Showa-Era Kissaten vs. Modern Cafés: What Has Changed?

During the Showa era, “kissaten” (traditional Japanese coffee shops) were beloved as places where people could enjoy coffee in a relaxing atmosphere.
However, in modern times, “cafés” have become the mainstream, and the number of kissaten has gradually declined.
Why has our coffee culture changed so dramatically?

In this article, we will compare Showa-era kissaten with modern cafés and explore how the rise of café culture has transformed our lifestyles.

The Showa-era kissaten boom and its background
Differences in atmosphere and service styles between kissaten and cafés
Why café culture expanded and its impact
The resurgence of kissaten and their future

The Birth and Charm of Kissaten Culture
1. The Kissaten Boom of the Showa Era
2. Unique Features of Kissaten
The Rise and Expansion of Café Culture
1. The Arrival of the Café Boom
2. The Transition from Kissaten to Cafés
The Unique Appeal and Future of Kissaten and Cafés
1. The Revival and Growing Appreciation of Kissaten
  1. How Independent Kissaten Can Survive
2. The Future of Café Culture
Conclusion

The Birth and Charm of Kissaten Culture

During the Showa era, countless kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee shops) lined the streets of Japan.
Adults quietly enjoying their coffee, regulars reading newspapers, and students engaged in deep conversations—each kissaten had its own unique atmosphere, enveloping visitors in a warm embrace.
How did this culture emerge, and why did so many people support it?
Let’s start by exploring the background of the kissaten boom.

A traditional Japanese kissaten in a Showa-era cityscape. A wooden building with a retro signboard, small tables and chairs set outside the shop, and pedestrians curiously peeking inside. The scene exudes a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere.

The Kissaten Boom of the Showa Era

During the Showa era, kissaten spread rapidly across Japan.
Especially in the 1960s and 70s, unique kissaten appeared nationwide, forming a distinct coffee culture.
But why did these coffee shops gain such immense popularity?

【Urbanization and New Lifestyles】
- Rapid economic growth led to an increase in offices and universities in urban areas, creating a demand for places where people could spend extended periods
【A Hub for Social Interaction】
- Kissaten were more than just coffee shops; they served as meeting spots for business discussions, dates, reading, and relaxation
【Establishment of Unique Menus and Coffee Culture】
- The rise of distinct kissaten food traditions, such as “morning sets” and Napolitan spaghetti

Nagoya, in particular, developed a strong “morning culture,” where coffee is served with toast and eggs at no extra charge.
This tradition remains popular even today.

The interior of a Showa-era kissaten. Wooden furniture, warm lighting, and a cozy atmosphere. Regular customers reading newspapers, others quietly enjoying coffee. A counter filled with cloth drip coffee equipment.

Unique Features of Kissaten

The appeal of kissaten went beyond just serving coffee.
Their carefully curated ambiance and the human connections fostered within them deepened the culture of these coffee shops.

【Retro Interior and Relaxing Atmosphere】
- Wooden chairs and tables, red velvet sofas, and antique lighting created a distinctive aesthetic
【Close-Knit Community of Regulars】
- Customers and shop owners formed close relationships, often resembling a small, tight-knit family
【A Slower, More Relaxed Experience】
- The unhurried, unpressured atmosphere attracted those looking for a break from work and daily life
【Unique Services】
- Beyond just serving coffee, each shop offered special menus and carefully crafted blends

These unique qualities made kissaten places that customers wanted to return to time and time again.
Even today, many people seek out old-fashioned kissaten to experience the “Showa-era tranquility” missing from modern cafés.

A retro kissaten counter. The shop owner is brewing coffee using a cloth drip method, while regular customers sit at the counter. The walls are adorned with old clocks and vinyl records, creating a nostalgic ambiance. Outside the window, a Showa-era shopping street is visible.

The Rise and Expansion of Café Culture

As time progressed, the kissaten culture gradually evolved.
Especially after the 2000s, café culture spread rapidly, changing the way people enjoyed coffee.
Why did kissaten decline while cafés became the mainstream?
Here, we explore the emergence of the café boom and its impact.

A modern café exterior. A glass-walled building with terrace seating, where people are working on laptops. Inside, a barista is making coffee, and a variety of coffee beans are displayed on the counter.

The Arrival of the Café Boom

In the 2000s, international café chains like Starbucks and Tully’s rapidly expanded in Japan.
As a result, café culture gained popularity, especially among younger generations, establishing a style distinct from traditional kissaten.
What factors contributed to this café boom?

【Changes in Lifestyle】
- The concept of enjoying coffee while working or studying became widely accepted
【Casual and Open Spaces】
- Unlike the calm atmosphere of kissaten, cafés adopted open and easily accessible designs
【The Rise of Takeout Culture】
- The growing trend of coffee-to-go allowed people to enjoy coffee while on the move
【The Influence of Third Wave Coffee】
- A greater focus on coffee quality and brewing methods led to new trends

The rise of third-wave coffee significantly changed café culture.
The story behind each cup of coffee and an emphasis on sourcing and brewing methods became key factors, leading to an increase in specialty coffee shops.

