#Japan #Tokyo #Omotesando #SHOGUN #JIQ

Discover the Unique SHOGUN CAFE & EXPERIENCE in Tokyo

On April 22, 2025, Omotesando, Tokyo, will welcome a one-of-a-kind café, the SHOGUN CAFE & EXPERIENCE, launched by the Japan Incubation Center (JIQ), aimed at highlighting and supporting Japan’s rich regional cultures and industries.

Designed to be an interactive café, the SHOGUN CAFE will engage visitors in the fascinating world of Japanese traditions embodied by the SHOGUN, a symbol of peace during the Edo period, when numerous industries and cultural practices flourished. The café will be guided by Tokugawa Ieyasu's descendant, Tokugawa Ieyasu-hiko, as its executive fellow, ensuring that visitors connect deeply with the heritage of these historical themes.

Emphasizing Regional Culture and Sustainable Practices

The café’s mission aligns with two key initiatives: the Offerings Project and the Traditional Culture “Future Creation” Project.

1. Offerings Project: This project focuses on revitalizing local communities and industries through the traditional practice known as 'offerings'. Historically, the offerings during the Edo period served not only to promote goods from various regions to the central government, but also played a critical role in branding and marketing regional specialties. The SHOGUN CAFE will adopt this concept in a modern context by introducing high-quality regional products and creating collaborative menu items that resonate with the essence of local offerings.

2. Traditional Culture “Future Creation” Project: This initiative aims to foster the understanding, preservation, and future development of Japan’s traditional practices, like martial arts, Noh theater, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and classical poetry. The café will offer modernized experiences under the theme of “Experiencing SHOGUN”, allowing participants a chance to engage with these culturally rich activities in a contemporary manner, thereby bridging the past and present.

These projects will not only ensure that traditional practices extend beyond a master-apprentice framework but also nurture a community of practitioners, learners, and supporters in today's context. As the café evolves, additional experiential offerings will be introduced regularly.

A Cultural Hub in a Trendy Location

Situated in the heart of Omotesando, the SHOGUN CAFE aims to be an information hub for Japan’s regional and cultural stories while connecting various regions to nurture the birth of new industries. As part of this initiative, JIQ will recruit incubation partners to collaborate on community-driven projects aimed at revitalizing local economies and fostering sustainable growth in the area.

Café Overview

• - Name: SHOGUN CAFE & EXPERIENCE
• - Address: QCcube Kita Aoyama, 3-6-26, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6427-9275
• - Website: shoguncafe.com
• - Operating Hours: 1st Floor Café & Retail Area from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Opening Day 14:30)
• - 2nd Floor: “Experiencing SHOGUN” (Reservation required through Instagram)

First Floor: Café & Retail Space

The café will feature a wide array of local specialties and seasonal products, serving as a platform for regional revitalization. The first highlight of the Offerings Project comes from Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka, known for its rich history and contribution to the Tokugawa family. Special items such as Hamamatsu green tea and blood oranges will be offered as part of the café’s signature menu, showcasing local bounty to a wider audience.

• - Featured Menu:

- Hamamatsu Green Tea (by Sonoda Tea): ¥800
- Citrus Marmalade Mochi (using Suzuki’s blood oranges): ¥880

Retail Space:
Seasonal Japanese confections and artisanal crafts will be available for purchase, representing the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition within Japanese culture.

Second Floor: “Experiencing SHOGUN” Space

On the second floor, guests can participate in various traditional cultural experiences, redesigned for contemporary enjoyment. Attendees can enjoy a unique 90-minute experience featuring various sectors of traditional arts:

• - Warrior and Arts Set: Featuring iaijutsu, Noh performance, and kimono dressing
• - Cultural Arts Set: Featuring calligraphy, tea ceremony, and dyeing techniques

Price: ¥16,500 per person

Every experience is designed with an emphasis on engagement and education, allowing visitors to appreciate the deep roots of Japanese tradition while creating connections to modern practices.

Conclusion

The opening of the SHOGUN CAFE & EXPERIENCE represents a significant stride towards blending heritage with contemporary engagement in Japan’s multifaceted civic landscape. As it stands to become a beacon of cultural vitality, this initiative promotes communal involvement in preserving the soul of Japan’s rich traditions. The SHOGUN CAFE welcomes everyone to discover, enjoy, and participate in the legacy of Japanese culture.