Coffee Day (Kōhī no Hi)

What Is Coffee Day?

October 1 is Coffee Day in Japan. It was established in 1983 by the All Japan Coffee Association, because under the International Coffee Agreement the new "coffee year" begins on October 1, and because demand for coffee rises in autumn and winter. Since 2015, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) has also marked October 1 as International Coffee Day, with events celebrating coffee held around the world.

How Coffee Spread Around the World

Coffee spread not only as a drink but also together with the culture of places where people gather.

• Starting with Yemen's mystics: Reliable records of coffee as a drink date back to 15th-century Yemen, where Sufi mystics reportedly drank it to stay awake during nighttime devotions.
• European coffeehouses: In the 17th century, coffeehouses opened one after another in London and Paris. They became social spaces where people read newspapers and discussed business and politics.
• The origin of Lloyd's: The global insurance market Lloyd's began in the late 17th century at Edward Lloyd's coffeehouse in London, where merchants gathered for shipping news.

The History of Coffee in Japan

Japan also has an interesting history with coffee.

• Via Dejima in Nagasaki: Coffee is said to have reached Japan in the Edo period through the Dutch trading post on Dejima in Nagasaki. Its taste apparently did not suit most Japanese at the time.
• Japan's first real coffee shop: In 1888, "Kahiisakan" opened in Shitaya Kuromon-cho, Tokyo (near today's Ueno). It is considered Japan's first full-fledged coffee shop.
• The land of canned coffee: Canned milk coffee went on sale in 1969, and canned coffee later spread nationwide along with vending machines.

Coffee Trivia

• Coffee beans are seeds: A coffee bean is the seed inside the red fruit (coffee cherry) of the coffee plant.
• Arabica and Robusta: Most coffee traded worldwide is either Arabica or Robusta (Canephora). Arabica is known for its rich aroma, while Robusta is more bitter and often used in instant coffee.
• Caffeine content: A typical cup of drip coffee (about 150 ml) is said to contain around 90 mg of caffeine. It's best not to overdo it.
• The flavor wheel: In the specialty coffee world, a circular chart is used to describe aromas and flavors with words like "fruity," "nutty," and "chocolate."
• Major producers: Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, followed by countries such as Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.

Ideas for Coffee Day

• Buy beans from a region you don't usually drink and compare them.
• Take a sip black and try to put the acidity, bitterness, and aroma into words.
• Put your phone down and take a five-minute break just to enjoy the aroma of your coffee.
• Invite a coworker or friend for coffee and take time for a relaxed chat.

Welcome Autumn With a Cup of Coffee

Coffee Day on October 1 marks the start of the new coffee year. From Yemen's mystics to London's coffeehouses and Meiji-era Tokyo cafés, coffee has always been linked to places where people come together. Today, why not prepare your favorite cup and take some time to enjoy it slowly?