Shiru Cafe taking free coffee to the US

Japan’s Shiru Cafe concept is about to launch in the US, on a university campus in Providence.

It is being introduced by Enrission America, a cafe company that specialises in free coffee for university students.

Following the opening on the Brown campus, other branches will be launched at Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University and Amherst College.

Especially for university students, Shiru Cafes are financed primarily through the sponsorship of companies that aim to improve student life. Students and staff members all receive free coffee, tea and juice while being provided with sponsors’ promotional materials. The cafes provide study spaces equipped with electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi internet access.

Sponsorship allows companies to advertise on paper coffee cups, on digital displays in the cafes and on the cafe’s website. Company representatives can also meet and interact with students in the cafes, as well as run recruitment activities.

Enrission America has opened more than 20 Shiru Cafes around the world. “It is an essential part of our vision,” says CEO Yusuke Kakimoto.

Enrission, based in Kyoto, was founded in 2013 and is firmly established in India and Japan with support from 130 companies including Microsoft JP and PWC JP.

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