Our Story
It all started back in 2021.
As coffee lovers living in the U.S., we constantly searched for that perfect cup that resonated with our tastes and backgrounds.
I was born and raised in Japan, and my partner spent his childhood in the U.S.
Though our roots were different, we shared a deep love for Japan and its culture.
One day at a popular American café, we found ourselves asking:
Why is Sumiyaki Coffee—so loved in Japan—nowhere to be found here?
Sumiyaki Coffee, a traditional Japanese charcoal-roasted coffee, is cherished in Japan for its bold, rich aroma and deep, complex flavor.
It’s a brew of craftsmanship and care, often found in nostalgic kissaten (喫茶店)—the classic coffee houses that define Japan’s café culture.
For me, it’s a familiar and comforting flavor. For others tasting it for the first time, it’s something strikingly new and unforgettable.
That moment sparked our journey.
Growing up in Japan, I often visited jazz kissa with my father, a jazz guitarist.
These cozy, dimly lit cafés—filled with the crackle of old vinyl and the smell of freshly brewed Sumiyaki coffee—were where I first felt the deep connection between sound and taste.
The smoky depth of the coffee and the rich tones of Jazz have always felt like a perfect match.
That experience stayed with me and continues to shape my sense of what a great coffee moment should be.
We are proud to be the first company to introduce authentic Japanese Sumiyaki Coffee outside of Japan.
With a desire to share not only Sumiyaki Coffee but also the cultural experience behind it—including the spirit of jazz kissa—we founded Japanese Coffee Co., with SUMIYAKI COFFEE as one of its core brands.
Through coffee, music, and atmosphere, we hope to share the taste and aesthetic sensibility of Japan with the world.
