The Story
Leaves Coffee Roasters is the creation of Yasuo Ishii, a former professional boxer whose path to coffee began with a career-ending injury at age 19 . Born in Fukagawa, Koto Ward, Tokyo, Ishii spent nearly two decades in the restaurant business before a gifted bag of specialty coffee beans in 2010 opened a door to an entirely new world . That single bag sparked an obsession that would lead him to teach himself everything about brewing and roasting, eventually channeling the same discipline and intensity that defined his boxing career into the craft of coffee.
In 2016, Ishii opened Leaves Coffee Apartment, a small coffee stand in the working-class neighborhood of Kuramae, near the traditional Asakusa district . The stand quickly attracted not only coffee lovers but also local craftsmen and artisans who recognized a kindred spirit in Ishii’s hands-on approach . By January 2019, he had opened a dedicated roastery, equipping it with a vintage 1950s Probat UG-15 alongside a modern Stronghold S7X, giving him the flexibility to pursue both classic and cutting-edge roasting techniques.
The name “Leaves” carries a quiet philosophy about finding purpose in things often overlooked, much like the leaves of a coffee plant that are essential but rarely celebrated . Ishii’s intensity and self-taught mastery earned Leaves Coffee a nomination for Sprudge’s Notable Roaster award in 2021, making it the first Asian roastery to receive that recognition . He has also earned first place in the Tokyo Roasters Competition and third nationally in Japan, and continues to pursue his goal of becoming a world roasting champion.
Sourcing & Relationships
Ishii’s sourcing reflects a deep personal connection to the origins he buys from, with Colombia holding a special place in his heart . He is drawn to the diversity of character across Colombian regions, with Quindio near the Andes being a particular favorite for its producers’ willingness to experiment with new and innovative fermentation processes . This passion for Colombian coffee gives Leaves a distinctive identity in a Tokyo scene more commonly associated with Ethiopian and Kenyan offerings.
Beyond Colombia, Ishii sources carefully from Ethiopia and Kenya, selecting lots that align with his focus on sweetness and aromatic complexity . Every bean that passes through the roastery is chosen for its potential to express clean, balanced flavors under light roasting . The sourcing is intentionally limited in scope, allowing Ishii to develop genuine knowledge of each origin and maintain the quality standard that has earned Leaves its growing reputation.
Roasting Philosophy
Leaves Coffee is defined by light roasting with a singular focus on sweetness and aroma . Ishii aims to create what he describes as a clean “drink” with a pleasant balance of acidity and sweetness, maximizing the potential of the raw ingredients rather than imposing a heavy roast character . The combination of the vintage Probat UG-15 and the Stronghold S7X allows him to apply different heat profiles depending on the bean, using the Probat’s classic drum characteristics for certain lots and the Stronghold’s precise digital controls for others.
The roasting approach at Leaves reflects the same relentless self-improvement that drove Ishii’s boxing career . He is constantly refining his profiles, competing in national and international roasting competitions not just for recognition but as a way to push his craft forward . The result is coffee that consistently delivers bright, fruit-forward acidity, floral aromatics, and a sweetness that lingers without heaviness.
What to Try
Ethiopian offerings at Leaves are consistently outstanding, with the Ethiopia Tuke being a standout selection that showcases the roastery’s ability to bring out delicate floral and citrus notes . Colombian single origins rotate frequently and are where Ishii’s personal passion shines brightest, often featuring experimental processing methods that yield complex, layered cups with tropical fruit and fermented sweetness . The house blend rounds out the menu as an approachable daily drinker that still carries the signature Leaves clarity.
The Kuramae roastery is worth visiting for the experience alone, set in a neighborhood full of artisan workshops and small-batch makers that share Ishii’s ethos of craft and dedication . Leaves ships throughout Japan and has built a following among international coffee enthusiasts through partnerships with distributors abroad . For those who want a regular connection to Ishii’s evolving selections, the roastery offers online ordering through their website with seasonal rotations that reflect his latest sourcing discoveries.