Background Information
Coffee is one of the oldest and most beloved beverages in the world. It is consumed in many countries, but there is no doubt that Japan is one of the biggest coffee-loving nations. However, the way the Japanese drink coffee is quite different from the way other countries consume the drink, and it is a key part of their culture.
In Japan, coffee has been around since the late 19th century. It was originally brought to the country by Dutch traders and quickly became a popular drink among the wealthier classes. Today, coffee can be found in almost every corner of Japan – from the traditional kissas to the countless vending machines in the country’s major cities.
Statistics
According to the International Coffee Organization, Japan is the sixth largest importer of coffee beans in the world. This equates to about 1.7 million 60kg bags of coffee being imported each year.
In terms of consumption, the Japanese are amongst the highest per capita consumers of coffee in the world. A survey by the Japan Coffee Association found that the average person in Japan drinks around 500 cups of coffee each year – that is roughly one and a half cups a day.
Drinking habits
The way the Japanese consume coffee is quite different to other countries. Instead of drinking it black or with sugar and milk, the Japanese tend to favour processed coffee drinks like lattes and mochas. Instant coffee is also extremely popular and can be found in almost every convenience store.
It is worth noting that coffee is also a popular gift in Japan. Many people give coffee as presents during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas. This reflects the high regard in which coffee is held in Japanese society.
Japanese coffee culture
Like most things in Japan, coffee has its own unique culture. For many Japanese people, coffee is an important part of their daily routine and for some it has become a form of ritual. For example, some people might drink their coffee from the same cup each day or take a moment to savour their coffee before commencing their next task.
Coffee shops are also a huge part of Japanese culture. As well as providing coffee and other food and drinks, they often act as a place to catch up with friends, relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Impact of technology
In recent years, technology has had an impact on the way coffee is made and consumed in Japan. For example, there are now a number of coffee vending machines that can make a variety of coffee drinks in a matter of minutes. This has made it easier than ever before to get a decent cup of coffee when you’re out and about.
Furthermore, the rise of coffee apps has made it even easier to order coffee from the comfort of your own home. With just a few taps of your smartphone, you can have your favourite coffee delivered directly to your door.
Increasing popularity
Coffee culture in Japan is always evolving and it is clear that the country is becoming increasingly coffee-obsessed. The trend for speciality coffee is on the rise and independent coffee shops are popping up all over the place. There is even an annual coffee festival held in Tokyo, which showcases some of the best coffee from around the world.
The internet has also played a major role in the increasing popularity of coffee in Japan. Social media sites such as Instagram are full of coffee-related content and the hashtag #coffee has been used over 13 million times. This further demonstrates the extent of coffee culture in Japan.
The Future of Coffee in Japan
Given the increasing popularity of coffee in Japan, it is safe to say that it will remain a key part of the country’s culture for years to come. As mentioned, speciality coffee is on the rise and it is likely that more independent coffee shops will open in the future. Technology will also continue to play an important role in making coffee-drinking more convenient and accessible.
International Appeal of Japanese Coffee
Japanese coffee has also been gaining global appeal in recent years. The Japanese style of preparing coffee is both meticulous and ritualistic and it has been gaining recognition from coffee enthusiasts from around the world. Countries such as the US and Australia have recently seen a surge in Japanese-style coffee shops and the trend is likely to continue.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Japanese are passionate about coffee and it will no doubt remain an important part of their culture for years to come. With its unique preparation, international appeal and the rise of technology, we can only expect the popularity of Japanese coffee to increase in the future.
