Meet Tomoko. Based in Auckland, she and her husband, Hiroki, started Coffee Supreme Japan and have led the charge ever since. She describes her role as a volleyball libero, working mostly behind the scenes. From production coordination and marketing liaison to admin, online support and plenty in between, Tomoko makes sure the ball never drops. We’re proud to share a glimpse into her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what continues to drive and inspire her this International Women's Day.
Q: Hey Tomoko, first things first, what’s your coffee order
A: I’m a milk coffee person, so an iced latte in summer, flat white in winter. That’s my usual order.
Q: Can you tell us your Coffee Supreme story — how did you start here, and what’s your journey been like?
A: My Coffee Supreme story started in Auckland. My husband Hiroki, who is now the Managing Director of Coffee Supreme Japan, discovered a cafe called ’Good One’ in Ponsonby back then.
He fell in love with the space, brand and everything. And when he took me there, I was drawn too. It felt really welcoming, the staff were friendly, and the brand was very cool. After that, he said, “I want to bring this kind of coffee culture to Japan.” That idea became the start of everything. It took us around three years to convince the CEO at the time, but we kept talking, sharing the vision, and didn't give up. When it finally became real, and we started preparing for the launch in Japan, I naturally got involved as well. Helping wherever needed, from online and production control to coordination and marketing support. Since then, my journey has been about building bridges between New Zealand, Australia and Japan, and helping the team keep moving forward.
Q: What’s a moment in your Coffee Supreme journey that you’re most proud of?
A: It's definitely when we opened a Shibuya store.
We started something from scratch. Hiroki and I spent more than three years having conversations and building the case to get to the CEO at the time to say “yes.” After that, with help from many awesome people, within and outside Coffee Supreme, we were able to open the first Coffee Supreme store in Shibuya.
Neither of us came from a hospitality background, and we also had no experience with food importing, so we were learning everything as we went. Now we have our own roastery, so we roast coffee locally.
When I look at how much we’ve built over time, I feel very proud. I’m also thankful to everyone who helped us set up and continued to support us along the way.
Next year will be a big milestone. Coffee Supreme Japan will reach 10 years, and it makes me excited for what’s next.
Q: Has being in the coffee world shaped your view on career, community or creativity?
A: I grew up in Japan, so for me, coffee meant either kissaten (traditional coffee shops) or canned coffee. I thought coffee was something you drink quietly, often alone. But after I experienced cafe culture in New Zealand, and also saw more Western-style cafes in Japan, I noticed coffee can connect people. It's not only about serving a cup of coffee. It is also about designing a space and creating the atmosphere and conversations. It made me realise that coffee is actually a very creative job.
Q: What’s a challenge you’ve overcome or insight you’ve gained as a woman in this industry?
A: To be honest, I can’t think of anything specific. And I think that might be because Coffee Supreme is a great company to work for. It feels like a place where you can work without being treated differently because of gender.
Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
A: When I was growing up in Japan, I often heard a very old expectation around women, like women were there to serve tea, be young and smile, and then leave work after marriage. In many places, women weren’t expected to take on serious responsibility, and I grew up watching that kind of culture. And in my career as well, even though things had improved by the time I started working, I still didn’t see many women in leadership roles. I sometimes learned to stay quiet and not take up too much space. That’s why I really feel the change.
And personally, seeing the confidence and presence of women nowadays has been genuinely inspiring for me. It reminds me to appreciate the progress, and it makes me hope my children will grow up without bias, more options and fewer limits.
Q: Who inspires you, and why?
A: Inside Coffee Supreme, I’m inspired by many talented people we have. Musicians, designers, and people with different creative skills, alongside their work at Coffee Supreme. I really respect that energy to make things and create something new. Being around that kind of creativity has encouraged me too. I actually started pottery recently. Something I’ve wanted to try for a long time. My children are a bit older now, so I can finally find a little time (not much, to be honest!). Seeing people around me who keep creating has reminded me that it’s never too late to start something new.
Outside Coffee Supreme, I’m inspired by women who start their own businesses while raising children. I’m not talking about famous people, but women in my own circle. During the Coffee Supreme Japan launch, I learned how hard it is to build something new. Neither Hiroki nor I come from a hospitality background; our oldest child was still very little, and I was balancing a lot at once (I still do). It takes so much courage, time, and energy to start something. And the strength to keep going. That’s exactly why I admire and get inspired by women who build something by themselves, especially while parenting. Those women remind me to be brave and keep trying, too.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting in coffee or business today?
A: The coffee industry feels small and big at the same time, and coffee is really about connection. Even though we’re competitors, I feel there’s a strong culture of “Let’s grow together,” not “push others down.” It’s good to stay humble, keep improving what you do, be generous, and build good relationships.
Thanks so much, Tomoko. We raise our mugs to you today and every day.
