I think the biggest turning point was encountering Melbourne’s unique coffee culture while living in Australia. At the time, I was on a leave of absence from graduate school, feeling uncertain about my future, and I happened to choose Melbourne simply because I had always admired the idea of living abroad. The days I spent there didn’t just introduce me to coffee — they fundamentally changed many of my values.
It was the first time in my life that I truly found coffee delicious. I was deeply inspired by the baristas working there, and even more than that, I was captivated by the atmosphere created through the connections between people who gathered around coffee. I felt that coffee held almost limitless possibilities. Perhaps everything felt even more magical because it was my first time living overseas. That experience ultimately became the biggest reason I chose coffee as my life’s work.
I think I first became vaguely aware of wanting to be independent when I realized that I wanted to roast coffee myself and personally serve it to customers. I truly made the decision to open my own shop when I could clearly imagine myself working in my own space.
Why did you choose that location in Kobe for your coffee shop?
There are several reasons, but above all, I was strongly drawn to the area of Suma. One of Kobe’s defining characteristics is its setting between the sea and the mountains, surrounded by rich natural scenery. I also felt that the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere of the people who live in Suma suited me very well.
We welcome a wide range of customers: from elementary school children to people over 80 years old, men and women of all ages who live nearby. Seeing people stop by before or after work or school, or in between household chores, and watching them relax even just a little away from their everyday routines makes me incredibly happy. Moments when customers connect with one another through me or through coffee inside the shop are the best part for me.
Why did you choose to use ÅOOMI ceramics in your shop, and do you enjoy using them?
I instantly fell in love with their design, which has the warmth of a traditional teacup and expresses a kind of “Japanese-ness that doesn’t exist in Japan.”
Not only the design, but also the texture and weight make them ideal vessels that enhance the coffee-drinking experience. I personally use them in competitions as well. The ability to choose different shapes to suit different coffees, along with their durability and resistance to breaking, is truly wonderful.
I would be happy if they leave with some kind of positive feeling or experience compared to when they arrived. If that feeling is connected to coffee, that would make me even happier.
What is currently your favourite type of coffee to drink?
This might be the most difficult question! The coffee I find most delicious is one made from beans roasted by someone else, brewed by someone else: especially when it’s prepared just for me.
Select for yourself:
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MIST MUG A 250 ML
85.00 PLNUnit price per -
YOKO MUG B 125 ML
75.00 PLNUnit price per -
IRIS MUG A 250 ML
85.00 PLNUnit price per -
KOBE MUG A03 200 ML
75.00 PLNUnit price per -
SALT MUG A 250 ML
85.00 PLNUnit price per
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