THE CSWC BY OLIVA CIGARS JAPAN WAS CLAIMED BY HAYATO, ALSO KNOWN AS "MR. SILENCE."
- expertcigar
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Japan hosted the second-ever CSWC qualifier and proved they are the new rising star in the CSWC world, both in organization and results.
Photos by Yuji Amano
This year’s event was held in Kyoto at SETSUGEKKA+SALON, a venue with over 40 years of history located on Sanjo-dori, one of the city's most popular streets. There were 20 participants this year; nine were returning competitors, and three were women. Local sponsors—including MURAKI (Cuervo y Sobrinos Japan) and S.T. Dupont Japon—provided luxurious prizes. Additional sponsorship came from ID SHOJI (importer of the renowned Nicaraguan rum, Flor de Caña) and PINARICA (Cuba’s first specialty coffee brand).
Last year’s winner, "Watchman," made a shocking exit at the 57-minute, 50-second mark. Eleven competitors surpassed the 60-minute mark, and five "smokers" went beyond 100 minutes. At this stage, only returning competitors remained in the contest, and the top three finishers were determined at the 110-minute mark.
One was Mr. Yamamoto, nicknamed "Pablo" last year for his artistic burning style; he had competed in the Grand Final last year as a friend of "Watchman"—yes, the "crazy dancer." Then there was Hayato Mukaigawa, who had missed the top ten last year by a mere 38 seconds (finishing at 1:00:38) and was determined to redeem himself.
Mr. Tashiro, who placed second last year, completed the event with a time of 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 32 seconds. In the final showdown between the younger competitors, "Pablo" Yamamoto finished at 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 30 seconds. The winner was the quiet Hayato Mukaigawa—known as "Mr. Silence"—who had placed 11th last year; he finished with a time of 1 hour, 56 minutes, and 30 seconds.
All three top finishers completed the event without incurring any penalties. The top record among women was set by Ms. Saori Oshima, with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 15 seconds.
After the competition, attendees enjoyed special chocolates, cocktails, and sandwiches prepared by the Goto family of Setsugekka, alongside Flor de Caña cocktails and Pinarica coffee. We also enjoyed two types of OLIVA cigars provided by Tan Tobacco Japan LLC, the Japanese distributor for OLIVA.
Ms. Ana Paula Matsumoto, "Miss Cigar 2026" of the Japan Cigar Association, also graced the event with her presence, and a sales event for limited-edition Cuervo y Sobrinos pieces was also held.
