This month’s #KurasuPartnerRoaster is THE COFFEESHOP, a specialty coffee roaster based in Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo — a peaceful residential area in the heart of Japan’s pop culture scene. Their concept, “No sugar but sweet,” reflects their commitment to bringing naturally sweet and clean coffees, full of origin character, into people’s everyday lives. We visited their Tomigaya location and spoke with their roaster, Hagiwara-san.
Hagiwara-san spent his student years in Jinbōchō, an area known for its traditional kissaten (coffeehouse) culture. His frequent visits to these cafés became the foundation of his passion for coffee. After graduating, he joined a café chain, where he managed a store and later helped launch their hand-drip coffee concept. This was his first encounter with hand-brewed coffee — an experience that drew him deeply into the craft.
Later, a cup of light-roasted Kenyan coffee at Fuglen Tomigaya left a lasting impression, opening his eyes to the world of specialty coffee. While exploring Tokyo’s vibrant coffee scene, Hagiwara-san discovered THE COFFEESHOP and resonated strongly with both their flavor philosophy and their vision. He joined the team, became the manager of the Tomigaya café, and within a year, took on the role of roaster.
“Sweetness is the mark of a good coffee,” says Hagiwara-san. “To achieve that, the cup must be clean, the texture refined, and the acidity well-rounded rather than sharp.”
From green coffee sourcing to roasting and brewing, his approach consistently pursues sweetness and clarity, shaping the signature flavor of THE COFFEESHOP. He also emphasizes intentionality in sourcing — “We only buy coffees when there’s a clear reason to,” he explains. After visiting origins like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Brazil, and meeting producers face-to-face, Hagiwara-san reaffirmed that the foundation of specialty coffee ultimately lies in human connection.
Looking ahead, THE COFFEESHOP is planning to expand into Tokyo’s business districts, aiming to bring specialty coffee to even more people in their daily routines. Currently operating from two key bases — a roastery in Yokosuka and their Tomigaya café — they continue to build strong ties with their local communities. With their eyes set on new opportunities in Tokyo’s ever-changing landscape, THE COFFEESHOP’s journey marks another step forward in redefining what specialty coffee can be.
