Japan Aotearoa Roasting Challenge 2026

Two Countries. One Green Bean. Whose Roast Wins?

The Japan Aotearoa Roasting Challenge (JARC) is bringing Japan and New Zealand's specialty coffee communities together in one bold, hands-on competition — and we want you on the roaster.

Every competitor works from the exact same high-grade green coffee lot. No shortcuts, no secret sourcing advantages — just your skill, your palate, and your roasting philosophy going head-to-head with roasters from across both countries. It's the ultimate test of craft: same bean, same rules, wildly different cups.

What you'll be roasting for:

Choose your division:

• Kaffelogic Division — roast on the Kaffelogic
• Open Division — Roast on your own roaster

Every entry is scored by an expert judging panel across a rigorous 100-point system covering sensory quality, cup uniformity, and roast execution — with top finalists from both divisions competing for the overall JARC title.

Why compete:

• Get your name and your roasting in front of a coffee community outside your home country — international exposure that's hard to build on your own
• Grow your personal brand by connecting with roasters, café owners, and coffee professionals across Japan and Aotearoa
• Be part of a competition built to deepen cultural exchange between two coffee-loving nations, not just crown a winner
• Help grow something bigger than one event — JARC exists to support the long-term development of the specialty coffee community in both countries, and every competitor is part of that

Roast the challenge coffee.
Bring out its potential.
Let the cup speak for itself.

Spots are limited. Grab your ticket now and show us what your roast can do.

Important Notice / 注意事項

【Entry Fee Payment / エントリー料のお支払い】

The payment details for the competition entry fee are currently being finalised. Further information will be provided once confirmed.

競技エントリー料の振込先については現在調整中です。詳細が確定次第、改めてご案内いたします。

【NZ Round Eligibility / ニュージーランドラウンドの参加資格】

To enter the New Zealand Round, competitors must be residing in New Zealand at the time of registration.

This means that Japanese citizens who are living in New Zealand at the time of registration are eligible to enter the New Zealand Round.

ニュージーランドラウンドへのエントリーには、エントリー時点でニュージーランドに居住していることが参加資格として必要です。

そのため、エントリー時点でニュージーランドに在住している日本国籍の方も、ニュージーランドラウンドへのエントリーが可能です。

【Japan Round Eligibility / 日本ラウンドの参加資格】

The same rule applies in reverse. To enter the Japan Round, competitors must be residing in Japan at the time of registration.

日本ラウンドについては上記と逆のルールが適用されます。日本ラウンドへのエントリーには、エントリー時点で日本に居住していることが参加資格として必要です。