[Coffee and Time for Healing]
Ever since I heard that the aroma of coffee has the power to gently relax the mind, I've been enjoying the time spent carefully brewing it by the drip method. That gentle fragrance that fills the room the moment hot water is poured. Just taking a deep breath gives me the feeling that my emotions are settling a little. While the stimulating effect of caffeine is well-known, it has also been scientifically demonstrated that smelling coffee increases “alpha waves” in the brain, which appear during relaxation. Therefore, it can help ease tension and calm your mood.
For instance, even in unfamiliar places like while traveling, simply smelling coffee can sometimes make it easier to fall asleep. Even in a busy daily routine, focusing for just a few minutes on brewing coffee makes me feel like that seemingly ordinary cup creates mental space. One of the charms of drip coffee is that even when brewed daily, the taste never turns out exactly the same due to variations in pouring speed or water volume.
Incidentally, Japan ranks fourth in the world for total coffee consumption, following the European Union, the United States, and Brazil. This places it high even compared to countries with larger populations and long-established coffee cultures. Given this background, Japan can certainly be considered one of the world's leading coffee-consuming nations. On the other hand, Japan lacks an environment suitable for coffee production, relying heavily on imports from tropical regions near the equator, the so-called “Coffee Belt.” However, in recent years, domestic coffee production has been gradually expanding in places like Okinawa and Kagoshima Prefectures. Someday, I'd love to taste this rare domestic coffee.
The key to brewing delicious coffee is to take your time and be careful. First, pour a small amount of water—about 20 ml per 10 g of beans—and let it steep for about 30 seconds. After that, the trick is to pour the water slowly in a circular motion, rather than all at once. Avoiding direct contact between the water and the coffee filter enhances the beans' natural aroma. Even the waiting time, spent savoring the fragrance, is a soothing moment.
At our Otaru Showroom, we carry products designed to brew delicious coffee. The “V60 Ceramic Dripper” is a beloved brewing tool worldwide, developed by Hario, a manufacturer of scientific instruments and heat-resistant glassware. Crafted one by one by artisans in the Arita ware region, renowned for its 400-year history, it embodies traditional techniques. Its 60-degree cone shape is ideal for coffee extraction. The intricate ridges extending to the upper interior recreate the flavor profile of cloth-drip brewing, even when using a paper filter. Over 20 years after its release, it remains beloved by professional baristas and coffee enthusiasts alike. Holding it reveals the satisfying weight characteristic of porcelain and the unique texture of handcrafted work, impossible to replicate by machine. Available in two colors—a pure, clear white and a vibrant red—both promise to brighten up any kitchen.
Additionally, Okai Mafu Shoten's “Linen Coffee Filter” is a reusable coffee filter made from handwoven linen fabric. Woven with slightly thicker threads, it tightens when wet, allowing you to brew a rich cup of coffee—perfect for when you need to focus on work.
Though another busy year has begun, let's cherish those moments when the aroma of coffee gently unwinds our hearts.
Hario's V60 Ceramic Dripper
https://www.shokunin.com/en/hario/
Okai Mafu Shoten's Linen Coffee Filter
https://www.shokunin.com/en/okai/coffee.html
Otaru Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/otaru.html
References
https://coffee.ajca.or.jp
https://add-coffee.com/coffee-world/beans/japan-coffee/
