"Seeing a Heart in My Latte Changed Everything"... After 20 Years of Schizophrenic Isolation, Daiki Kawanabe Becomes a Healing Cafe Owner [Japan Insight]

Cafe Kotsori in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture
Overcoming 20 Years of Social Withdrawal to Become a Cafe Owner
All Staff Have Experienced Seclusion... Gaining Attention as a "Healing Cafe"

Interest in issues of social isolation and seclusion is growing in South Korea as well. In Japan, the problem of socially withdrawn individuals?referred to as "hikikomori"?emerged earlier than in South Korea. Recently, a cafe in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, founded by a former hikikomori, has drawn significant attention in Japan. The founder decided to start the business to share his journey of overcoming seclusion. Today, we share the story of Daiki Kawanabe, who opened "Cafe Kotsori (こっそり)."

Mr. Kawanae making latte art. Daiki Kawanae Instagram.

A short while ago, NHK aired a report introducing Kawanabe's unique cafe. Kawanabe recounted that he was ostracized after having an argument with friends in elementary school. This childhood memory led him to close himself off and struggle to socialize. Even as a university student, he tried to overcome his social anxiety by joining clubs, but he felt a sense of self-loathing due to his inability to form relationships there as well. Eventually, he decided, "I don't want to meet anyone," and shut himself in at home, thus beginning his life of seclusion. Later, he developed schizophrenia, which led to complete disconnection from the outside world. He believed he would never be able to work in the service industry. Kawanabe says his social withdrawal lasted for more than 20 years.

Latte art requested by a guest who came to open their heart to Mr. Kawanabe. Daiki Kawanabe Instagram.

At one point, Kawanabe's parents, wondering how they could help heal his wounds, decided to take him to a nearby cafe, hoping it might give him a reason to go outside. There, he encountered latte art for the first time. Seeing a small heart drawn on the latte he ordered brought him immense comfort. In an interview with NHK, Kawanabe said, "At the time, I was suffering from loneliness, but such gentle hospitality warmed my heart." This experience inspired him to create a cafe where people struggling with worries could find comfort. He began learning latte art and, with the support of a self-reliance community, worked to overcome his social anxiety. After much effort, he gained three years of experience working part-time at a cafe.

Eventually, together with another member of the self-reliance center, he opened a cafe, taking on the roles of manager and assistant manager. They created a space where even those suffering from mental illness or emotional distress could talk freely without pressure. Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, where the cafe is located, is known for its many Instagram-worthy cafes, but Cafe Kotsori has gained a reputation as a healing cafe. The name "Kotsori (こっそり)" means "stealthily" or "quietly" in Japanese, reflecting Kawanabe's own struggles with approaching others.

Exterior view of Cafe Kotsori. The sign reads, "When a hikikomori sincerely faced my heart, a social contribution store like this was born." NHK.

This cafe features a special menu board. All the staff, including Kawanabe, have experienced emotional struggles. Each staff member shares their symptoms and the journey that led them to become socially withdrawn. By explaining their experiences, the staff help bridge the gap between themselves and the customers. Through Kawanabe's specialty, latte art, they initiate conversations and encourage guests to open up about their concerns.

Thanks to this concept, the cafe has become a place where people can confide in and talk about their worries. The number of regular customers has increased, and many people now visit not only for themselves but also to share the concerns of their loved ones. For example, a mother of a child with developmental disabilities once asked, "My child has difficulty making friends. If I get involved, he immediately tells me to stop bothering him. What can I do?" Kawanabe responded, "Rather than giving advice, it's more important to create a place where he feels safe," sharing insights drawn from his own experience. In South Korea, various measures such as work experience programs are also being implemented to support isolated and withdrawn youth. While policies are important, communities where people can rely on one another can serve as another crucial support system.