The Japan Coffee Roasting Championship (JCRC) is Japan’s national roasting competition, organized annually by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ). The championship identifies Japan’s top roaster and selects the country’s representative for the World Coffee Roasting Championship.
Japan has one of the world’s most developed specialty coffee cultures, with a tradition of precise, craft-focused roasting that dates back decades. The JCRC reflects that depth. Competition is intense, and Japan consistently produces strong performers at the world stage.
How the Competition Works
The JCRC follows the World Coffee Roasting Championship format established by the World Coffee Events organization. Competitors roast standardized green coffee lots provided to all entrants. Judges evaluate the roasted coffee on aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and consistency. The finalist with the highest cumulative score represents Japan at the WCRC. Finals are typically held in January or February, following the annual SCAJ Coffee Festival in September.
Past Winners
JCRC competitors roast standardized green lots provided by the organizers. The competition coffee is not their own product. The links below go to each champion’s commercial roastery.