Coffee didn’t start in Japan, but Japan gave it something unique. A quiet precision. A touch of ritual. A sense of beauty.
In a world of fast brews and to-go cups, Japan’s approach to coffee feels different — slower, calmer, more intentional. It’s a culture that grew alongside tea, not in place of it.
Let’s take a journey from the highlands of Ethiopia to the kissaten (Japanese coffee houses) of Tokyo — and discover how Japan turned a global beverage into a meditative experience.
Legend has it that coffee was discovered by a curious goat.
A young goatherd named Kaldi in Ethiopia noticed his goats dancing energetically after nibbling on red berries. Intrigued, Kaldi tried them himself — and felt the buzz. That moment of discovery led to coffee being brewed for alertness and ritual, especially among Sufi monks in Yemen.
From there, coffee traveled across the Middle East, into Europe, and eventually to Japan. It first arrived in the 1600s via Dutch traders, but didn't gain popularity until the late 19th century.
Interestingly, the story of Kaldi lives on in Japan too — the popular Japanese coffee chain "Kaldi Coffee Farm" is named after this legendary goatherd.
By the 20th century, coffee culture bloomed in Japan’s kissaten — quiet coffee houses where time slowed down. These were spaces of calm, conversation, and craft.
Unlike espresso, which is fast and pressurized, the hand-drip method is slow and deliberate. Each pour is thoughtful. Each cup is unique.
Brands like Hario and Kalita popularized this brewing style globally, but in Japan, it was always more than technique. It was about the experience — much like the traditional tea ceremony (chanoyu).
The parallels are clear:
Japanese tea culture has long valued simplicity, mindfulness, and presentation. And these same values are now seen in Japanese coffee culture.
From the gentle pour of the gooseneck kettle to the use of handmade ceramic cups, the act of brewing becomes a quiet ceremony. The tools, like the tea whisk or the ceramic filter, matter. The setting matters.
In Japan, the cup is part of the story.
Whether it’s Shigaraki ware with its earthy textures or Arita porcelain with its soft white glow, the feel of the cup in your hand is intentional. The warmth of the coffee. The shape of the rim. The slight irregularity of something handmade.
Ceramics turn drinking into savoring.
At ARTLAB TAKUMI, we curate pieces that reflect this spirit — items crafted by Japanese artisans, made to be used, held, and loved.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, tea drinker, or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful moment, we invite you to explore this slower way of living.
Discover our collection of handmade ceramic cups — each one ready for your next quiet pour.
