[Tenmacho, Nagoya] Kissa space is New but somewhat Nostalgic

“Kissa space” opened in Tenmacho, Atsuta Ward on June 8, 2020. A newly renovated coffee shop that has been in this location for 32 years, it is a shop that combines the retro atmosphere and newness that can only be found in a pure coffee shop. Kissa space offers a wide variety of beverages such as coffee and cream soda, as well as a tempting food menu.

The location is about a 4-minute walk from Tenmacho Station on the Meijo Subway Line. It is located on the 1st floor of a housing complex in front of the Uchidabashi intersection.

When you enter the store, the unfinished concrete creates a stylish atmosphere. It looks like a cafe, but the warm lights and deep interior make you feel nostalgic.

The concept is a fusion of retro and modern

Owner Makoto Wagata and his wife

The owner, Makoto Wagata, hails from the Showa retro café "Kissa Zomeshi" in Kameshima, Nagoya (the second branch of the popular shop Zomeshiya in Nishio City). Mr. Wawagata, who has always liked coffee shops, got a job related to apparel after graduating from university, but changed his career. His experience working at Kissa Zomeshi inspired him to open a shop.

Mr. Wagata:“At Kissa Zomeshi, I learned about the joy of working. I was fascinated by the ways of doing things that are not limited to cafes, such as mobile sales and event stalls, and I learned a lot. It was an opportunity for me to become more deeply absorbed in the world, and I wanted to have my own shop.”

–How did you open Kissa space?

Mr. Wagata:"I was introduced to this property in January 2020. When I learned that Coffee Aizawa, which had been operating here, would close its store in March and leave it vacant, I saw this property, thought it looked nice, and decided immediately. For the next two months, we had the interior work done at a rapid pace, and with the help of many people, we were able to open the shop."

– Please tell us what you are particular about at the store.

Mr. Wawagata: "We asked sproof in Toyokawa to design the store. The exterior has not changed much, but the interior has been updated while making the most of what was used at the time. It's an old one. I wanted to keep it, so I blended the new and the old to create a calm atmosphere as much as possible.”

There is only one game table in the store. Mr. Wagata inherited the table which was used in the previous store.

The remains of a telephone room from that time remained next to the cash register. It was not in use when Mr. Wagata previewed it. Was it used in the past for meeting people? You can immerse yourself in a nostalgic feeling.

The glass wall is from that time and has the shop's logo.

– Where did the store name come from?

Mr. Wagata:"Space means a 'free space'. I named it space because I wanted it to be an infinite space where you can do anything, such as music and flower classes, not just a coffee shop space."

“I want to make this a place where everyone can relax and be loved for a long time. I like clothes and flowers, so I want to work together in this café space.”