#Japan #Tokyo #Specialty Coffee #Craft Brewing #iRHEA

iRHEA: The Future of Coffee Brewing

In the bustling coffee market of Japan, one company is set to make a significant impact with its latest product—iRHEA, a state-of-the-art drip machine that automates the hand-drip brewing process.

The Partnership Behind iRHEA

Living Coffee Co., Ltd., based in Okayama, has entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Korea's Noble Tree Co., Ltd., to bring iRHEA to Japan. This innovative coffee brewing machine will start taking reservations from April 2026, opening up new possibilities for coffee enthusiasts and businesses alike.

iRHEA is already making waves internationally, having been adopted in 14 countries, particularly where coffee culture thrives like Panama, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. To celebrate its introduction, a special tasting event will take place on April 15, 2026, in Tokyo at the 'LIFE & COFFEE Tokyo' shop, targeting cafe and restaurant owners, roasters, and other industry professionals.

Addressing Coffee Brewing Challenges

In Japan, baristas often face challenges such as staff shortages and the need for operational efficiency. The iRHEA machine is designed to alleviate these obstacles, freeing up baristas from labor-intensive extraction tasks and allowing them to focus on customer interactions. By implementing precise machine-controlled brewing, iRHEA allows for meticulous reproduction of hand-dripped coffee recipes customized to the unique characteristics of each bean.

Perfecting the Art of Brewing

One of iRHEA's standout features is its ability to simulate the intricate pouring technique of expert baristas with incredible accuracy. The machine allows users to customize the trajectory and size of the pouring nozzle's movements, alongside controlling key extraction parameters: water volume, flow rate, and temperature. This leads to a consistent cup of coffee, even during peak hours or in branch locations, ensuring a high-quality product every time.

Additionally, iRHEA can register over 100 recipes, providing the flexibility to brew different types of beans simultaneously. The machine's models, including the M3 with three nozzles and the M5 PRO with five, enable innovative menu offerings and operational efficiencies previously unimaginable.

An Engaging Experience

Unlike purely mechanical devices, iRHEA offers a visually captivating brewing process. Its smooth operation mimics that of an experienced barista, creating an engaging experience for customers. The machine’s impressive performance has garnered attention at events like the SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference and the HCJ exhibition in Japan, making it a topic of conversation for coffee aficionados.

Real-World Results

Operating iRHEA in their stores since 2025 has already yielded impressive outcomes. By automating brewing tasks, staff can concentrate on enhancing customer interactions, ultimately increasing sales per customer. The M5 model can brew up to 130 cups per hour, ensuring swift service without sacrificing quality. New staff can quickly become proficient, achieving results comparable to seasoned baristas.

The introduction of iRHEA has also streamlined recipe development, allowing baristas to efficiently create and test coffee profiles with high reproducibility. This technology not only supports baristas in their work but enhances the consumer experience by offering consistent and exceptional coffee.

Redefining Coffee's Future

As the landscape of coffee production and consumption continues to evolve, iRHEA is more than just a machine; it’s viewed as a facilitator enhancing the art of coffee making. This innovation invites coffee professionals to reassess traditional brewing methods, encouraging a collaborative relationship between technology and craftsmanship.

Official Launch Announcement

Kenichi Waki, CEO of Living Coffee, emphasizes, “Reproducibility is key in coffee brewing. My years of experience highlighted this challenge, and discovering iRHEA sparked my determination to bring it to Japan. The time spent enjoying coffee should enrich daily life. Our goal as baristas is not only to serve coffee but to relay its allure from every possible angle.”

To mark the start of iRHEA's availability in Japan, an experiential event for coffee industry professionals and journalists will take place in April 2026, showcasing the machine’s capabilities,

Event Details

Date: April 15, 2026
Morning Session: 11:00 - 12:30
Afternoon Session: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: Living Coffee Tokyo, Taito, Tokyo

Participants can look forward to live demonstrations, taste comparisons, and insights from Korean sourcing experiences. Limited registrations will ensure an intimate setting for engaging with this remarkable technology.

For further inquiries, contact Living Coffee's PR team at [email protected].

With iRHEA at the forefront, the spirit of coffee brewing is set to flourish in new and exciting ways, ensuring a memorable experience for consumers and professionals alike.