When I think of Japan, I have a tourist’s romantic view. Visions of kimono-clad ladies, cherry trees in full-bloom, the beautiful and elaborate tea ceremony cloud the reality of modern Japanese life. Apparently, coffee drinking has become quite fashionable there. In fact, Japan is the 3rd largest importer of coffee, just behind the USA and Germany.
The Dutch brought coffee to Japan in the late 1800’s. The Japanese found it appropriate to drink coffee, considering it is a Western drink, when discussing Western topics. But these days, the Japanese prize coffee for itself and for the caffeine boost.
Coffee is available in many ways in Japan; through vending machines, and coffee shops called kissaten. The Japanese brew their coffee strong and they don’t generally offer milk for those who are faint of heart.
Starbucks began their conquest of Japan in 1996 and they set a new standard in coffee quality. More and more Japanese coffee drinkers are demanding higher quality in their coffee and they are willing to pay for it. A cup of coffee at a kissaten can cost as much as $8.00US.
But there are more coffee chains alive and well in Japan other than Starbucks. Doutor Coffee is one of the biggest coffee shop chains and it is Japanese owned. It serves coffee priced well below Starbucks and there is a shop at nearly every train station. As for other chains there are Beck’s, Tully’s and Caffe Veloce all which are there to serve and encourage the Japanese taste for coffee.
But coffee is more than just a taste, it is a performance in some upscale cafe’s. Here is a video of the now popular syphon method which was derived from the old vacuum style of brewing coffee. Enjoy!
The January 2009 edition of the Readers’ Digest has a short piece on the benefits of coffee. It seems that coffee may help to prevent a whole host of diseases including Type 2 diabetes, gallstones and the development of some cancers.
According to some studies, black coffee seems to have more antioxidants than a serving of fruit juice.Underline black coffee. If you put whole milk, whipped cream or sugar in your cuppa joe, you knock out any benefits the coffee may have.
If you are feeling stressed, perhaps you should think about taking a deep breath from your coffee jar. Some sleep-deprived rats were shown to be much calmer after taking just a whiff of roasted coffee beans, according to one study.
Of course, if you drink too much coffee then you are heading into a whole world of trouble. Labelled a ’soft’ drug, coffee needs to be taken in moderation if it’s going to do you any good. More is definitely not better when it comes to coffee.
Most experts recommend not exceeding 2 cups of coffee a day. Anymore than that and you run the risk of becoming de-hydrated or raising your blood pressure.
Coffee apparently contains a substance called cafestol which can raise your cholesterol. Avoid drinking coffee made in a French press. Rather, drink coffee made with a paper filter or try instant coffee.
But do be sure to limit your coffee intake to 2 cups per day and drink ‘em plain!
On Saturday, April 4th over 600 people lined up at the Second Cup coffee shop at Queen and John in Toronto to participate in “Pay It Backward Day”, according to an article in the April 6th edition of MetroNews
This event is the brain child of Darius Basher who is also the founder of Daily Challenge . “Pay It Backward Day” is a chance for coffee-lovin’ Torontonians to support the SickKids Hospital Foundation by lining up for coffee but buying the person behind you his cuppa joe, even if you don’t know them!
The website and foundation, Daily Challenge, encourages people to do some good every day. You can click on and get some ideas about what good things you can do or suggest something good you’ve done.It’s about bringing kindness into your community, one small act at a time.
Now, isn’t that worth buying someone a cuppa coffee?
