KNOWS COFFEE (ノーズコーヒー), a new café brand inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of Hawaiian sunsets, opened its first location on March 18, 2026, at Aeon Mall Tsudanuma South in Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture. The opening drew a long queue from the moment the doors opened, with the store filled with eager visitors throughout the day.
Thriving Before Japan Launch: Pop-Up in Kailua, Hawaii
Even before the Japanese debut, KNOWS COFFEE proved its appeal overseas. Starting in early February, the brand ran a pop-up at Manoa Chocolate Kailua Store — a well-known chocolate shop in Kailua, Hawaii — where part of the space was transformed to showcase the KNOWS COFFEE concept. The pop-up has been attracting a steady stream of local customers who praised both the brand's atmosphere and the quality of its coffee.
The Story Behind the Brand: A Chance Meeting in a Kona Coffee Farm
The origins of KNOWS COFFEE trace back to a meeting between the representative and Douglas McCarna, a Kona coffee farmer in Hawaii. Moved by Douglas's deep passion for coffee farming and his dedication to the land, the representative resolved to bring this exceptional cup to Japan — and that conviction became the driving force behind the brand.
What sets Douglas's coffee apart is that he works with both the standard "Washed Process" and the more technically demanding "Washed Process", the majority of commercially distributed beans are processed using the Washed Process, where the fruit is removed before fermentation. In contrast, the Natural Process leaves the fruit intact during fermentation, drawing out fruity aromas and a deeper flavor profile. Because the Natural Process requires a longer drying period and more careful fermentation management, it is rarely seen outside specialty circles. The result is that cafés offering Kona coffee through both processing methods simultaneously are exceptionally rare in Japan.
Kona Coffee Menu at KNOWS COFFEE
At KNOWS COFFEE, 100% Hawaii Kona coffee sourced from Douglas McCarna's farm is prepared individually by hand drip for each order. Both the Natural Process and the Washed Process are available, making this one of very few places in Japan where visitors can compare the two side by side.
Kona Coffee Menu
Kona Natural — Hot/Iced ¥850
100% Hawaii Kona beans processed using the Natural method. Expect a fruity character with a clean, floral sweetness.
Kona Washed — Hot/Iced ¥850
100% Hawaii Kona beans processed using the Washed method. Features a refined acidity, a rich, full body, and a clean finish.
Please note that each cup is brewed to order by hand drip, so some wait time is expected after placing your order.
About KNOWS COFFEE
Built around the concept of "the nearest sunset," KNOWS COFFEE aims to bring a sense of calm reminiscent of a Hawaiian sunset into everyday life. The brand name "KNOWS" reflects a commitment to understanding each customer's mood — knowing what makes for a "Good Day, Good Vibes" — and responding with warm, attentive hospitality.
The store interior is designed with warm wood tones and soft, sunset-like hues. In addition to the signature Kona coffee available in two processing styles, the menu also features pancakes freshly made one by one at a live "Pancake Bar."
Store Information
Store Name: KNOWS COFFEE Aeon Mall Tsudanuma South
Address: 2F, Aeon Mall Tsudanuma South, 1-10-30 Tsudanuma, Narashino City, Chiba 275-0016
Access: Direct connection from Shin-Tsudanuma Station (Keisei Matsudo Line); 7-minute walk from Tsudanuma Station (JR Sobu Line)
Hours: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
Closed: No regular closing days (follows Aeon Mall Tsudanuma South schedule)
Seats: 55
Parking: Available
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowscoffee/
