PHILOCOFFEA Omotesando Store: Coffee by a World Brewers Cup Champion

Tetsu Kasuya: World Brewers Cup Champion 2016

Picture courtesy of PHILOCOFFEA

Tetsu Kasuya is the first Japanese barista to win the World Brewers Cup Championship, causing a huge sensation in the global coffee community.

What is most surprising is that, although he didn't start his career particularly early, he rose to the top of the world in just three short years thanks to his unmatched passion and dedication.

Picture courtesy of PHILOCOFFEA

Many coffee enthusiasts are probably familiar with the term "4:6 Pour-Over Method," which is the signature brewing technique created by Tetsu Kasuya during the competition. This method is simple and easy to understand, allowing even beginners to effortlessly brew impressive coffee.

Through this practical and logical brewing approach, he has not only brought technological innovation to the coffee world but also made home-brewed coffee more accessible.

I have personally seen baristas in several cafes in Ho Chi Minh City and Taipei skillfully using this brewing formula, which truly demonstrates the profound influence of Tetsu Kasuya.

Aside from his status as a coffee champion, Tetsu Kasuya shoulders many other roles.

His YouTube channel has attracted over 150,000 subscribers to date, where he shares exquisite pour-over techniques, flavor reviews of convenience store iced coffee, and insights into branding and business management in an accessible way.

Even more impressively, in 2025, he co-developed a brand-new instant grinding coffee machine with FamilyMart Japan, which perfectly replicates his pour-over method. Starting from June 2025, all FamilyMart stores across Japan will introduce this groundbreaking device, allowing everyone to enjoy top-quality coffee quickly and conveniently.

PHILOCOFFEA Omotesando Store: Showcasing the Charm of Coffee from Tokyo to the World

If you take a close look at the PHILOCOFFEA logo, you'll notice a messenger bird. It symbolizes the team's vision: like a messenger, conveying a special coffee experience from Japan to the world, sharing the happiness that coffee brings with more people.

PHILOCOFFEA has already established three locations in Chiba, and now, after much anticipation, they have finally opened their first branch in Omotesando, Tokyo. This aims to communicate the brand philosophy to people from all over the world, especially in this trendsetting area of Tokyo.

A Dedicated Team of Professional Baristas

Although the Omotesando branch primarily focuses on takeout, the team’s attentive care for customers remains unchanged.

They value every conversation with their patrons, whether it’s curiosity about the origins of coffee beans or questions on how to brew coffee to suit individual tastes, providing professional answers directly.

The PHILOCOFFEA team strongly encourages each member to propose new ideas, explore, and implement them during meetings. This kind of work environment makes each store not just a workplace, but also a platform for mutual growth.

For baristas who dream of participating in coffee competitions, Tetsu Kasuya personally mentors them, helping them to break through their limits and move toward higher goals.

Our Recommended Coffee Beverages

Picture courtesy of PHILOCOFFEA

When visiting the PHILOCOFFEA Omotesando store, don't miss out on the exclusive "Tokyo Blend 011" coffee beans, the must-try choice for your journey.

This light roast blend is periodically rebalanced by adjusting the origin proportions of the beans, perfectly reflecting Tokyo's ever-evolving spirit of innovation.

The author sampled a blend made from coffee beans selected from Colombia and Ethiopia. The mellow fruity aroma combined with a refreshing acidity made every sip feel like a mini journey.

The milk aroma in the iced latte created a wonderful balance with the coffee’s sweet and sour notes, leaving a delightful lingering taste.

As for the pour-over iced coffee, it offers a subtle sweetness upon first sip, feeling fresh and relaxed, becoming smoother and more enjoyable the more you drink.

It is worth mentioning that each type of coffee bean at PHILOCOFFEA has a unique serial number.

Beans starting with 0 are the brand’s essential classics, such as signature blends and decaffeinated coffee. Those beginning with even numbers are distinctive single-origin beans that add vibrant colors and surprises to everyday life. Odd-numbered beans represent top-tier, award-winning specialty beans, offering a rare taste of the brand’s pursuit of excellence.

Moreover, Tetsu Kasuya personally selects recommended varieties displayed in the store, as if sharing his experience and warmth silently with customers, creating an unspoken connection.

Original Intent and Dreams: An Exclusive Interview with Tetsu Kasuya

When we had the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Tetsu Kasuya, his smile and words revealed that he is not only a highly skilled barista but also a warm and genuine dreamer.

Miho: You developed an interest in coffee during your hospitalization due to illness. Could you tell us what motivated you to decisively switch careers into the coffee industry and how this moment changed your life?

Tetsu Kasuya: After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, I immediately volunteered to work in the disaster-affected areas. That period made me realize that life is limited, and death is closer than we think. The following year, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. My reaction at the time was that this is not a death sentence; I can still live well. Coincidentally, during my hospital stay, I started learning how to pour-over coffee myself. I never expected that this first cup of coffee would change my life forever. Since life is only once, I certainly want to do what I love!

Miho: As Japan's prices gradually increase, a single cup of coffee in Tokyo now commonly costs between 700 and 1,000 yen. Compared to other Asian cities like Taipei, Seoul, and Ho Chi Minh City, where customers can enjoy more space and time at coffee shops, what are your thoughts on this market trend?

Tetsu Kasuya: The high cost of labor and rent in Tokyo directly drives up coffee prices. However, we try to compensate for this by providing added value. For example, when customers buy coffee at PHILOCOFFEA, they don’t just receive a drink; they also have the opportunity to seek personalized advice and guidance from professional baristas. We place great importance on the interactive experience between customers and coffee, and that is at the core of our values.

Miho: The "4:6 method" has had a profound influence on the global coffee scene since it was made public. As an influential barista, what are the challenges or initiatives you want to pursue or promote next?

Tetsu Kasuya: I believe people cannot live without dreams. I hope to establish a comprehensive coffee enterprise system that not only improves the wages of employees and enhances the professional status of baristas but also allows more people to find happiness and growth through coffee.

Miho: For coffee enthusiasts from around the world or those who have yet to visit PHILOCOFFEA, is there a message you'd like to share?

Tetsu Kasuya: No matter whether you like coffee or not, I hope this place can become a recommended destination everyone talks about—that if you come to Japan, you must visit this shop. Perhaps here, you'll rediscover coffee, or even redefine its place in your heart.

Conclusion

From the stage of competitions to everyday life, Tetsu Kasuya transforms brewing coffee into an intercultural exchange through his sincere passion and tireless spirit. As a continuation of this dream, PHILOCOFFEA quietly conveys professionalism and warmth.

Whether you're here to experience Tokyo's trendsetting scene or simply want a great cup of coffee, you are always welcome.

PHILOCOFFEA Omotesando Store

GREEN TERRACE Omotesando B1F, 3-8-15 Kitaaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-...

PHILOCOFFEA Omotesando store is the first shop opened in Tokyo by world hand-drip champion Kasuya Tetsu. Although our stores mainly use takeout, we value interaction with baristas and propose the best coffee beans and brewing methods to suit the taste preferences of our customers. The store offers a limited edition light roast blend called "Tokyo Blend 011," and the bean production area and mix ratio are changed regularly, constantly expressing a new Tokyo feel. Kasuya Tetsu himself is also involved in staff training and offers an experience that brings happiness through coffee. This is a recommended restaurant for coffee lovers as well as first-time customers.

In cooperation with PHILOCOFFEA Omotesando Store