Since Shinya Furue’s 2023 Canadian AeroPress Championship win, Hiyori has grown from local pop-ups and online releases to the recent opening of its first permanent café in Vancouver! We chatted with Shinya to hear all about the vision for Hiyori Coffee!

What is the meaning behind the name “Hiyori”?

“Hiyori” is a Japanese word that can describe a perfect day or ideal weather for doing something. For us, it represents creating the right moment and environment to enjoy coffee.

With a first location officially on the horizon in Vancouver, it feels like a new chapter for Hiyori. Can you take us back to how Hiyori began?

Hiyori began with coffee research, workshops, and a roasting project that grew after winning the Canadian AeroPress Championship in 2023. Through pop-ups and online sales, we continued sharing coffee with the community. Over time, the idea of creating a place where people could slow down and experience coffee more thoughtfully naturally led to opening a café.

Can you tell us about your personal journey into specialty coffee?

My journey into coffee began when I went to Perth, Australia, and got a job at a café. While working in several cafés there, I learned the fundamentals of coffee. After returning to Japan, I began teaching myself to roast, which eventually led me into the world of specialty coffee. I became fascinated by the craftsmanship and depth behind a single cup of coffee. Through participation in competitions, my interest in both brewing and roasting continued to grow.

How would you describe the philosophy of Hiyori?

At a broader level, our goal is to contribute to the development of specialty coffee culture in Vancouver. We want to create a quiet space where people can slow down and explore coffee more deeply. From green selection, to roasting and brewing, we believe coffee can be thoughtfully designed. Through that process, each cup becomes more than just a drink—it becomes an experience that offers a new perspective on coffee.