From September 21 to 27, 2026, bars around the world will celebrate Negroni Week, an annual event dedicated to the classic Italian-born cocktail.
In Japan, the spotlight falls on a collaboration between Campari and authentic barley shochu iichiko SAITEN. Bringing together an Italian cocktail classic with one of Japan’s traditional spirits, the collaboration offers a distinctly Japanese take on the Negroni.
Negroni Week: A Global Celebration with 14,000+ Venues Across 92 Countries
The Negroni is an Italian-born classic cocktail, traditionally combining Campari, gin and sweet vermouth in a 1:1:1 ratio. Though still relatively lesser known in Japan, it has become a global favourite. Over the years, it has also inspired numerous variations, including the Kingston Negroni, which replaces gin with rum, and the Rosita, which uses tequila.
Launched by Campari and Imbibe in 2013, Negroni Week is a global charity initiative that sees bars and restaurants around the world serve Negronis and donate a portion of the proceeds to charitable causes. In 2025, more than 14,000 venues across 92 countries took part, including seven countries participating for the first time, as the event continued to expand its global reach. This year, more than 600 bars across Japan are expected to participate.
When iichiko SAITEN Meets Campari : A New Japanese Negroni
iichiko SAITEN is a 43% ABV barley shochu developed by Sanwa Shurui in collaboration with leading bartenders in the United States, with the global spirits market in mind. It makes the most of the umami derived from koji, a cornerstone of traditional Japanese fermentation, resulting in a bold, full-bodied flavour. First launched internationally in 2019, iichiko SAITEN made its Japanese debut in 2025.
During last year’s Negroni Week, a collaboration between iichiko and Campari gave rise to the KOJI NEGRONI, an entirely new Negroni highlighting the appeal of traditional Japanese koji. This year, the collaboration has evolved further, with ROSSO BLU joining the lineup.
Combining the bitterness of iichiko SAITEN and Campari in a refreshing, easy-drinking long cocktail, ROSSO BLU takes its name from the original book titles of Calmi Cuori Appassionati, the romance novels by Kaori Ekuni and Hitonari Tsuji set between Japan and Italy.
While the KOJI NEGRONI is rich and full-bodied, balancing sweetness and gentle bitterness with the depth of koji, ROSSO BLU retains its vibrant aroma while offering a lighter, more approachable drinking experience.
Left：ROSSO BLU
Right：KOJI NEGRONI
Celebrate Negroni Week 2026 at Over 600 Bars Across Japan
From September 21 to 27, bars across Japan will be joining Negroni Week, serving their takes on the classic cocktail. The KOJI NEGRONI will also be available at select participating venues, with those who order one in with a chance to receive limited-edition Negroni Week merchandise.
Check the official website below to find participating venues. Whether you’re already a fan or have yet to try your first Negroni, it’s a fitting opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated classic cocktails.
Negroni Week Official Website: https://www.camparigroup.com/en/page/campari-japan-english-language
