Coffeehouse Day (Kissaten no Hi)

What Is Coffeehouse Day?

Every year on April 13th is "Coffeehouse Day" (Kissaten no Hi). It marks the day in 1888 when "Kahiichakan," generally considered Japan's first full-fledged coffeehouse, opened in Ueno, Tokyo. This event is commemorated as the starting point of Japan's coffeehouse culture.

Facts About Japan's First Coffeehouse, Kahiichakan

Kahiichakan holds a key place in the history of coffeehouses in Japan.

• Opening date: April 13, 1888
• Location: Ueno, Tokyo
• Founder: Tei Eikei
• Features: Records show it was a Western-style establishment centered on serving coffee.

At the time, coffee was not yet a common drink in Japan, and Kahiichakan also served as a place to introduce this new culture.

The Meaning of the Word "Kissa"

"Kissa" literally means "to drink tea," or more broadly, to enjoy a beverage. Over time, "kissaten" (coffeehouse) came to refer not just to a place to drink coffee, but to a space for spending time while enjoying a drink.

Facts About the Spread of Coffeehouse Culture

Japanese coffeehouses have changed in role and form over the years.

• Taisho to early Showa era: Coffeehouses became gathering places for intellectuals and students, with records showing they were sites of literary and artistic discussion.
• Postwar period: Independently owned coffeehouses sprang up across the country, becoming community gathering spots rooted in local life.
• Diversification of offerings: Many coffeehouses came to offer not just coffee but light meals and sweets as well.

Interesting Facts About Coffeehouses

• The term "jun-kissa": "Jun-kissa" (literally "pure coffeehouse") has historically referred to coffeehouses that don't serve alcohol.
• Emphasis on interior and atmosphere: Records show that many coffeehouses placed great importance on lighting, furniture, and music to create a particular ambiance.
• A place to linger: A defining feature of coffeehouses is that they were used not just for eating and drinking, but as places to "stay" for a while.

Ideas for Spending Coffeehouse Day

• Look into the history of coffeehouses in Japan and learn about Kahiichakan.
• Discover the origins and characteristics of a long-established local coffeehouse.
• Reflect on how coffeehouse culture has been woven into people's daily lives.

A Day to Discover a Culture That Began with a Single Cup

April 13th's Coffeehouse Day is a chance to look back, based on historical fact, at the starting point of Japan's coffeehouse culture. Coffeehouses are such a familiar part of everyday scenery that we rarely think about how they came to be or how they spread -- learning the background behind them is a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation for these everyday spaces.