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Japanese Coffee Culture: The Difference Between Coffee Shops and Cafes
Japan has a uniquely developed coffee culture. At its heart are two similar but distinct spaces: "kissens" and "cafes." While both are places to enjoy coffee, there are significant differences in the time spent there, the atmosphere, clientele, and the services offered. In this article, we will carefully unravel the differences between Japanese coffee shops and cafes, and explore the appeal of each.
Coffee is not just a drink, but a cultural entity that is closely connected to people's lives and sensibilities.
The origins and characteristics of coffee shops
A space that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era
Coffee shops have a long history in Japan, and many have existed since the early Showa period, mainly in urban areas. They are characterized by their quiet and relaxing atmosphere , with wooden tables and chairs, stained glass lighting, and classical music playing. In this atmosphere, you can still see regular customers reading the newspaper or chatting with the owner.
In these places, time seems to slow down and precious moments of self-reflection are created. For many people, coffee shops have become a kind of spiritual refuge.
Carefully brewed drip coffee and light snacks
At coffee shops, the focus is on carefully hand-brewed coffee. From the selection of beans to the brewing time, each cup is a testament to the artisan's skill, resulting in a deep flavor and aroma that you won't find in convenience store coffee. Traditional snacks such as "Neapolitan," "pizza toast," and "hotcakes" are also popular.
The taste of these dishes evokes a sense of nostalgia, and they remain fondly in the hearts of many people. Cafes exist as places of warm memories, where food, conversation, and the atmosphere are woven together.
The emergence of the modern space known as the café
A source of youth culture and lifestyle
The word "cafe" became widespread after the 1990s. In particular, in the 2000s, Seattle-based coffee chains and stylish spaces designed to look great on Instagram began to appear one after another in urban areas. Cafes are no longer just restaurants, but function as places to express one's lifestyle .
By paying particular attention to the interior design, background music, and even the menu, cafes have evolved into places where visitors can spend time in a way that suits them. As places that strongly reflect the values and tastes of modern people, cafes are also a source of cultural expression.
A wide variety of drinks and sweets
The cafe offers a diverse menu, including espresso-based lattes and Frappuccinos, as well as seasonal drinks. Another unique feature of the cafe is its visually appealing desserts , including cheesecake, macarons, and vegan sweets.
The beautiful appearance is also well-suited for social media, and you can enjoy both taste and sight. You can also enjoy choosing a drink to suit your mood or the weather, and the charm of the cafe is that it shows a different atmosphere every time.
What is the difference between a coffee shop and a cafe?
The flow of time and purpose
Coffee shops have an atmosphere where you can stay for a long time without feeling uncomfortable, making them a great place to read or think. On the other hand, cafes are appealing because they can be used for multiple purposes, such as chatting with friends or spreading out your laptop and working.
The two have different ideas about how to use time, and the experiences they offer are clearly different. Quietly reflecting on yourself or spending time with someone. The richness of Japanese coffee culture lies in the choice you have.
Differences in customer service style and customer demographics
At coffee shops, relationships of trust are built with regular customers, and interacting with the bartender or owner is one of the pleasures. Cafes tend to have self-service and efficient customer service, and are characterized by a more flat relationship. In terms of customer base, coffee shops tend to have a large number of middle-aged and elderly people, while cafes attract a diverse range of people, including young people, business people, and tourists.
This difference is reflected in the design of the space and the type of service, with coffee shops being positioned as a "regular customer culture" and cafes being positioned as "open spaces."
The peace of mind that coffee brings
The healing effects of scent and time
The aroma of coffee is said to have a relaxing effect. The time it takes to brew a cup of coffee and the moment you enjoy the aroma create a space in your mind from your busy daily life. Whether in the quiet space of a coffee shop or the bustling atmosphere of a cafe, coffee brings a little happiness to people.
This brief but precious moment can help you regain emotional balance and provide you with a precious moment of self-reflection.
A presence that fosters connections with people
Coffee also has the mysterious power to bring people closer together. Even when meeting someone for the first time, a conversation naturally begins with the topic, "What kind of coffee do you like?", and a relationship develops from there. Coffee also plays a role as a conversation starter .
Talking over a cup in hand eases tension and naturally opens up to each other. It is in these moments that the true charm of coffee is revealed.
summary
Japan's coffee culture is richly spread in two forms: coffee shops and cafes. Both are close to the hearts of coffee lovers and have become ingrained as a part of life. The tranquility and nostalgia of coffee shops, the freedom and innovation of cafes. Each has its own unique charm, and it's hard to choose between them. We encourage you to enjoy coffee time in a variety of styles depending on your mood and purpose. Coffee is an important presence that adds small joys to your daily life.
A cup of coffee is filled with a richness of time that cannot be expressed in words. It is like a quiet magic that makes people's hearts a little kinder.
