Founded in Fukuoka in 2003, Manu Coffee is considered a pioneer of the local specialty coffee culture. Its core philosophy is "LOCAL IS THE BEST!" The brand fosters community connections through collaborations with artists and exhibitions. Since its founding, the brand has expanded to numerous locations, with the "KUJIRA" being the most iconic. Its popular drink, the "Manu Latte," is recognized by media and customers as an iconic destination that blends street culture and creativity.

Located in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, Hana Café Carrot , run by SCAA-certified cupper Daisuke Uchikura, specializes in both in-house roasted and imported premium beans. The shop showcases approximately 20 different varieties and offers customized recommendations and takeout. Their most popular offering is their "Today's Pour-Over," brewed daily with seasonal beans for a fresh and varied flavor profile. Local customers appreciate the diverse selection and personalized recommendations.

Leaves Coffee Roasters was founded in Kuramae, Tokyo, in 2016 by Yasuo Ishii, a former professional boxer. The company officially opened its roastery in 2019, using Probat UG-15 and Stronghold S7X machines. They specialize in light roasts to bring out the sweet and sour aromas of the beans, such as their Kenya SL28 series. Their founder won the Tokyo regional championship and third place nationally at the 2019 Japan Roasting Championship. Their popular Kenya SL28 series boasts berry and apricot aromas and a delicate sweetness, described as a "juicy, fruity taste typical of Kenya."

LiLo Coffee Roasters was found in Osaka in 2014, adhering to small-batch, hand-roasting practices to ensure freshness and flavor diversity. The shop offers a wide selection of single-origin coffees, accompanied by illustrations and text explaining their origins and flavors, making tasting more guided. The most popular single-origin coffee is the "Ethiopia (popular bestseller)" variety, a light roast with a bright mango-like acidity and layered fruity aromas. This "best seller from Ethiopia... a light roast very acidic that has hints of mango" is a favorite among customers.

Weekenders Coffee was founded in Kyoto in 2005. They began roasting their coffee in-house in 2011 and opened the Tominokoji Coffee Bar in 2016. The brand specializes in light roasts, showcasing a light sweetness and tea-like aroma, making it a leading specialty coffee brand in Kyoto. Their most popular coffee, the Ethiopia Halo single-origin bean, boasts floral and citrus notes, leaving a lingering sweetness and earning high praise from coffee lovers in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Onibus Coffee was founded in Tokyo in 2012, whose philosophy draws from Australian coffee culture and the spirit of community. He personally selects beans, roasts, and brews the coffee himself, resulting in a roast that combines Japanese refinement with an Australian-inspired clarity. Their signature "Onibus Original Blend" boasts a mellow sweetness, a blend of chocolate and berry flavors, and a lingering finish, often praised by coffee aficionados as a classic example of community coffee that combines both texture and warmth.

KURASU was founded in 2013, starting with an online store in Sydney. A physical store opened in Kyoto in 2016 and has since expanded to Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai. Their philosophy is to integrate specialty coffee into everyday life, focusing on monthly coffee subscriptions and aesthetically pleasing Japanese utensils. Their popular "Kyoto Series" boasts a fresh, fruity aroma and diverse flavors, earning acclaim for its refined roasting and elegantly designed utensils.

REC COFFEE was founded in Fukuoka in 2008 by Yoshikazu Iwase and Osamu Kitazoe. From a single coffee cart, REC COFFEE has grown to 10 locations worldwide. Iwase won the Japanese championship in 2015 and the world championship in 2016. The brand's philosophy balances convenience with quality, offering single-origin coffee beans and drip bags. The popular "Single-origin coffee series" boasts delicate acidity and a distinct flavor, earning acclaim from consumers for its high quality and warm atmosphere.

Tokado Coffee (豆香洞コーヒー) was founded in 2008 by Naoki Goto in Onojo, Fukuoka. He won the inaugural World Roasting Championship in 2013, solidifying the brand's reputation. Known for its quiet and focused design, the shop offers hand-roasted single-origin coffee beans and drip bags. The popular "Tokado Blend," with its refreshing citrus aroma and smooth aftertaste, has been praised by many coffee lovers in Hong Kong and Taiwan as "an exquisitely refined, reassuring cup of tranquility."

Mel Coffee Roasters was founded in Osaka in January 2016. Inspired by Melbourne's coffee culture, they use Probat roasters, roasting only the required amount of beans at a time to preserve freshness. They offer a coffee subscription service, offering a variety of pour-over, siphon, and cold brew techniques, each with a distinct fruity acidity or a soft chocolate flavor. Their most popular option is the "Subscription Bean Kit," which customers praise for its monthly fresh delivery and its combination of quality and convenience, making it a favorite among local coffee lovers, both in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Passage Coffee was founded in 2017. Its core philosophy is to "make specialty coffee a part of morning culture." The shop boasts a simple, warm décor and sells AeroPress equipment. Their popular product is their "Seasonal Specialty Beans," lightly roasted to create distinct layers and bright acidity. Their smooth, humane taste is highly praised by local coffee lovers and those in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Obscura Coffee Roasters was founded in 2009 in Tokyo, and later expanded to Kanda and Hiroshima (including roasting facilities). The brand's philosophy is to highlight the natural sweetness and diverse flavors of light roasted coffee, creating a warm and modern coffee experience. Their most popular item is the "Obscura Select" single-origin bean gift box (available in a variety of light and dark roasts), which has received rave reviews, with consumers praising its bright flavor and delicate combination.

