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Coffee, Outdoor Products, & Designer Apartments – a New Concept Community Space Has Opened in Katsushika City's Kanamachi!
On March 1, 2025, a facility combining a café, select shop, and rental apartments opened in Kanamachi, Katsushika City, at the border of Tokyo, Chiba, and Saitama.
On the 1st and 2nd floors, there is a roasting house and café space for "Bicycle Coffee Tokyo" from Oakland, California, and a directly managed store by Sunwest called "SUNWEST STORE." From the 3rd floor up, the space is occupied by the rental housing called "Layover Kanamachi."
We spoke in detail about this new community space with Daisuke Shimizu from SUNWEST PR and store manager Tasuku Sato.
Coffee Brewed with the Same Atmosphere as Oakland
First, let's introduce the café, which has a large space on the 1st floor. What kind of shop is Bicycle Coffee Tokyo? We asked PR representative Shimizu."Bicycle Coffee was born in 2009 in Oakland, California. The concept came from sourcing organic coffee beans through fair trade, roasting them ourselves, and delivering to partners using bicycles to minimize environmental impact, which led to the name Bicycle Coffee.
"During our time together with them, we resonated with their goals and philosophy and became the first partner of Bicycle Coffee in 2013, launching Bicycle Coffee Tokyo.
"We use only the highest quality organic coffee traded through fair trade and roast the green beans following the same roasting profile in both Oakland and Tokyo, allowing us to provide fresh coffee that tastes the same even in distant locations. The design of our store is also created to maintain the same atmosphere as the stores in Oakland."
The Appeal of the Brand Showcased at SUNWEST STORE
Next, let's introduce the directly managed store, SUNWEST STORE. The store features products from brands like "MiiR" known for their tumblers and bottles starting from Seattle, and the emerging bag brand "EVERGOODS" from Montana, along with Canada’s technical apparel brand "7MESH" and more, offering various North American brands.Now, let's hear more from store manager Sato.
"All the brands featured in this store are represented by our company in Japan, so spreading their glamour domestically is also an important task. SUNWEST STORE is not just a select shop but also a place to showcase the glamour of the brands we carry.
"I would like to start by introducing brands and recommended items. First up is MiiR, a drinkware brand. MiiR is not just about creating and selling products; they implement various support projects around the world, donating 3% of their revenue.
"Furthermore, each product comes with a ‘Give Code,’ a tracking code that allows the purchaser to verify how their product contributed to specific projects. They actively collaborate with companies and brands that resonate with this concept through logo placements.
"One of the staple items is the ‘Wide Mouth Bottle.’ I think it's a versatile model for both office and activities. It features a vacuum-insulated structure that keeps contents warm or cold for about six hours. This model is 20oz (591ml) but is available in three sizes."
"Next, I would like to introduce ‘EVERGOODS’ bags. This brand originates from Bozeman, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park, connecting urban life with nature.
"EVERGOODS is divided into categories like ‘CIVIC EQUIPMENT’ for urban use and ‘MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT,’ which includes items designed for outdoor activities, making it a brand that can be used in both city and nature."
"Furthermore, I would like you to take a look at items from 7mesh, a technical apparel brand that was born in the town of Squamish in North Vancouver, Canada. It is said that Squamish has a vibrant environment with its town, mountains, and oceans all together.
"The founder of 7mesh is well-versed in outdoor activities, so the brand offers a range of items that are not only suitable as cycle apparel but also comfortable for outdoor use.
"In addition, this is a unique initiative exclusive to Japan, where we are organizing a fitting event at SUNWEST STORE, similar to a bike test ride. Customers can try on 7mesh clothing and actually ride bicycles to experience the functionality and comfort. (Reservation required)."
At SUNWEST STORE, we also offer functional socks made from merino wool, branded as "Point6," and hammocks from the North Carolina brand "ENO" among others, spreading their charm across the country just like other brands.
Designer Properties Themed Around a Bicycle Lifestyle
Finally, let’s have Shimizu introduce the rental space on the 3rd floor, called Layover Kanamachi. It is a designer property specifically tailored for single residents, particularly those who ride bikes."The first consideration is to accommodate bicycles in the room, which is reflected in the unique design starting from the elevator. It has depth and allows for entry and exit without having to turn the bicycle around since the entrance on one side leads straight out on the opposite side.
"The entrance features a spacious Doma area for bike parking, and the interior comes with a wood-style loft design. Shared spaces on the 4th and 5th floors can also be utilized, and there's a coworking space exclusively for residents on the 2nd floor. Additionally, residents can enjoy a delicious cup of Bicycle Coffee Tokyo's coffee every morning.
"Since Kanamachi has few tall buildings around, it offers a great view, with Mount Fuji being visible on clear days. This Layover Kanamachi targets single residents and DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) who are considering homeownership in the future, and I hope they can leisurely contemplate their future visions in this room."
The refined coffee from Bicycle Coffee Tokyo, unique items filled with features and gimmicks at SUNWEST STORE, and stylish living provided by Layover Kanamachi.
This space, which has emerged as a new form of living and lifestyle, will surely offer new perspectives both to its residents and visitors.
PROFILE
Left: Daisuke Shimizu; Right: Tasuku Sato
Daisuke Shimizu
PR at SUNWEST
Joined as a staff member at Bicycle Coffee Tokyo in 2016.
Currently, he serves as PR and the head of the EC division, while also being responsible for coffee bean roasting and bicycle delivery services.
Tasuku Sato
Store Manager at SUNWEST
Joined as an part-time staff member at ARC'TERYX TOKYO GINZA in 2012 and is currently the store manager there. He has also taken on the role of manager at Sunwest Store since March 2025. His hobbies include mountain climbing and traveling.
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