Why Coffee in Japan Is More Than Just a Drink—It’s a Craft

Coffee in Japan is not just a morning boost—it’s a lifestyle, an art form, and for many, a lifelong pursuit. While Japan is famous for its tea traditions, coffee has quietly taken over urban and rural landscapes alike. From hand-dripped brews in quiet kissaten (traditional cafés) to sleek third-wave coffee shops in Tokyo’s trendiest districts, the country’s love for coffee has reached new heights. But what makes coffee in Japan stand out isn’t just the growing number of cafés—it’s the deep focus on craftsmanship, refinement, and attention to detail.

This blog explores the culture behind coffee in Japan, its rising popularity, the skilled specialists behind every perfect cup, and whether formal education, like senmon gakkō (vocational schools), exists for aspiring coffee professionals.

The Surprising Rise of Coffee in a Tea-Drinking Nation

Japan has long been associated with tea—especially green tea and matcha. But over the past few decades, coffee in Japan has grown rapidly in popularity. Today, you can find vending machines, convenience stores, and train station kiosks selling hot and cold coffee options. According to the All Japan Coffee Association, Japan ranks among the top coffee-consuming countries in the world, importing hundreds of thousands of tons of beans every year.

But the country didn’t fall in love with coffee overnight. Its history with the drink dates back to the 19th century, with cafés slowly popping up in port cities like Yokohama. In the postwar years, kissaten culture took root, offering a space for slow, focused coffee experiences. These retro cafés often featured jazz records, deep armchairs, and a quiet atmosphere that encouraged reflection. Even today, they remain a nostalgic symbol of Japanese coffee culture.

Specialty Coffee and the Rise of the Artisan

One reason why coffee in Japan feels different is the sheer level of precision. Many baristas treat brewing coffee the same way a chef might treat crafting a perfect dish—every step is intentional. The grind size, water temperature, pour rate, and timing are measured with care. Japanese coffee drinkers are known for valuing clean, well-balanced cups, often preferring light to medium roasts that highlight the origin’s natural flavor notes.

The influence of the third-wave coffee movement brought a fresh wave of artisanal coffee shops. Places like Onibus Coffee, Kurasu, and Fuglen in Tokyo or Lilo Coffee Roasters in Osaka have become pilgrimage spots for coffee lovers from around the world. These cafés not only serve beautifully made drinks but also roast their own beans and share knowledge about sourcing and flavor profiles.

What makes coffee in Japan special is not just the café interiors or branding—it’s the level of respect shown toward the process. You’ll often see baristas using pour-over methods like the Hario V60 or Nel drip, with the calm precision of a tea ceremony.

The Role of Coffee Specialists

Behind Japan’s booming coffee culture is a community of highly trained specialists. These are people who take coffee seriously—whether they’re sourcing single-origin beans, mastering roast profiles, or competing in international barista championships. Japanese coffee experts have even gained global recognition, with several making their mark in events like the World Brewers Cup.

For many of these professionals, their journey started with an apprenticeship under a skilled mentor. In Japan, it’s common to study a craft for years before becoming independent. This tradition fits perfectly into the world of coffee. Some specialists spend years perfecting their pour-over technique or developing their roasting style before opening their own café or joining an established brand.

The Japanese approach to craftsmanship, known as shokunin, plays a major role here. It emphasizes not only technical skill but also a sense of purpose and pride in the work. So when someone becomes a coffee specialist in Japan, it’s not just about knowing how to brew—it’s about dedicating themselves to constant improvement and delivering quality to every customer.

Is There a Senmon Gakkō for Coffee?

Given Japan’s focus on education and skills-based learning, it’s natural to wonder if there’s a formal vocational path for coffee lovers. Senmon gakkō, or specialized vocational schools, exist in many fields across Japan—such as culinary arts, design, and hospitality.

While there isn’t a nationally recognized coffee-only senmon gakkō yet, several institutions offer barista training as part of broader hospitality or food and beverage programs. These programs teach basic skills like espresso preparation, latte art, and customer service. In addition, there are private coffee academies and workshops, such as the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ), which provide training and certification in coffee-related fields.

Outside formal schooling, many aspiring coffee professionals gain experience directly through cafés. Apprenticeships remain a trusted way to enter the coffee world in Japan. It’s not uncommon to hear of baristas spending years at a single kissaten before launching their own small coffee shop.

A Daily Ritual, Elevated

While trends come and go, the presence of coffee in Japan continues to grow. From the morning can of Boss Coffee to a slow afternoon brew in a hidden café, coffee plays many roles in Japanese life. It’s both convenient and refined, fast-paced and meditative.

What sets Japan apart is how it elevates the everyday. Drinking coffee isn’t just a quick fix—it’s an opportunity to enjoy the small things. Even convenience stores like Lawson and 7-Eleven now offer surprisingly decent cups, showing how quality has become expected, not optional.

Meanwhile, the number of people pursuing careers in coffee continues to grow, inspired by the country’s deep respect for skill and process. Coffee in Japan has become more than a drink—it’s an evolving culture rooted in dedication, artistry, and quiet passion.

Final Thoughts

Coffee in Japan has transformed from a foreign luxury into a daily necessity and creative craft. With its mix of tradition, modern design, and attention to detail, Japan has carved out its own unique space in global coffee culture. Whether through local kissaten or sleek specialty cafés, the focus remains the same: excellence through craftsmanship.

The growing number of coffee specialists, the influence of global brewing styles, and the gradual development of educational paths suggest that this isn’t a passing trend. As more people discover the beauty of coffee in Japan, the country continues to shape what it means to take coffee seriously—not just for caffeine, but for connection, calm, and creativity.