MURATA SHOKAI

Japanese Nostalgic “Kissaten” and Nishiogi Antiques Make a Perfect Match
[published January 2020]

Opened in 2019, Murata Shokai cafe opened in 2019 in Nishi-Ogikubo at the same place of a cafe called “Pot” which was in business for 40 years. Now closed, Murata Shokai has followed in its footsteps, becoming one of the popular cafes in the area.

This café is very unique and so “Nishiogi”: aside from being able to drink a cup of coffee in a nostalgic “kissaten” (coffee shop) atmosphere, used furniture and kitchenware from the predecessor Pot are also sold here.

As for the coffee, the owner considered which the coffee would be appropriate for this “old time style cafe”, so he decided on a local Aroma Coffee beans seller in Nishi-Ogikubo. The coffee made from these beans produces a well-balanced flavour loved by customers

Additionally, cream soda floats are a highly popular item, even in the winter. This ice cream soda is a traditional “retro cafe style” flavoured and colour, so many people are likely to order this refreshing nostalgic drink to go back their childhood

Napolitano spaghetti and udon, which is tomato ketchup flavoured, is an authentic “Japanese Showa-retro” style. Having loved retro cafe food, the owner has had an interest in such food and created his own version.

Aside from the retro menu, the most unique point about Murata Shokai is that you can buy kitchenware here that the owner has made available for sale after taking over the shop from the previous owner. He says he is happy to have people shop around when they come for a cup of coffee or even just come by for the kitchenware. Check their website to see what’s available.

So, stop by, relax, have a cup or two, and maybe even buy a cup or two!

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