Japanese Latte Art by Nowtoo Sugi and Kazuki Yamamoto

When you order a latte, you’re probably expecting a creamy, aromatic coffee drink — but what if your cup also came with a tiny masterpiece floating on top? That’s the magic of latte art, where baristas turn steamed milk into intricate designs atop espresso. But some artists go far beyond hearts and leaves.

If you’re wondering who’s pushing the boundaries of coffee art, look no further than Japanese latte artists Nowtoo Sugi and Kazuki Yamamoto. Sugi adds eye-catching color with syrup, while Yamamoto crafts detailed figures from cartoons, video games, and pop culture onto his lattes.

What Is Latte Art?

Latte art is the technique of pouring steamed, microfoamed milk into a shot of espresso to create patterns on the drink’s surface. It combines espresso extraction with milk texturing to produce not just flavor, but visual appeal. The foundation is a well-pulled espresso with a stable crema — the golden-brown foam that forms on top of a properly extracted shot.

The Role of Crema and Milk Texture

A successful latte art base starts with a quality espresso shot. According to FrontStreet Coffee, a proper espresso should yield around 40ml from 20g of coffee grounds, extracted over 25–30 seconds. This shot must have a rich, mirror-like crema about 3mm thick. The crema not only contributes to the drink’s appearance but also helps the milk integrate smoothly for clean, defined designs.

Milk texture is equally crucial. For optimal latte art, milk should be steamed to a velvety microfoam with a smooth texture, neither too bubbly nor too liquid. The ideal temperature range is 55–60°C. This balance allows the milk to pour cleanly and hold shape when creating designs.

Vibrant Colors with Syrup: Nowtoo Sugi’s Approach

Nowtoo Sugi stands out by introducing vivid hues to his latte art through the use of syrup. Instead of sticking to traditional monochrome milk designs, Sugi applies colorful syrups directly to the espresso’s surface, creating lively, eye-popping patterns. These additions transform a classic latte into a colorful canvas, appealing as much to the eye as to the palate.

While the article doesn’t specify his exact syrup types or techniques, the use of color is a clear departure from conventional latte art, showcasing how creativity can extend into flavor and presentation. His work reminds us that coffee can be both a drink and a visual experience.

Pop Culture on a Cup: Kazuki Yamamoto’s Detailed Designs

Kazuki Yamamoto takes latte art to another level by crafting intricate figures from anime, cartoons, video games, and even portraits of famous musicians. His portfolio includes everything from Pokémon characters to a remarkably lifelike depiction of British singer Ringo Starr. Each piece is poured freehand onto a latte, demonstrating incredible control over milk flow and timing.

Yamamoto’s work exemplifies the fusion of technical skill and artistic vision. By recreating recognizable figures in steamed milk, he elevates the humble latte into a fleeting yet impressive work of edible art. His ability to render such detail suggests mastery over milk consistency, pouring speed, and pattern design — all critical factors in high-level latte art.

How to Achieve Great Latte Art: The Basics

To make latte art like these artists, start with a solid espresso shot: 20g of coffee to 40ml of espresso, extracted in 25–30 seconds for a rich crema. Steam milk to 55–60°C until it has a glossy, microfoamy texture — aim to fill the pitcher from 50% to 60% full of foam. Pour the milk into the espresso center, allowing the designs to form through controlled movement. Clean integration of milk and espresso creates the “golden ring” effect, essential for sharp designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Nowtoo Sugi and Kazuki Yamamoto?

Nowtoo Sugi and Kazuki Yamamoto are Japanese latte artists known for their extraordinary coffee designs. Sugi uses colorful syrups to create vibrant patterns, while Yamamoto is famous for pouring intricate pop culture figures, anime characters, and even celebrities like Ringo Starr onto latte surfaces.

What is crema and why is it important for latte art?

Crema is the golden-brown foam that forms on top of a well-extracted espresso. It’s essential for latte art because it provides a smooth, stable surface that helps milk blend evenly and supports clean design formation. FrontStreet Coffee notes that ideal crema should be about 3mm thick with a mirror-like shine.

What milk temperature is best for latte art?

The optimal milk temperature for latte art is between 55–60°C. This range ensures the milk is hot enough to blend with espresso but cool enough to maintain a smooth microfoam texture, which is crucial for pouring detailed designs.

How do you steam milk for latte art?

To steam milk for latte art, aim for a velvety microfoam with a glossy texture. Fill the pitcher from 50% to 60% full of foam, and heat the milk to 55–60°C. Properly textured milk pours smoothly and holds shape, which is vital for creating clean latte art designs.

Can you use flavored syrup in latte art?

Yes, flavored syrup can be used in latte art, as demonstrated by Nowtoo Sugi, who adds syrup to create colorful patterns. However, syrup is typically added after the latte is poured and can be used to enhance both visual appeal and flavor.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Latte Art

For latte art with rich crema and smooth texture, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Commercial Blend, designed for bold crema and a balanced flavor profile ideal for milk drinks. The Strawberry Candy Espresso offers medium-bodied sweetness with notes of berry and floral tones, producing a velvety microfoam perfect for detailed pours. Both beans ensure stable extraction and a creamy mouthfeel, supporting intricate latte designs. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.