Attention coffee lovers! Here’s a friendly reminder to circle October 1st on your coffee calendars because it's International Coffee Day, and we have a brew-tiful plan brewing. Join us as we explore Japan's top coffee events, festivals, and promotions that will have you sipping with delight. From aromatic festivals to irresistible deals, it's time to raise your cup and toast to the world of Japanese coffee celebrations! Oh! And before we dive in, here's an extra-special treat for my coffee-loving friends: You can score some sweet discounts and deals on premium Japanese charcoal-roasted coffee for special days. All you have to do is join our coffee club (it's free!)
History and Origin of International Coffee Day
International Coffee Day, celebrated every October 1st, highlights and celebrates coffee globally. In a meeting that took place during the Expo 2015, a World trade event from March 3rd to 7th, 2014, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and its Member States made a pivotal decision. They chose to officially launch the first International Coffee Day in Milan and organize International Coffee Day on October 1st to create a single day of celebration for coffee lovers worldwide. This day also promotes fair trade coffee and raises awareness about the challenges coffee growers face worldwide.
Before International Coffee Day was established, many countries used to have their own National Coffee Days. For example, in Japan, a coffee day was established in 1983 by AJCA.
(If you want to read more about Japanese Coffee Associations, head on to this article).
In the USA, National Coffee Day was mentioned as early as 2005.
History and Origin of International Coffee Day in Japan:
The history of Coffee Day in Japan dates back a good few years, even before ICO established it. In 1983, AJCA (All Japan Coffee Association) designated October 1st as "Coffee Day" in Japan, as the demand for coffee increased during the fall and winter seasons.
If you want to read more about the rich history of coffee in Japan, hop onto this article.
Coffee Day 2023 is all about #CoffeePeople
In today's coffee world, taste isn't the only concern. Consumers now ask questions like,
"How sustainable is this coffee?"
"Are coffee farmers being paid fair wages?"
Aligning with this ethos, the 2023 International Coffee Day theme is centered on
"Promoting the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the coffee supply chain."
To emphasize the people behind the coffee industry, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) has partnered with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to launch the #CoffeePeople campaign.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the fair treatment and rights of those working in the coffee sector. Join the challenge here.
How to celebrate International Coffee Day – Borrowing Ideas from ChaCha, our original character
Meet ChaCha, our in-house character whose curiosity and passion for learning inspire us daily. Curious about how to celebrate International Coffee Day? ChaCha has a plan!
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Chacha’s Planner for International Coffee Day ⏰ ☕📅 🎉
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📅 October 1st 2023 ☀️Sunny Chacha |
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8:00 AM 🌞 |
Start the day with Nel drip coffee using fresh Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee from Japan. |
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9:30 AM 🚗 |
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11:00 AM 🎁 |
Send a heartfelt gift to ChaCha’s coffee-loving friend. *Help ChaCha choose the best gift for his coffee-loving friend. |
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12:00 PM 🍽️ |
Enjoy lunch with coffee-infused savory Japanese dishes like coffee dumplings, croquettes, and okonomiyaki. Find the recipes here. |
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3:00 PM ☕ |
A quick but delicious homemade coffee break using Japanese single-serve pour-over. |
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5:00 PM 🎉 |
Attend a Coffee event in the neighborhood. |
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8:00 PM 🌃 |
It is time for him to go to bed. But he had too much coffee today and could not sleep. He wishes he had decaf coffee instead. *Help ChaCha choose a good decaf coffee for his next coffee day. |
Best Japanese Coffee Selections for Your Coffee Day Celebration
On International Coffee Day, you'll crave the perfect Japanese coffee experience, including the finest beans, delightful drink recipes, delectable food pairings, and much more. Here are some inspired ideas to make your celebration exceptional:
- Best Japanese Coffee Beans 🌱
- 12 Best Japanese Coffee Drink Recipes ☕📜
- Top 5 Japanese Foods to Pair with Premium Coffee 🍣🍩
- 4 Mouthwatering Japanese Savory Recipes to make using Coffee 🍛🍳
- 5 Must-visit Japanese Coffee Shops ☕
Japanese coffee promotions and deals for International Coffee Day
Some Japanese promotions and deals you can use to enjoy Coffee Day to the fullest in 2023:
Offer codes and discounted prices on unique coffee beans sourced from the best coffee-growing regions of the world and then roasted in Hokkaido using Japanese active charcoal. Join our coffee club for free to receive the offer codes.
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AJCRA (All Japan Coffee Roaster Association)’s special coupons
AJCRA, one of Japan's major coffee associations, offers special coupons that you can use to buy coffee beans or enjoy coffee at your favorite coffee shops all across Japan. The coupons are valid from the 1st to the 15th of October. (If you want to know more about AJCRA and other Japanese coffee associations, remember to check out this article).
To know more about where to get the coupons and how to use them, hop onto AJCRA’s official website by clicking here.
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UCC (Ueshima Coffee)’s Win a Present Campaign
If you have been a long-time follower of my blog, you already know that there have been several posts about this iconic Japanese coffee brand. If you are curious about UCC (Ueshima Coffee) and would like to know more, make sure to read up on my writings below:
As a special treat for Coffee Day 2023, UCC's lifestyle and coffee brand, "Coffee Style UCC," invites you to participate in their exclusive campaign. 'Like' and 'Follow' to win exciting prizes!
Japanese Coffee Events and Festivals to Celebrate Coffee
1. Tokyo Coffee Festival (Tokyo, Japan)
Tokyo Coffee Festival is a biannual festival organized by the Tokyo Coffee Executive Committee, Festival Farmer's Market Association, and Good Coffee.
Each year, a guest city is featured in the festival, and guess what the Guest City is for this year: PORTLAND!!!
