Canada, but it's one of those videos that I think Zachary had technical problems with.

In lieu of that, here's one of my all time favourite baristas in the world - New Zealander Carl Sara, a 3 time NZ Champion, and always a top finalist in the WBC when he competes.

Carl's performance is pretty much flawless. I'd kill to taste the espresso.

Another video shot by ZacharyZachary, at the WBC, this time around, it's Einar Holthe, from Norway, trained by Tim Wendelboe. Norway is a huge force to be reckoned with at the WBC, and Einar's performance is superb.

Again, for full video blog coverage, go to ZacharyZachary and get your fix.