The Japan Coffee Market
Japan is one of the world's most sophisticated and commercially significant coffee markets. The country has been importing and consuming high-quality coffee for decades, developing a culture of precision and connoisseurship that has shaped the global specialty coffee movement. Japanese buyers were among the first to pay premium prices for traceable, single-origin lots, and Japan's influence on global standards for quality and presentation remains strong.
The market encompasses everything from canned coffee to meticulously prepared pour-overs at world-class specialty cafés, with a robust middle market for quality espresso and filter coffee. For international suppliers, Japan offers access to buyers who understand and value quality — and who have the purchasing power to act on it.
The Market Opportunity
Japan imports coffee from across the producing world, with strong demand for specialty and single-origin lots as well as equipment, accessories and packaging. The country's established network of importers and roasters provides well-defined routes to market. Trade events serve as the most efficient point of entry for companies without existing Japanese distribution — relationships built at SCAJ have a track record of converting into durable, long-term supply partnerships.
The Event: SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition
SCAJ is Asia's premier specialty coffee trade event, organised annually by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan since 2003. Now in its 21st edition, it is held at Tokyo Big Sight — Japan's largest exhibition centre — and draws professionals from across the producing and consuming world.
The 2026 edition takes place on 14–17 October 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight South Halls 1–4. The event is expected to welcome around 95,000 visitors from 80 countries, with 500 companies exhibiting across 750 booths covering 20,000 square metres. More than 80% of participants consistently rate it as satisfying — a high benchmark for a trade event of this scale.
Exhibitors choose between two distinct areas depending on their objectives. South Halls 1–2 run Wednesday to Friday and are dedicated to B2B networking and professional business negotiations — targeting green bean importers, roasters and equipment manufacturers seeking high-level partnerships with café owners, hotels and distributors. South Halls 3–4 run Wednesday to Saturday and offer broader reach covering both trade and consumer audiences, suited to brands seeking visibility alongside business development.
The event also hosts world championship qualifiers, industry seminars and cupping sessions, attracting extensive media coverage that extends brand visibility well beyond the exhibition floor itself.
A Note on Timing
The standard application deadline for SCAJ 2026 has now passed. However, late participation options may still be available — and for companies looking ahead, early registration for SCAJ 2027 offers priority booth selection and additional exhibitor benefits. Contact us to discuss current options and to be notified first when the next edition opens for applications.
