FAMIMA CAFÉ, the freshly brewed coffee brand from Japan’s FamilyMart convenience stores, is evolving to a new stage. Starting in June 2025, a nationwide switch to new coffee machines began, and as of November 25, 2025, 7,500 stores across Japan now offer this new coffee experience.
To commemorate this major renewal, November 26th, the anniversary of FAMIMA CAFÉ’s launch, has been officially established as “FAMIMA CAFÉ Day.” This has been formally recognized by the association that certifies anniversaries in Japan.
November 26th is “FAMIMA CAFÉ Day”! The Popular Café Celebrates its 12th Anniversary
In 2025, FAMIMA CAFÉ marks 12 years since its inception. This beloved café has taken a major step forward to become even more delicious and enjoyable, symbolized by the introduction of its new coffee machines.
Through this commemorative day, FamilyMart aims to further invigorate Japan’s convenience store coffee culture.
What Do the New Machines Reveal About Japan’s Coffee Preferences?
A key feature of the new machine is the “Adjustable Grind” function, a first in the convenience store industry. This allows customers to adjust the taste of their “Blended Coffee” by changing the coarseness of the bean grind. Additionally, for the “Café Latte,” the amount of milk can now be selected, enabling the creation of a perfect cup tailored to individual tastes.
Purchase data collected through this new feature has revealed fascinating insights into coffee preferences across different regions of Japan.
“Regular” is Popular for Blended Coffee, But “Rich” Dominates for Larger Sizes
Looking at overall preferences for blended coffee, the “Regular” flavor accounts for over half at about 52%, followed by “Rich” at around 36%.
However, the trend changes when looking at different sizes. While only 31% of customers chose “Rich” for a small S-size cup, that number jumps to 53% for a large L-size cup. This suggests that those who want to drink more coffee also tend to prefer a deeper, richer flavor, highlighting the particular tastes of Japan’s coffee enthusiasts.
By prefecture, the “Rich” coffee preference is particularly strong in regions along the Sea of Japan, such as Niigata, Akita, and Tottori. On the other hand, “Light” seems to be popular in areas of western Japan. This clearly shows how taste preferences can vary by region.
Divided Tastes for Café Latte: More Milk or More Coffee?
Preferences for café lattes showed more diversity than for blended coffee. The most popular choice was “Regular” at about 42%, but it was closely followed by “Milk-Rich” at 32% and “Coffee-Rich” at 25%, indicating a three-way split in preferences. Overall, there was a slight tendency to favor the smooth, milky taste of “Milk-Rich” over the stronger coffee flavor of “Coffee-Rich.”
Regionally, the “Coffee-Rich” latte is popular in major metropolitan areas like Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Kanagawa. In contrast, “Milk-Rich” is especially favored in Okinawa Prefecture, a southern resort destination in Japan. Perhaps busy city dwellers seek the kick of coffee, while people in warmer climates prefer a soothing, mellow taste.
The Secret to Deliciousness: Barista Skill Meets the Latest Technology
This new coffee experience is supported by a number of meticulous features built into the state-of-the-art machines.
Replicating the Hand-Drip Technique of a World No. 1 Barista
The new machine was developed to replicate the hand-drip technique of Tetsu Kasuya, a world-renowned No. 1 barista. The method of pouring hot water and the agitation process were thoroughly researched to uniformly extract the best flavors from the beans. This results in a clean, clear taste free of bitterness, just as if it were brewed by a specialty shop barista.
Touch Panel Introduction Doubles the Menu Size!
The switch from a traditional button-based system to a touchscreen interface is another major evolution. This has allowed the number of available menu items to increase dramatically from 16 to 34. Customers can now enjoy a wider variety of drinks to suit their mood.
Furthermore, the move to touch panels reduces paper-based promotional materials around the machine, contributing to environmental conservation. It also lessens the workload for store staff who previously had to change posters, making it a smart initiative that addresses the labor shortage challenges facing Japanese society.
Supporting Ethiopia with the Mocha Blend
Through the sale of its “Mocha Blend” and “Iced Mocha Blend,” FamilyMart is also engaged in social contribution activities to support the educational environment for children in Ethiopia.
From October 14 to December 15, 2025, one yen from each cup of the eligible Mocha Blend sold will be donated to help build a better future for these children. This initiative is being carried out at stores nationwide in Japan, excluding Okinawa. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious coffee while participating in international cooperation.
Get Even Better Deals with the “FamiPay” App!
Using FamilyMart’s official app, “FamiPay,” you can enjoy FAMIMA CAFÉ at an even better value. The app sells special coupon booklets that let you enjoy 11 cups of coffee for the price of 10. It’s a can’t-miss service for anyone who regularly drinks FamilyMart coffee.
Convenience stores in Japan are more than just convenient; they are places that offer ever-evolving quality and enjoyment. When you visit Japan, be sure to stop by a FamilyMart and find the perfect cup of coffee that’s just right for you.
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