We have created novelty goods that give form to the philosophy of Eikei University of Hiroshima through the use of carefully selected materials and designs.

The goods express our commitment to a sustainable society, collaboration with the local community, and the learning of our students.

It all started with a coffee sales event on campus

In August 2023, an original coffee novelty was created at the first floor Community Commons, as a result of a coffee sales event by LOVEART, a disability supporting business (Minami-ku, Hiroshima City).
At the event, "FUNFUNFUN! Blend," a sweet coffee with the taste of caramel and milk chocolate and cookies, etc., which won first place in Japan in the Challenge Coffee Barista 2022, were sold to great success among students and faculty. The original illustration stickers sold together with the coffee were designed by a person with disabilities working at LOVEART, a disability supporting business, and their unique and attractive designs were popular among the students.

This event triggered us to start a project to make original coffee as a novelty for Eikei University of Hiroshima.

Pursuit of rich flavors that express Eikei University of Hiroshima

In order to express the philosophy and vision of Eikei University of Hiroshima through coffee beans, we collaborated with Omasu Coffee (Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima City) to create two special blend prototypes using beans from three continents: Asia, Africa, and America.

Organizing tastings

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, a tasting event attended by students, faculty, and staff was held at Eikei Top on the 15th floor of the University. At this tasting, Omasu Coffee introduced the unique story and taste of each blend with English interpretation due to the multinational nature of the participants. Participants enjoyed the tasting, comparing the aroma of the two blends of beans and powder, and the taste of the hot and cold blends, while sharing their impressions. After about an hour of tasting, the final original blend was decided based on feedback from the participants.

Comments from participating students and faculty

• I participated because I thought it was an interesting initiative to express the EUH's character through coffee. I thought it was a wonderful event that created communication among the participants. (Staff member)
• I participated in this event because I sympathize with the activities of Omasu Coffee and LOVEART. It was a very good event. (Faculty)
• I participated in this event because I like coffee and drink it often. It was my first time to participate in such an event and I enjoyed it. I learned a lot of things I didn't know about coffee bean production. I thought it was good that there were interpreters. (Student)
• I participated in this event because I thought it was a rare opportunity to participate in a novelty production, and it was a valuable chance for me. The event had a good atmosphere from start to finish. (Staff member)
• It was interesting to be able to drink while sharing a taste with someone. I also gained a deeper understanding of the values of Eikei University of Hiroshima. (Student)
• I participated in the event because I thought that I could be involved in creating the history of the university by participating in the brand building of Eikei University of Hiroshima. I liked that I could do it while conversing with people around me in a rough and fun atmosphere. It was a time that made me want to think more about various things with students and faculty members. (Student)

The final coffee was a blend of beans from Myanmar (Asian continent), Colombia (American continent), and Kenya (African continent).

Omasu Coffee, who was asked to produce the coffee, commented, "I immediately thought of a base for the blend that would fit the academic culture of Eikei University of Hiroshima. As a EUH with many international students, we blended beans from different regions of the world to express "diversity and cultural fusion. In addition, the Myanmar beans we used this time were grown on a farm owned by an organization that was set up to secure employment for local residents and provide a place for women to play an active role in the community, which fit perfectly with the "challenge" image of Eikei University of Hiroshima. Furthermore, for those who don't like coffee, we wanted to create a coffee that is easy to drink for everyone and gives a sense of happiness afterwards," he said.

Deciding factor for the blend decided on - feedback from participants

• It is edgy and its strong assertion fits with EUH's vision of "Fostering change leaders and creating social value."
• The flavor keeps changing, and the individuality of the product is very characteristic of EUH.
• It tastes fresh and matches the image of EUH.
• It has a gentle taste and is easy to drink even for those who do not like coffee. I like the overall balance of the coffee.
• I felt the taste was deeper after it cooled down. I feel that it represents Eikei Friends, who are good communicators.

Package Illustration Design

The illustration design for the package was created by LOVEART, a disability supporting business, to convey the image of the EUH building, which is the face of the university, and the "Practical Skills" to change society and the "Global Mindset" to survive in society, which are also features of the university, and to illustrate the students. The illustration was completed through many trials and errors in color and image.

Finally completed!「 EIKEI ORIGINAL BLEND」

EUH's new novelty items symbolize our commitment to sustainability and cooperation with the community.

These items were distributed at the spring open campus held on Saturday, March 23, 2024. We hope that they will provide a means for high school students considering applying to our university to experience EUH's environmental awareness and quality of learning, and will encourage them to think positively about studying at Eikei University of Hiroshima.