Student Revitalizes Historic Osaka Jazz Cafe as Underground Record Haven
In April 2026, Asahi Shimbun profiled Cafe Furugetsu in Osaka, a unique underground space dedicated to vinyl records and reading. The establishment was taken over in 2023 by Ryunosuke Kochi, who was then a 23-year-old university student. Responding to a post seeking a successor for the long-running 'Coffee House Mocha,' which had operated since 1974, Kochi instinctively decided to inherit the business. Upon graduating, he renamed the venue Cafe Furugetsu, preserving its legacy while introducing a new concept that blends coffee culture with an immersive auditory and literary experience. The cafe features inherited equipment, including a seasoned siphon from the previous era, and maintains a collection of records that define its atmosphere. This story highlights a growing trend of young entrepreneurs revitalizing traditional Japanese kissaten (coffee shops) by infusing them with contemporary cultural elements. The article serves as part of a collaborative series between Amakara Techo and Asahi Shimbun, recommending selected stores that offer distinct lifestyle experiences. It underscores the intersection of heritage preservation and modern youth culture in Osaka's dining and social scene.
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Student Revitalizes Historic Osaka Jazz Cafe as Underground Record Haven
In April 2026, Asahi Shimbun profiled Cafe Furugetsu in Osaka, a unique underground space dedicated to vinyl records and reading. The establishment was taken over in 2023 by Ryunosuke Kochi, who was then a 23-year-old university student. Responding to a post seeking a successor for the long-running 'Coffee House Mocha,' which had operated since 1974, Kochi instinctively decided to inherit the business. Upon graduating, he renamed the venue Cafe Furugetsu, preserving its legacy while introducing a new concept that blends coffee culture with an immersive auditory and literary experience. The cafe features inherited equipment, including a seasoned siphon from the previous era, and maintains a collection of records that define its atmosphere. This story highlights a growing trend of young entrepreneurs revitalizing traditional Japanese kissaten (coffee shops) by infusing them with contemporary cultural elements. The article serves as part of a collaborative series between Amakara Techo and Asahi Shimbun, recommending selected stores that offer distinct lifestyle experiences. It underscores the intersection of heritage preservation and modern youth culture in Osaka's dining and social scene.
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