© Takumi Ota

If you ask us, this is a downright novelty in Tokyo. We’re talking the upcoming opening of dotcom space, a specialty coffee parlour infused with relevant hi-tech in Harajuku, situated just a stone’s throw away from Harajuku Station. Sure, there’s no shortage of cool design-led spaces where to enjoy good coffee, but as far as we know, it’s the first time a Chinese chain has opened up shop in the Land of the Rising Sun. Founded by Beijing-based entrepreneur Tony Jiang who runs dotcom, a product design company and consultancy in the food and design segment, but also a steadily growing chain of advanced coffee parlours. Called dotcom space, these include cafés and bakeries, and outposts can already be found in BeijingSan Francisco, and now dotcom space Tokyo has opened its doors in the Japanese capital. The interior design is created by Tokyo-based architect and designer Keiji Ashizawa, and sees an uncluttered, whitewashed space with an L-shaped service counter clad in untreated timber, and directly opposite, an elongated table with benches, and lining the wall, smaller seating arrangements with benches, stools and small round tables, either sourced from Ashizawa’s furniture collection or custom-made. A secluded patio near the entrance, landscaped in a matching minimalist style by Tomoya Hashiuchi, offers outdoor seating when weather permits. The service counter is equipped with dotcom‘s nifty hand drip machine which is actually capable of reproducing more accurate vibrations than the human arm, and thus achieve a superior coffee extraction. Additionally, the machine equally dispenses milk in millilitre units while keeping it fresh along the way. The dotcom space Tokyo menu lists a selection of coffees from artisanal roasteries, such as Fuglen and Philocoffee. The dotcom space Tokyo venue will officially open its doors on Fri – Mar 15.

dotcom space
1-19-19-B1 Jingumae (Harajuku)
Tokyo 150-0001
Telephone: +81 3 67211963
Daily 9-9

© Takumi Ota