Espresso Day (Esupuresso no Hi)

What Is Espresso Day?

Every year on April 16th is "Espresso Day" in Japan. It was established by De'Longhi Japan, a maker of coffee machines and espresso makers, to promote espresso as part of Italy's rich café culture, and it is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The term "espresso" is said to have begun when the Bezzera company used the name "Caffè Espresso" at the Milan International Exposition, which opened in April 1906, The date comes from April 16 being the day "Italian Espresso Day," established by the International Institute of Coffee Tasters in Italy, was first held in Japan.

The History of Espresso

Espresso grew out of efforts to brew coffee quickly and to order.

• Debut at the Milan Expo: At the 1906 Milan Expo, a machine that used steam pressure to brew coffee quickly was introduced. The machines were improved over the following decades, leading to today's espresso brewed at higher pressure.
• What the name means: In Italian, "espresso" is also the word for an "express" train, One theory says the name reflects how quickly the coffee is brewed; another says it comes from the idea of a cup made "expressly" to order.
• Everyday Italy: In Italy, ordering "un caffè" normally gets you an espresso, and drinking it quickly while standing at the counter (al banco) is a familiar part of Italian bar culture.

Crema and Pressure

• What is "crema"?: The golden foam on top, called "crema," forms from the coffee's oils and carbon dioxide during pressurized extraction, and is said to affect aroma and mouthfeel.
• About 9 bars, 20–30 seconds: A typical espresso is made by forcing water through finely ground, dark-roasted coffee at about 9 bars of pressure for 20–30 seconds, giving it its rich body and strong aroma.

Interesting Facts About Espresso

• Caffeine: Despite its intensity, a single shot is small, so it often contains less caffeine than a cup of drip coffee (depending on the beans and method).
• Sugar, Italian-style: Many Italians add sugar to espresso, and some enjoy the sweet, coffee-flavored sugar left at the bottom of the cup.
• "Demitasse": Espresso cups are also called demitasse, from the French for "half" (demi) and "cup" (tasse).
• The "4 Ms": In Italy, a good espresso is said to depend on "Macinazione" (grind), "Miscela" (blend), "Macchina" (machine), and "Mano" (the barista's hand).
• A method, not a bean: Espresso refers to a brewing method, so there are even "espresso tea" products brewed the same way.
• The Americano: One theory holds that the caffè Americano began when American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II diluted espresso with hot water.

Tips for Enjoying Espresso Day

• Visit a café with an espresso machine and enjoy a freshly pulled shot
• Try it Italian-style with sugar and see how the bitterness and sweetness balance
• Take a five-minute break during a busy workday with a small cup
• Compare espresso-based drinks like caffè latte, cappuccino, and affogato

A Day to Savor Italian Café Culture in a Small Cup

April 16th is a day to enjoy the craft and Italian café culture packed into a small cup. True to its "express" name, espresso is perfect for a short break on a busy day — why not take a moment with one today?