HookahBattle Japan Cup 2027 — Rules Discussion: Two Divisions, One Theme — Japan

HookahBattle Japan Cup 2027 is a hookah competition taking place in Japan with the support of NEW EMO SHISHA.

Participants will be challenged to present their own interpretation of the theme “Japan” through flavor, aroma, visual presentation, and the overall hookah concept.

The competition will feature two divisions: Blonde Leaf, for hookah masters working with blonde tobacco, and Dark Leaf, for those who prefer dark tobacco.

Both divisions will compete on the same day at the same venue.

Choose Your Division

Blonde Leaf — Blonde Tobacco

This division is designed for participants who work with blonde tobacco and want to demonstrate their skills in this category.

Register for Blonde Leaf: [TAP HERE]

Dark Leaf — Dark Tobacco

This division is for participants who prefer dark tobacco and are ready to showcase their approach to creating unique flavor mixes.

Register for Dark Leaf: [TAP HERE]

Important: If you have already registered without selecting a division, please register again and choose either Blonde Leaf or Dark Leaf.

How to Participate

1. Register on the HookahBattle website in your chosen division.
2. Record a short video of approximately 30 seconds.
3. Post your video on “X” using the hashtag #hookahbattle2027. The NEWEMO account will repost competition videos.
4. Take part in the online qualification voting.

Participants with the highest number of votes will qualify for the competition.

The same rules apply to contestants from Japan and other countries. Everyone must submit a video and participate in the online voting process under equal conditions.

Participant Selection

The tournament will feature 18 contestants:

• 16 contestants will be selected through online voting.
• 4 contestants will receive spots based on recommendations from Shisha Japan, with two spots allocated to each division.

Competition Theme — “Japan”

The organizers have expanded the original theme of “Wa” into the broader concept of “Japan”, giving participants more creative freedom to express their own interpretation.

The challenge is to represent Japan not only through visual decoration, but also through flavor, aroma, and the overall concept of the mix.

Every element of the presentation should contribute to one cohesive idea.

Judging Criteria

1. MIX — Composition and Creativity

Judges will evaluate the ingredients of the mix, its concept, originality, and the overall impression of the creation.

2. Visual Presentation

The appearance and design of the hookah will be evaluated.

The organizers are also considering expanding this criterion to include the aesthetic presentation of the entire hookah setup.

3. Flavor and Aroma Clarity

Flavors and aromas must be clear and distinguishable, allowing judges to easily identify and evaluate the combination intended by the contestant.

4. Smoke Volume and Quality

Participants must demonstrate their technical skills, including proper hookah preparation and the ability to produce an appropriate volume and quality of smoke.

5. Theme Interpretation

The flavor, aroma, visual presentation, and overall concept of the mix must reflect the competition theme: “Japan.”

How Judging Will Work

Competition entries will be evaluated by both judges and audience members.

Each contestant will prepare hookahs for tasting, after which judges and audience members will award points according to the established criteria.

The contestant with the highest total score will be declared the winner.

To ensure a fair scoring system, the number of points available to each judge and audience member will be determined once the final lineup of contestants has been confirmed.