Drop Coffee Roasters Unveils Its First Japan Location in Nakano, Tokyo

Drop Coffee Roasters Makes Its Debut in Japan

The renowned Swedish specialty coffee brand, Drop Coffee Roasters, is finally landing in Japan, with its first location set to open on September 18, 2026, on the second floor of Nakano Marui in Tokyo. Founded in 2009 in the heart of Stockholm, Drop Coffee has transitioned from a quaint coffee bar into a highly respected specialty roaster known for its strong commitment to quality and community connection.

A Legacy Rooted in Connection

Since its inception, Drop Coffee has prided itself on creating more than just spaces to enjoy high-quality coffee; it aims to foster connections among people. This philosophy has seen Drop Coffee grow into a globally recognized brand, celebrated for its award-winning roasting techniques and enduring relationships with coffee producers. Their unique blend of tradition and contemporary practices encompasses the Swedish lifestyle concept of Fika, which emphasizes making time to appreciate both coffee and conversation.

Having established itself as a champion of specialty coffee, Drop Coffee Roasters prioritizes providing an authentic coffee experience that resonates with Japanese customers. Their approach involves careful roasting methods learned in Stockholm while adapting to the local culture.

Craftsmanship and Quality in Every Cup

Located in Stockholm, Drop Coffee has consistently focused on craftsmanship for over 15 years. The brand began its journey near Mariatorget, where they valued creating spaces for conversation and community engagement. A year after opening, they introduced on-site roasting, eventually increasing their capacity with the 25kg Diedrich roaster in 2012. In 2018, they shifted their roasting operations to Rosersberg, committing to transparency and sustainability in every cup.

The Nakano location will house a variety of single-origin coffees, each priced at 860 yen. This provides customers with the freedom to choose according to their taste, offering an avenue for exploration of unique flavors from various regions, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Guatemala, and others. Additionally, a daily coffee selection will be offered at 630 yen for those venturing into specialty coffee for the first time.

Bringing the Fika Experience to Japan

Central to Drop Coffee's essence is Fika, a cherished Swedish tradition that emphasizes taking a break to enjoy coffee and pastries with friends and family. This cultural hallmark encourages people to pause amidst their busy lives, enriching their daily experiences. Drop Coffee's arrival in Japan is not merely about serving coffee but about sharing the enriching values of Fika, creating opportunities for connection and conversation within the community.

The shop will also introduce seven to eight exclusive, original cakes crafted for a distinctive pairing with coffee. These desserts respect traditional Nordic aesthetics while being tailored to local tastes. Additionally, authentic Swedish pastries like cinnamon rolls and cardamom rolls will be available, ensuring customers can immerse themselves in the true essence of Fika.

Connection from Producer to Coffee Cup

Drop Coffee emphasizes transparency and trust in its supply chain. They practice Direct Trade, ensuring that customers not only enjoy their coffee but also comprehend the story behind each cup—who produced it, and how it was cultivated. Relationships with coffee producers often last over ten years, forming the backbone of Drop Coffee's sourcing philosophy. Each coffee reflects the unique characteristics of its geographical origins and the values of its producers.

Joanna Alm Leighton, one of the co-owners and a respected figure in the coffee community, embodies the brand’s commitment to excellence. With numerous awards, including accolades at the World Coffee Roasting Championship, she infuses her expertise into every aspect of Drop Coffee, ensuring quality and transparency resonate throughout their offerings.

The Future of Drop Coffee in Japan

As it steps into the Japanese market, Drop Coffee Roasters is committed to becoming a part of the local landscape, not just existing as a foreign entity. The Nakano café will be the foundation for future expansions across Japan, honoring local cultural values while providing unique coffee experiences.

In the words of Keiiki Hidaka, Managing Partner of Industry Creation, “We aim to create a beloved space not just for coffee, but for the wider culture of craftsmanship, respect for producers, and sharing rich experiences around coffee.” With its focus on thoughtful customer interaction, the Nakano location is envisioned to be a welcoming hub for coffee enthusiasts where curiosity about flavor and brewing techniques can flourish.

By combining their Swedish heritage with the local culture, Drop Coffee Roasters aims to offer a fresh perspective on specialty coffee within Japan, encouraging a new generation to embrace the beauty of Fika and the art of coffee.