A stylish café counter. A barista is preparing coffee using hand-drip methods, while shelves behind the counter display coffee beans from various countries. The interior features wooden accents and lush greenery, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The Transition from Kissaten to Cafés

The decline of kissaten and the rise of cafés was not just a matter of time.
Cafés offered different values that set them apart from traditional coffee shops.

【Differences in Store Design】
- While kissaten often featured wooden, retro interiors, cafés adopted modern and minimalist aesthetics
【The Spread of Self-Service】
- Kissaten relied on full-service dining, while cafés popularized counter-ordering systems
【Adapting to the Social Media Era】
- Trendy interiors and latte art gained popularity, making café-hopping a lifestyle choice
【Changes in Business Hours】
- Unlike kissaten, which mainly operated during the day, cafés often stayed open late, increasing accessibility

The influence of social media, especially Instagram, played a crucial role in the café boom.
Trendy cafés gained recognition through aesthetically pleasing designs, encouraging the rise of concept cafés across various locations.

A modern café interior designed for social media appeal. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space, with indoor plants and wooden furniture creating a cozy ambiance. A cappuccino with intricate latte art and a beautifully arranged dessert are set on a table.

The Unique Appeal and Future of Kissaten and Cafés

With café culture becoming mainstream, does this mean the decline of kissaten?
Not necessarily.
In recent years, kissaten have been reevaluated, finding new value in the modern era.
At the same time, cafés are evolving, incorporating sustainability and technology to move toward the future.
Let’s explore the future of both kissaten and cafés.

A Showa-era retro kissaten exterior. A wooden building with a classic signboard, and potted plants decorating the entrance. The warm glow of the evening enhances the cozy atmosphere of the shop.

The Revival and Growing Appreciation of Kissaten

One of the key reasons kissaten are being reevaluated is the nostalgia boom.
Younger generations are drawn to the retro charm of the Showa era, and kissaten offer a unique ambiance that is gaining renewed popularity.

【The Influence of the Showa Retro Boom】
- The vintage interiors and nostalgic atmosphere of kissaten are seen as “aesthetic” by younger generations
【A Warmth That Chains Can’t Replicate】
- The charm of a handcrafted cup of coffee prepared by the shop owner and warm interactions with regular customers
【The Value of Slow-Paced Time】
- In a fast-paced digital world, the quiet and relaxed ambiance of kissaten is more appreciated than ever

Additionally, many independently owned kissaten are finding creative ways to survive in today’s competitive market.

A cozy kissaten interior. Wooden chairs and tables arranged neatly, with antique-style lighting adding warmth. At the counter, the shop owner carefully brews coffee.

How Independent Kissaten Can Survive

For kissaten to thrive, simply relying on nostalgia isn’t enough.
By adapting to modern lifestyles, they have a greater chance of establishing themselves as a new type of coffee shop.

【Defining a Clear Concept】
- Specializing as a “Showa retro café,” “a quiet place for reading,” or “a specialty cloth-drip coffee shop”
【Utilizing Social Media】
- Leveraging Instagram and other platforms to attract younger customers with retro aesthetics
【Enhancing Coffee Quality】
- Maintaining traditional flavors while incorporating specialty coffee selections
【Expanding Food Menu Options】
- Strengthening signature dishes like nostalgic Napolitan spaghetti and pudding

By not just capitalizing on nostalgia but also creating new value, kissaten are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

A classic kissaten counter. The owner carefully brews coffee using a cloth drip method, while regular customers enjoy their conversations. Vintage posters and records decorate the walls.

The Future of Café Culture

Meanwhile, cafés continue to evolve.
By incorporating sustainability and new technology, they are shaping the future of coffee culture.

【The Rise of Ethical Cafés】
- More cafés are adopting fair trade coffee and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives
【Integration of Technology】
- AI-driven coffee brewing techniques and mobile ordering systems are becoming more common
【Creating New Coffee Experiences】
- More cafés are hosting coffee tasting events and workshops to engage customers

Additionally, cafés are strengthening their role as a “third place” for people.
As an alternative to home and work, they provide a personal space where individuals can relax and enjoy their time.

A futuristic café interior. A self-order touchscreen system is installed, and a barista operates a state-of-the-art espresso machine. The window seats are lined with indoor plants, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Conclusion

As the transition from kissaten to cafés continues, coffee culture has diversified and created new value.
The warmth and unique atmosphere of Showa-era kissaten still captivate many people today.
Meanwhile, cafés continue to evolve, offering convenience and new experiences that suit modern lifestyles.
By understanding the charm of both, we can make our coffee moments even more enjoyable.

【The Charm of Kissaten】
- Warm interactions with the shop owner and a nostalgic atmosphere
- A deep appreciation for carefully brewed coffee
- A quiet and relaxing environment to escape daily stress
【The Appeal of Cafés】
- Modern designs and open, inviting spaces
- Convenient for work and study
- Trendy latte art and innovative coffee styles
【The Future of Coffee Culture】
- The revival of kissaten and the continued evolution of cafés
- A focus on sustainability and ethically sourced coffee
- The integration of technology to enhance the coffee experience

Where is your perfect place to enjoy a great cup of coffee?
Share your favorite kissaten or café experiences and let us know your go-to coffee spot in the comments!