International coffee brands expand presence in Tokyo and Kobe

New international coffee brands are expanding their presence in Japan, focusing on high cost-performance and specialty offerings.

In Tokyo, the South Korean specialty coffee brand JM COFFEE has opened its first overseas flagship store, JM Coffee Ginza Lounge, at the Yurakucho Itocia building. The cafe offers takeout options starting from 250 yen for an Americano, positioning itself as a budget-friendly alternative for commuters and locals.

In Kobe, the Chinese coffee chain Cotti Coffee has opened its first location in Hyogo Prefecture at the Motomachi Shopping Street. Cotti Coffee is a major global player with over 18,000 stores across 33 countries. The new Kobe branch features two floors, Wi-Fi, and charging stations, offering promotional sets such as coffee paired with egg tarts or pancakes for 440 yen.