The Enigmatic Criollo Cocoa: Japan's Exclusive Presentation of Rare 99.8% DNA Pure Variety

In a remarkable event taking place on September 26, 2025, Japan will host its first-ever unveiling of the elusive Criollo cocoa, bearing an astonishing DNA purity level of 99.8%. This remarkable cocoa originates from the village of Chuao in Venezuela, a place renowned for producing some of the world’s finest cacao. The event will not only highlight this rare cocoa but will also feature a cultural exchange involving seven children from Chuao who will visit Japan for the first time.

Event Highlights

The excitement around this event is palpable, particularly in Japan's chocolate industry, valued at approximately 630 billion yen. The Tokyo Chocolate Salon 2025 will take place on September 27 and 28 at Shibuya Hikarie Hall B. Visitors can look forward to a plethora of activities, including live performances of traditional music by the Chuao children, showcasing the rich cultural heritage tied to cacao farming.

With over 42 brands participating, attendees will have the chance to sample unique offerings not found elsewhere in the country. The event will feature exclusive products, interactive eating experiences, and specialty items related to cocoa. Notable industry figures, including chef Tetsuo Ohta and chocolate journalist Ayumi Ikawa, will conduct seminars discussing various aspects of the chocolate industry, especially focusing on the preservation of rare cacao strains.

A Deep Dive into Cacao’s Cultural Significance

A highlight of this event is its dedication to the cultural and historical significance of cocoa. In ancient Mesoamerica, cacao beans served as currency, a tradition that will be brought to life through an interactive exchange program at the salon. Attendees can collect cacao beans on-site and trade them for exciting prizes, reinforcing cocoa’s traditional value beyond its culinary uses.

Participants will receive three cacao beans upon entry, further enriching their experience as they collect more throughout the event by engaging with various booths and activities. This unique approach not only ignites interest in cacao’s economic history but also bridges connections between producers and consumers, fostering a greater understanding of cocoa's multifaceted nature.

Witnessing the Magic of Criollo Cocoa

Another exciting feature of the Tokyo Chocolate Salon will be the live demonstration of the Criollo cocoa, cultivated in the hilly regions of Cebu, Philippines. This cocoa variety is characterized by its rich genetic makeup and exceptional flavor profile, largely due to its near-extinct status, with less than 1% of the world's cocoa production represented in the Criollo classification. Tachibana Trading Co. has spearheaded this initiative, emphasizing the significance of preserving such rare varieties and introducing them to new markets.

Their trader, Wataru Ikuta, expressed, “We consider the success of securing 99.8% pure Criollo cocoa to be a historical moment for the Japanese cocoa industry. This breakthrough may serve as a model for preserving endangered cocoa strains.”

Chuao Children’s Cultural Exchange

The visit by the children from Chuao is equally significant. Selected through a local audition process, these children will perform traditional music, offering attendees a glimpse into the rich cultural bonds tied to the cocoa they represent. As these children embrace their first international experiences, a spokesperson from the Chuao community stated, “It is a great honor for our music and cocoa to reach Japan. This exchange is meant to serve as a cultural bridge.”

Experiencing the Depth and Scope of Cacao

The Tokyo Chocolate Salon emphasizes not just the enjoyment of chocolate but also the broader cultural and historical contexts of cacao. From interactive booths designed to deepen understanding of cacao fermentation and drying processes, to displaying cacao trees, this event promises a comprehensive sensory experience.

Moreover, attendees can participate in workshops where they learn about cacao cultivation, processing and the future of chocolate. With each passing year, the event aims to bring chocolate out of the seasonal sales cycle and into a more consistent place within the hearts of consumers.

In conclusion, the Tokyo Chocolate Salon 2025 is not merely an exhibition; it represents a cultural celebration and a commitment to cacao preservation, fostering connections across borders and generations. This year's edition promises to further solidify the ties between producers like those from Chuao and the vast audience of passionate chocolate lovers in Japan.

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit the official website: Tokyo Chocolate Salon.