As a self-proclaimed coffee lover, I'm always looking for a cafe where I can relax and enjoy delicious coffee to my liking. There are many chain cafes in Tokyo, but I don't think they offer a space where you can enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee. Of course, you can enjoy delicious hand-drip coffee at an old-fashioned coffee shop, but to be honest, I would prefer a more sophisticated space.
Meanwhile, I found a cafe that's perfect for coffee and shaved ice lovers, so I'd like to introduce it to you. The location is "PAP.COFFEE" which just opened in September 2023, located in the back alley called Oku-Harajuku.
The playful shop coffee makes you want to use it as a bookmark for your book.
I was surprised to hear that "PAP.COFFEE" is planned and operated by Sanyo Shigyo Co., Ltd., a general printing carton manufacturer founded in 1969 in Adachi Ward, Tokyo. Sanyo Shigyo is a company known around the world as a company that processes paper, including jigsaw puzzles. I had the opportunity to talk to Mamoru Saita, the second generation representative director, about why he started the cafe.
Mr. Mamoru Saita, CEO of Sanyo Shigyo. He was an active sports president who participated in fencing when he was a student and currently plays golf, and is currently focusing on nurturing his juniors at the fencing association.
``The reason behind starting 'PAP.COFFEE' was an encounter I had while working in the paper business, and you could also say it was a challenge for the future of the company,'' says Mr. Saita.
``There are various paper products in the world, but I think Japan is definitely the best in the world in terms of paper quality.However, due to recent environmental issues, there is a call for going paperless.Paper products "It's definitely not going to go away in the future, but I think it's necessary to become more of a hobby and create products that take advantage of the characteristics of paper," said Mr. Saita, who is always looking ahead to the future. It is true.
In terms of paper challenges, ``PAP.COFFEE'' is full of playful paper products. Not only the stylish coffee cups and shop cards, but also the desks, chairs, shelves, and counters are all made of paper.
The counter top is actually made of paper, and the tiles under the counter are made of paper box lids.
Furthermore, his commitment and passion for coffee and menu items is extremely passionate. Mr. Takehiro Murayama, who is in charge of managing PAP.COFFEE, says, ``There were a lot of things I wasn't used to because we were opening a store in a different industry, but we were very particular about creating a taste that was unique to our store and one that wouldn't compare to other stores.'' '', he said of his confidence. If you ask me, the coffee beans served here are very few shops in Japan where you can taste them, and the story of the coffee beans is interesting.
Have you ever heard the term "Golden Triangle"? It refers to the area deep in the Indochina Peninsula where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Until the mid-3s, poppy fields spread and illegally manufactured drugs were exported to the world for cash income. It was also called the "Triangle of Evil." However, thanks to the efforts of international organizations and related countries, the poppy fields have disappeared, and the coffee that has been planted in their place has become a source of income for local people.
One of them is the Akha tribe, a mountain minority tribe located deep in the mountains of Thailand at an altitude of 1380 meters. Sanyo Shigyo, which also has bases in Southeast Asia, learned of the existence of Japanese people who taught coffee bean cultivation and wondered if it could help. ``I'm not a coffee expert, but I was drawn to discovering delicious coffee that had a different aroma and taste from the coffee I was drinking before,'' says Mr. Saita.
"PAP.COFFEE" offers three types of coffee from Tai Mae Chantai Village, each with different aromas and tastes.
Initially, they were looking for a way to support their main business, the paper business, but first they thought it was necessary to let people know about their efforts and their coffee, so they decided to start ``PAP.COFFEE.'' Sanyo Paper Industry, founded 54 years ago, is supporting the self-reliance of coffee farms based on fair trade, experimenting with ways to recycle paper resources, and creating a futuristic coffee shop is a challenge filled with many hopes.
Enjoy the luxurious taste of coffee and Dolce shaved ice
Furthermore, the appeal of "PAP.COFFEE" is not just coffee. Here you can enjoy Dolce shaved ice made using the recipe of Sebastian, Shibuya Kamiyamacho, which closed in February 2023 due to relocation overseas. This shaved ice, called dolce shaved ice because it tastes just like cake, is truly a first-time experience.
In addition, there are five standard types, including a recipe created by Sebastian's Mr. Kawamata for PAP.COFFEE, and one seasonal type, all available for 1,900 yen. Shaved ice is generally a summer sweet, but Dolce shaved ice is a sweet that you can enjoy all year round. If you haven't had it yet, please give it a try. You'll be impressed by its taste. If you also enjoy the aromatic Thai drip coffee from Mae Chan village, this is a luxury for adults! I'm sure you'll murmur.
"PAP cafe au lait and chocolate orange rum-flavored espuma" was invented by Mr. Kawamata of Sebastian.
The mysterious ``Strawberry Crème Brûlée'' is baked on the top with a burner, but the ice underneath remains unmelted.
``Lemon and mixed berry rare cheese'' that tastes just like cake.
*The ``Thailand and Vietnam Paper and Miscellaneous Goods Fair Selected by Paper Processing Companies'' is being held until October 10st.
PAP.COFFEE
Selige Jingumae 1, 10-6-102 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Yuko Taniguchi
Premium Japan editorial staff
Aim for positive aging. I'm addicted to golf!
Lounge
Premium Salon
Editorial Department & PJ Friends Blog
Premium Salon