Picture yourself sipping exceptional brews from iconic spots like Buckman Coffee Factory, Marigold Coffee, CAVE PAINTER COFFEE, and Deadstock Coffee, and compare them to brews from Japanese specialty coffee roasters, all amidst the unique backdrop of Tokyo. ☕✨
Overview:
- Name: TOKYO COFFEE FESTIVAL 2023
- Guest City: PORTLAND (!)
- Date: October 21st (Sat) - 22nd (Sun) 2023 10:00 - 16:00
- Location: United Nations University Courtyard (5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001)
- Sponsored by: NPO Farmers Market Association
- Co-host: Good Coffee
2. Sapporo Coffee City Festival (Sapporo, Japan)
Sapporo City, located in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a bustling hub in this picturesque region. It is known for its fresh air, mountainous terrain, and pristine spring water that infuses its unique charm into the local coffee scene.
In the heart of Sapporo, a lively annual event, "Coffee City Fes," celebrates the essence of coffee culture. What sets it apart? It is its dynamic and urban design that embodies the concept:
"Urban Culture is Shaped by the City's Coffee Shops,"
It focuses on introducing coffee underdogs like micro-roasters and rookie roasters alongside industry giants, fostering a diverse coffee community.
Event Overview:
- Event Name: City Coffee Fes
- Location: Sapporo PARCO, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Event Dates: This year's event has concluded; stay tuned to their website for upcoming dates.
- Official Website: Visit Here
- Concept: "Urban Culture is Shaped by the City's Coffee Shops"
- Host: COFFEE CITY FESTIVAL SAPPORO Executive Committee
- Objective: To celebrate and promote Hokkaido's vibrant coffee culture, emphasizing the role of coffee shops in shaping the city's identity and nurturing community bonds.
3. SENDAI COFFEE FES 2023 Autumn (Sendai, Japan)
Sendai Coffee FES 2023 Autumn will be held on the famous Jozenji Street in Sendai City.
Jozenji Street in Sendai is renowned for its picturesque zelkova trees, creating a lush canopy that changes with the seasons. It's a hub for cultural events, including the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, and a center of coffee culture, hosting the annual SENDAI COFFEE FES. This green oasis combines natural beauty, art, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Sendai.
Overview:
- Name: SENDAI COFFEE FES 2023 Autumn
- Dates: October 14th, 2023 (Saturday) and October 15th, 2023 (Sunday)
- Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Jozenji Street Green Belt
- Admission: Free
- Nearest Subway Station: A 3-minute walk from Koutoudai Koen Station on Sendai Municipal Subway
4. Nagano Coffee Festival (Nagano, Japan)
Nagano's landscape is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with several major mountain ranges crisscrossing the region. These mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, and they are especially popular during the winter months when Nagano hosts various ski resorts, including the famous Hakuba Valley.
Nagano is also known for its pristine water sources, which are crucial for brewing high-quality coffee and other beverages. This abundance of pure water contributes to the thriving coffee culture and festivals in the area, such as the "NAGANO COFFEE FESTIVAL."
Since 2018, the 'NAGANO COFFEE FESTIVAL' has been touring various regions of Nagano Prefecture, and in 2023, it will take place at the National Alps Azumi Park (Omachi and Matsukawa area). Roasters dedicated to crafting the finest cups of coffee will bring you a special coffee experience."
Overview:
- Event Name: "NAGANO COFFEE FESTIVAL 2023
- Co-sponsored by the Northern Alps Fair
- Date: September 30th, 2023 (Saturday) - October 1st, 2023 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Venue: National Alps Azumi Park (Omachi and Matsukawa area)
5. Japan Coffee Festival
Driven by the captivating and smile-inducing charm of coffee, the Japan Coffee Festival, organized by the Japan Coffee Festival Executive Committee, is on a mission to not only invigorate the coffee industry but also breathe life into communities all across Japan.
Starting in 2017 with the introduction of roasting courses to support young adults and expanding to a collaborative effort with a clinical psychologist for the 'Youth Self-Reliance Support Project' in Osaka's Ohigashi City in April 2022, the festival's mission is to utilize coffee as a medium for communication, particularly benefiting young individuals facing challenges such as unemployment.
Through these initiatives, Japan Coffee Festival has empowered these young adults and forged connections with various fields like agriculture, design, music, and customer service, underscoring the versatile potential of coffee as a catalyst for personal development and workforce integration.
Check out their official website for the next dates and locations!
6. SCAJ Coffee Conference (Tokyo, Japan)
The SCAJ (Specialty Coffee Association of Japan) Conference is a premier gathering for coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and industry experts. This annual event provides a platform for exploring the latest trends, innovations, and insights in the world of specialty coffee. With informative seminars, engaging workshops, and a vibrant coffee exhibition, the SCAJ Conference is a must-attend for anyone passionate about the art and science of exceptional coffee.
Check out the links below for more about SCAJ
- In 2023 our roaster Sapporo Coffee Kan, attended SCAJ conference
- I want to know more about SCAJ (Specialty Coffee Association of Japan).
Check out our interactive map featuring coffee events across Japan for your convenience.
Conclusion: Sip, Savor, and Celebrate Coffee with Purpose!
As we conclude our journey through Japan's festive Coffee landscape, we invite you to embark on your own coffee adventure, one that not only delights your taste buds but also aligns with the sustainability and ethics that are central themes for International Coffee Day 2023. ☕🌱🌎
As you savor each cup, remember that coffee can be more than a delicious beverage; it can be a force for good in the world. ✨
Don't forget to check out our blog for more coffee delights. And we'd love to hear about your coffee escapades, your thoughts on sustainability, and the ways you're contributing to a better coffee future in the comments below. Your coffee stories are waiting to be brewed, and your commitment to ethical coffee is a testament to the positive change coffee can bring! ☕🌍🗣️
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