If evaluation through the Japan Cider Awards (JCA) represents the “present,” Cider Journey connects to the “future.”

Developed by the Japan Cider Master Association, Cider Journey is an official documentation initiative that explores in depth the philosophy, regional context, and craftsmanship behind cider production.

Rather than focusing solely on the product itself, the project articulates the producer’s philosophy, sense of place, historical background, and narrative, preserving them as part of Japan’s evolving cider culture.

Participation in JCA provides a structured pathway that integrates both quality evaluation and narrative documentation.

Through the accumulation of evaluation and record, the trajectory and craftsmanship of each producer are documented as part of an official cultural archive, strengthening long-term brand credibility and value.

(1) Purpose
Cider Journey is built upon three principal objectives:

1. Visualization of Producer Philosophy and Background
   To articulate philosophies and regional narratives that cannot be conveyed solely through production methods or tasting profiles.
2. Deepening Consumer Understanding and Engagement
   To communicate multidimensional value through storytelling and foster sustained support.
3. Formation of a Sustainable Cultural Foundation
   To contribute to long-term brand development beyond short-term promotion.

(2) Content Features
For producers based in Japan:

• On-site interviews and reporting
• Original long-form article (approximately 6,000–10,000 Japanese characters)
• Photography of production facilities, orchards, landscapes, and people
• Ongoing dissemination through the Association’s official website and social media channels

For producers located outside Japan:

• Online interview (the applicant must arrange interpretation if required)
• Submission of high-resolution image data (production facilities, orchards, landscapes, personnel, etc.)
• Original long-form article of equivalent length and editorial standards
• Ongoing dissemination through the Association’s official website and social media channels

In both cases, narrative emphasis is placed on terroir, philosophy, personal history, craftsmanship, and cultural context.

Past features:

• St. Cousair Winery
• Ringo School Cidery
  

(3) Scope of Documentation
Eligibility is not limited by role. Importers, contract producers, planners, distributors, and other stakeholders may apply.

The project records accumulated decisions, practices, and engagement with cider as factual documentation. It is not designed for praise or promotional endorsement.

(4) Long-Term Vision
Cider Journey is not merely an article series. It serves as a cultural archive documenting the trajectory of cider practices in Japan and beyond, preserving them for future generations.

By engaging with the background and decision-making processes behind each initiative, readers gain a deeper, multidimensional understanding of cider.

The ultimate objective is to establish a referenceable cultural foundation for the future.

(5) Linkage with JCA
Participation in JCA provides the only official framework that integrates:

• Objective quality evaluation
• Structured narrative documentation

The intersection of these two dimensions fosters multidimensional brand understanding and long-term trust.

(6) Publication Categories & Fees (Optional / Paid)
This initiative is conducted as an official documentation and cultural archiving project, not as advertising placement.

Fees include planning, interviews, photography (where applicable), editing, publication management, distribution management, and archival administration.

① JCA-Linked Plan (Recommended)
For producers entering JCA:

Non-member: JPY 110,000 (tax included) + JCA entry fee
Public access: Public in first year → Members-only archive from second year

Member (less than 3 years): JPY 66,000 (tax included) + JCA entry fee
Public access: Permanently public

Member (3+ years): JPY 44,000 (tax included) + JCA entry fee
Public access: Permanently public

② Standalone Publication Plan
For producers not entering JCA (subject to Association approval):
Even if an applicant does not enter the Japan Cider Awards (JCA), related businesses that contribute to the development of cider culture — such as suppliers of brewing equipment, raw materials, yeast, and production resources, as well as specialty restaurants and distribution partners — may be eligible for standalone publication, subject to review and approval by the Association in accordance with the objectives of the project.

Non-member: JPY 143,000 (tax included)
Public access: Public in first year → Members-only archive from second year

Member (less than 3 years): JPY 88,000 (tax included)
Public access: Permanently public

Member (3+ years): JPY 55,000 (tax included)
Public access: Permanently public