Japanese Coffee Stories - Blog about Japanese Coffee

Japanese Coffee Brands

Japanese coffee brands are some of the most renowned in the world of coffee, particularly those associated with specialty coffee and kissaten (retro café) culture. However, Japanese brands are not the only coffee companies with strong ties to Japan. Fun trivia: Blue Bottle Coffee drew a lot of inspiration from Japanese coffee culture.

Explore the Jimoto Frappuccino at Starbucks Japan, delve into the origin stories of renowned Japanese coffee brands like UCC, Kalita, Sapporo Coffee Kan, and Hoshino, or uncover the details of how UK coffee giant COSTA entered the Tokyo café battleground with their first store. Whether you're intrigued by the coffee industry, the café scene in Japan, Japanese coffee companies, or the narratives of foreign coffee brands in Japan, this is your go-to place for all things coffee-related!

The Latest Japanese Coffee Trends

Innovation. That’s the first word that comes to mind when talking about Japan and the way they approach business practices. But it goes beyond that. The Japanese have a way...

Doutor Coffee - Everything You Need to Know

Discover the history and unique offerings of Doutor Coffee, one of Japan's most popular coffee chains. Satisfy your curiosity and explore the world of Japanese coffee culture.

Behold: Balmuda's "The Brew" - Tokyo-based design powerhouse brings their coffee maker to the USA

The birth and growth of Balmuda Balmuda's Timeline Why Balmuda is a "Design and creativity powerhouse" rather than an appliance maker Design awards received by BALMUDA The genius behind the...

How Blue Bottle was Inspired by Japanese Coffee Culture

In the past decade, Blue Bottle Coffee has taken the world by storm. The coffee chain is  opening coffee shops in many locations all over the world and it looks like...

Kalita - Everything You Need to Know

Kalita - A world-leading Japanese Coffee Company Who is Kalita? The Most Popular Kalita Products The Success of the Kalita Wave How the Kalita Wave works Let’s brew with the...

Coffee from Okinawa, dream of Naohiro Takahara, Soccer Legend

It is not every day that professional soccer and specialty coffee appear together in headlines or TV channels. Still, one man in Japan, Naohiro Takahara, has accomplished this impossible feat,...

The 10 Coffee Shops In Japan

The 10 Coffee Shops In Japan Coffee Lovers Must Try If you are a coffee lover who loves to travel, you might be used to carry your own coffee pods...

Major Japanese Coffee Manufacturers In 2023 and Their Best Sellers

Earlier, I published an article about the major Japanese tea manufacturers and their best sellers on the Japanese Green Tea Co. Blog. The article became very popular, so it was...

Japan Siphonist Championship – Everything You Need to Know

Introduction Across the centuries, dozens of different ways have been created, by ingenious coffee lovers, to make their favourite drink better. From Turkish coffee, all the way to today’s Espresso...

Hidenori Izaki – First Japanese World Barista Champion

Introduction No matter where you are from, what your profession is and how old you may be, if you love coffee this is the Championship you absolutely MUST watch at...

Saza Coffee - Everything You Need to Know

The coffee industry is experiencing one of its most fruitful eras today. The number of corporations offering their audience with a wide variety of high-quality products has never been larger!...

About Sapporo Coffee Kan - The Roaster

"Hokkaido" – Japan's northernmost prefecture known for its abundance of nature, beautiful water bodies, fresh air, mountain ranges, and active volcanoes. Throughout the year, the humidity is low and the...

Hoshino Coffee vs. Sapporo Coffee Kan

Experience the best of Japanese coffee culture as we compare two of the most popular coffee chains - Hoshino Coffee and Sapporo Coffee Kan. Discover their unique brewing techniques and...

Key Coffee vs. Sapporo Coffee Kan

Japan is known to boast a strong coffee culture. Of course, coffee in itself represents Western influence in the country, but it has also already entrenched itself in Japanese society...

Key Coffee - Everything You Need to Know

When you talk about coffee from Japan, you can't help but mention Key Coffee. It has been around since 1920 and is regarded as one of the country's oldest and...

Blue Bottle coffee vs. Sapporo Coffee Kan

Discover the differences between Blue Bottle Coffee and Sapporo Coffee Kan, and find out which one is right for you on your next trip to Japan.

Kalita’s ‘Made in Japan’ series

Kalita’s ‘Made in Japan’ series: Products that celebrate the local craftsmanship from all over Japan One of the most commendable business practices a company can follow is to uphold the...

Hario Vs. Kalita

Hario and Kalita are two of the biggest names in the specialty coffee industry today. They are both Japanese companies making products related to specialty coffee brewing, such as pour-over...

Starbucks Vs. Sapporo Coffee Kan

Today, we are going to take a look at two coffee companies that are both very dear to my heart: Starbucks and Sapporo Coffee Kan. Looking at the title, 'Starbucks...

The First Sign Language Starbucks Café in Japan

At the heart of Starbucks are people. Yes, some of our readers might be raising an eyebrow, questioning, “Wait, but Starbucks is all about coffee, right?” While Starbucks indeed is...

UCC’s Charcoal Roasted Coffee

UCC’s Charcoal Roasted Coffee – The perfect blend of heritage, exceptional flavor, and a unique roasting technique  UCC – What makes this company a core contributor to Japan’s coffee scene?...

Why I Write about Starbucks Japan

Some people asked me why I am writing about Starbucks. I understand that some people disregard Starbucks as high-end coffee.  I will be honest with you; I like Starbucks. I...

Top 10 JIMOTO Frappuccino you should try (expired)

Jimoto Frappuccino mentioned in this article is no longer served in Starbucks Japan as of Aug 3 2021. In our last article about the Starbucks Japan regional landmark stores, we...

What is Starbucks Japan Regional Landmark Stores

Starbucks Japan Regional Landmark Stores – experience the local architecture, design, and community spirit The three most popular Regional Landmark Starbucks Store in Japan Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya Store Kagoshima...

HARIO V60 – Everything You Need to Know

HARIO V60 – How Hario V60 became the icon of specialty pour over coffee Hario: The Japanese Glassware Company that brought the V60 to the world The V60 journey -...

5 Japanese Coffee Shops Coffee Lovers Should Try In Japan

Sabouru (さぼうる) Ihatoubo (いーはとーぼ) Pronto Café Après-Midi (カフェ・アプレミディ) Café Les Jeux Au Grenier (カフェ レ ジュ グルニエ) We can all agree that a lot is known about the Japanese tea...

Hario Grinders - Everything You Need to Know

Hario Grinders A beginner’s guide to choose the right Hario grinder (Comparison of features and Grind adjustment settings) Why a grinder in the first place? – The importance of having...