Student Revives 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 historic '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 atmosphere focused on immersive cultural experiences. The cafe features inherited vinyl records and vintage equipment, including a seasoned siphon from the previous era. This story highlights a growing trend of young entrepreneurs revitalizing traditional Japanese kissaten (coffee shops) by blending nostalgia with modern lifestyle preferences. The article emphasizes the continuity of community spaces and the preservation of jazz culture in urban settings. It serves as part of a serial feature recommending selected stores, illustrating how historical establishments can find new life through passionate younger generations who value analog experiences in a digital age.
Wire timeline
Student Revives 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 historic '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 atmosphere focused on immersive cultural experiences. The cafe features inherited vinyl records and vintage equipment, including a seasoned siphon from the previous era. This story highlights a growing trend of young entrepreneurs revitalizing traditional Japanese kissaten (coffee shops) by blending nostalgia with modern lifestyle preferences. The article emphasizes the continuity of community spaces and the preservation of jazz culture in urban settings. It serves as part of a serial feature recommending selected stores, illustrating how historical establishments can find new life through passionate younger generations who value analog experiences in a digital age.
asahi