“To truly understand Japanese cuisine, it’s important to recognize the concept of shokunin. Defined as artisan, the true meaning of the word is deeper, akin to “the pursuit of perfection.” - Hunter Lu, Japanese Cuisine Guide: A Famous Food Culture that Still Surprises

This quote was the guiding principle for this project and trip to Japan. Understanding the concept of shokunin gave me a deeper appreciation of Japan and its culture. As I traveled through Japan, it became clear that this concept permeates beyond Japanese cuisine. The meticulously simple ways of life in Japan reflect that shokunin is prioritized in all facets of Japanese life.

The exposure to this philosophy brought me to value the diligence, quality, and simplicity prioritized throughout Japan. Because my project focused on cafe culture and coffee, I observed these through the lens of shokunin, which aided my understanding of the near-perfect quaintness of the coffee culture in Japan.