Founded in 2019, Goodman Roaster Kyoto was inspired by the founder's exploration of Alishan coffee in Taiwan. Using Diedrich roasters, they create a light-roasted coffee with a vibrant, floral, fruity, and tea-like flavor. Their signature Alishan Single Origin beans, delicately light-roasted, offer a vibrant, fruity acidity and a smooth, refined taste, earning them acclaim among coffee aficionados as a representative of Kyoto's premium coffee.

COFFEE COUNTY was founded in Fukuoka in 2013. The founder has traveled extensively to Central American coffee producing regions to establish direct trade relationships. Their focus on light-roasted single-origin beans reveals a rich, fruity, and wild aroma, renowned for their signature blends of iron instruments and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Their popular "Central American Single Origin Series" boasts a balanced sweet and sour flavor and rich, complex aromas, earning consumers the distinction of "each cup a heartfelt conversation with the farmer."

NOZY COFFEE was founded in Tokyo's Setagaya district in 2010 and recently expanded to The Roastery by Nozy Coffee in Harajuku. Its simple space features direct-fire roasting and a casual aesthetic. The brand maintains a rotating supply of single-origin beans, recreating the original flavors and inviting customers to explore their coffee. Their popular "Daily Origin" is based on the beans available that day, offering a wide variety of flavors. The brand is often described as "an urban roastery that offers a new surprise every time you visit."

Founded in 1986 in Shimotakaido, Tokyo, KALDI Coffee Farm is known for its iconic blue coffee house and free coffee tastings. It specializes in coffee beans from around the world and imported foods. They offer a wide variety of beans, from their own roasts to exclusive blends, all at affordable prices, making it easy to get started. Their popular "Mild KALDI" line, with its smooth flavors of cocoa and fruit, is often praised by consumers as "the safest everyday choice."

Founded in 1911 by Ryu Mizuno, Ginza Café Paulista is one of Japan's oldest coffee houses, a platform for cultural exchange between Japanese and Brazilian coffee. Early on, the cafe gained fame thanks to a donation of coffee beans from the Brazilian government, becoming a frequent gathering place for many prominent literary figures. Its signature coffee, "Mori no Kohi," uses beans directly imported from Brazil, resulting in a rich, fruity flavor. It's praised by customers as "a symbol of classic Showa-era atmosphere and traditional flavor."

Founded in Sapporo in 1996, MORIHICO began as a café in a converted residential building and has since expanded to numerous locations, becoming a representative brand in Hokkaido. Known for its in-house baking, exquisite desserts, and ambiance, MORIHICO is renowned for its light to medium roasts, resulting in a balanced sweet and sour taste, perfect with desserts. It is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, earning the reputation of being "Sapporo's most culturally rich coffee experience."

MARUYAMA COFFEE was founded in 1991. Adhering to the "From Farm to Cup" philosophy, the brand actively participates in COE auctions and has produced a 2014 World Brewer Champion. The brand focuses on direct trade and innovative roasting. Its popular "African Bean Series" boasts bright citrus fruit aromas and rich, complex flavors, earning praise from consumers for its unique and creative flavor.

SAZA COFFEE was founded in Ibaraki in 1969. Currently, it operates 17 locations in Ibaraki and Tokyo, and also owns a Columbia Farm. Known for its scientifically precise roasting, which boasts a scent preservation of up to five years, SAZA COFFEE emphasizes innovation and quality. Its signature "Geisha" coffee boasts an elegant, fruity aroma with vibrant layers, earning widespread acclaim for its long-lasting flavor and high quality, making it a favorite among coffee lovers in Japan and abroad.

Sarutahiko Coffee was founded in Tokyo in 2011 and incorporated in 2013. With the motto "One cup makes you smile," the brand is a true icon of Japanese specialty coffee, from its in-house roasting and direct-sourced beans to its friendly service. Their popular "Tokyo 'Til Infinity Blend," a blend of Ethiopian and Colombian beans, boasts a bright, rich flavor with a blend of berry notes and a creamy texture, earning them widespread praise and widespread customer support.

UCC (Uejima Coffee) was founded in Kobe in 1933 by Tadao Ueshima, known as the "Father of Japanese Coffee." He established his international reputation with the invention of the world's first canned coffee in 1969. The brand offers a range of green bean roasting, capsules, and ready-to-drink coffee, and boasts coffee museums and farms around the world. Its popular "Artisan Coffee" series utilizes hydrogen roasting technology to achieve a balanced sweet and sour flavor and a rich aroma, earning it widespread acclaim as a symbol of convenience and quality.