Our collaborative coffee cultures journey to Japan began in Australia, where we met Masa, a fellow coffee enthusiast in the specialty scene. Over the years, our shared passion for coffee grew into a lasting friendship. Masa now runs a thriving roastery in Japan, and when the opportunity arose to collaborate on a cafe takeover, we knew we had to be part of it.

This event is more than a showcase, it’s a celebration of the relationships that coffee creates. It’s a chance to connect cultures, share knowledge, and explore different approaches to the craft we love.

UK Meets Japan: A Shared Love for Specialty Coffee

Japan’s coffee culture is deeply rooted in specialty coffee, with a strong preference for black coffee over milk-based drinks. This aligns perfectly with our roasting philosophy, which focuses on preserving the natural characteristics of each bean.

We’re also excited to collaborate with Raw Sugar Roast, a roastery we share direct farm connections with. These ties ensure that we’re not just importing beans but honoring the farmers behind them. The transparency and traceability we value in the UK are equally important in Japan, making this collaboration a natural fit.

How Our Coffee Aligns with Japanese Preferences

Our roasting style complements Japan’s love for balance, clarity, and refinement in coffee. We highlight each origin’s unique flavours—whether it’s the bright, floral notes of a washed Ethiopian or the deep, fruity richness of a carbonic macerated Colombian.

Japanese coffee drinkers appreciate precision, and our carefully curated selection will shine through brewing methods like V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave. Each cup will showcase the natural sweetness, acidity, and complexity of our beans, creating a sensory experience that aligns with Japan’s high standards.

Moving Beyond Milk: The Joy of Pure Coffee

One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is shifting away from the UK’s traditional milk-based coffee culture. Filter and pour-over methods allow coffee’s intrinsic flavours to take center stage, revealing delicate aromas, balance, and sweetness without milk overshadowing them.

This takeover is a chance to celebrate coffee in its purest form. We’re eager to connect with coffee lovers, even with the language barrier, who appreciate the nuances of a well-brewed filter coffee.

Precision, Detail, and the Japanese Coffee Ethos

Japanese coffee preparation is an art form, with meticulous attention to water quality, temperature, extraction methods, and brewing vessels. Every step is intentional, creating an almost ritualistic approach to coffee-making.

At Routes Coffee, we share this pursuit of precision. We carefully measure every batch, refine our roasting profiles, and respect each bean’s origin. We’re excited to immerse ourselves in a culture that values craftsmanship at the highest level and learn from Japan’s expert baristas.

The Power of Global Coffee Connections

Specialty coffee is a global conversation, and this takeover reminds us how interconnected the industry is. From farmers to roasters, baristas to consumers, every step in the process contributes to the final cup.

Bringing our coffee to Japan is more than an introduction to a new audience. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and celebrate the craftsmanship behind every brew. We look forward to sharing this experience, brewing incredible coffee, and continuing to bridge cultures, one cup at a time.