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“Orange Cat” where you can enjoy the world of Haruki Murakami

Representative employee of Orange Cat LLC
Lin Lechi, 3rd year, School of Political Science and Economics

*Student affiliation and year of study are as of the time of the interview in 2023.

At the cafe "Orange Cat" The Waseda International House of Literature Waseda Campus.
Holding a bag of ``Library Blend'' jointly developed with specialty coffee shop ``Horiguchi Coffee''

--Please tell us about the Waseda University The Waseda International House of Literature (here after  The Waseda International House of Literature), where "Orange Cat" is located.

The Waseda International House of Literature is a museum opening in October 2021 where you can view valuable materials deposited and donated by novelist and translator Haruki Murakami (1975 graduate School of Letters, Arts and Sciences I) and listen to records. Orange Cat is on the first basement floor.

Photo left: You can enter Orange Cat directly from the entrance on the side of Building No. 3. The signboard is a landmark
Photo right: The building was designed by architect Kengo Kuma (University Professor at Waseda University). The interior of the building is based on white, and is unified with an interior that makes use of wood to give a sense of warmth.

--How was Orange Cat created?

Hayashi is a founding member of Orange Cat. "I also worked part-time at a cafe during high school. I was drawn to the idea of being able to be involved in running a cafe, so I applied to become an operating member."

Haruki Murakami and his wife, who ran a jazz cafe called "Peter Cat" during their university days, opened Orange Cat together with The Waseda International House of Literature based on their desire to "want modern university students to also run cafes."

The concept is "making the extraordinary into the everyday." I work every day to run the cafe, hoping that people can enjoy a special time and space in keeping with the quiet and sophisticated worldview of The Waseda International House of Literature.

--Please tell us about your work as a management member.

In addition to customer service, my duties include developing new menus, planning and managing seasonal events and collaboration events with various student club, and PR activities.

The most memorable event was a collaboration event with a music student club. Two months after we opened, we held a Christmas concert. There were a lot of people in attendance, and I also like music, so I really enjoyed it.

A concert will be held on December 16, 2021 where you can enjoy live music from music student club and other groups. Starting this spring, we plan to hold monthly events.

――On the other hand, have you ever faced any difficulties in managing the company?

In the third month of opening, sales dropped significantly. We believed that the cause was that it was located on the outskirts of campus, and we took measures to increase the store's visibility. Specifically, I tried everything I could think of, such as handing out flyers on campus and setting up signboards.

It was an event that made me keenly aware of the need to not only focus on fun activities such as store sales and events, but also to put a lot of effort into PR.

--What kind of people are currently using Orange Cat?

Counter seats where you can feel the warmth

The audience includes not only students but also local residents and visitors to the Waseda International House of Literature. It changes depending on the time of year, as there are many students during class periods, but the best seats available all year round are before lunch and around 4:00 pm.

Most of the students come with their friends. It makes me so happy to think that my circle of friends is expanding with Orange Cat. Also, since there are plenty of counter seats, it is common to see students studying alone.

--Spring is the season when opportunities for interaction increase. Please tell me how to use the recommended shops.

As a management member, I would like to see more students come. If you find someone you think you'd like to get along with or talk to, try using this as an excuse to invite them by saying, ``I heard there's a cafe on campus, so would you like to go out with them?'' I'm sure you'll be so comfortable that you'll lose track of time and become engrossed in the conversation.

Recommended by Hayashi! "Cod roe(tarako) spaghetti" and "mojito coffee"

Tarako spaghetti (900 yen) and mojito coffee (500 yen). Mojito coffee is an original Orange Cat drink invented by Mr. Hayashi.

"Cod roe spaghetti" is a menu item inspired by Haruki Murakami's novel "The Adventures of Sheep". It's a simple dish made with cod roe and fresh cream, but since it uses a whole cod roe, it has a richer flavor than it looks. I think you will feel nostalgic, like eating at a restaurant that has been around for a long time. Personally, I love this dish so much that I could eat it every day and never get tired of it!

"Mojito Coffee" is an original non-alcoholic coffee cocktail. It uses mint syrup and carbonic acid, and has a refreshing mint flavor with a hint of sweetness. A refreshing coffee drink that is perfect for the upcoming season. Please try it once.

store information

[Store name] Orange Cat
【place】Waseda Campus The Waseda International House of Literature 1st basement floor
[TEL] 03-5286-1257
【business hours】10:00-17:00 (Food last order 16:30, Drink last order 16:45)
[Closed] Wednesdays (same closing dates as The Waseda International House of Literature)
​​
[X]@wihl_cafe
[Instagram]@wihl_cafe
[YouTube]@-orangecat-1069

■We are currently looking for part-time workers at Orange Cat. We welcome people who love cafes, want to run one, want to plan an event, or just want to make friends! If you are interested, please check out our website.
■Live performances by music student club are held about four times a month. Details are posted on various SNS.

"Café Clio" boasts blended coffee devised by the Coffee Research Group

Officially recognized student club “Coffee Research Group”
Himari Sotokawa, 3rd year School of Culture, Media and Society

*Student affiliation and year of study are as of the time of the interview in 2023.

At the Café Clio in the Waseda Campus History Hall

--Please tell us about Waseda University History Museum (here after the History Museum), where "Café Clio" is located.

It opened in March 2018 as part of the university's mid- to long-term plan, Waseda Vision 150, to turn the campus itself into a museum. The History Museum is a museum that stimulates the intellectual curiosity of Waseda University students by disseminating information on the history of Waseda University since its founding and the people who have produced it. "Café Clio" is located on the first floor of the history museum. Another feature of the school is that all of the student staff who work part-time are members of the official coffee student club, the Coffee Research Group.

Photo left: Exterior of the historical museum. Building Building No. 1, where the history museum is located, is nearly 90 years old.
Photo right: Interior of Café Clio. The chic design and interior combine to provide a relaxing stay.

--What kind of student club is the Coffee Study Group?

Sotokawa is also the deputy secretary general of the Coffee Research Group. After being approached by a senior, he became a staff member at Café Clio last year.

Coffee Research Group is a long-established student club with a history of over 50 years. Of the more than 200 members, more than half are Waseda University students.

When it was decided to set up a cafe in the building, the Coffee Research Group approached us, and student club became involved in the operation. The staff has been passed down from generation to generation within student club, and there are currently 5 members.

--Please tell us about your fond memories of being a staff member at Café Clio.

Of course we are happy to have customers say ``delicious'' every day, but we were also able to hold events at Café Clio with many student club members.

In the past, the Coffee Study Group only carried out core activities with volunteers within student club, so there was a division between those who participated and those who did not. However, at Waseda Festival 2022, Coffee Research Group and Café Clio collaborated to open a limited cafe, and many members participated. At this time, each student club member was able to experience how to enjoy serving coffee to customers, and I think it also created a sense of unity within student club.

The limited edition cafe was a huge success with over 1,000 people visiting over two days. They offered original menu items such as cold brew coffee and soda made with cascara, which is dried coffee peel.

--Are there any times when seats are available? Also, what kind of users are there?

Sweets such as cookies are also available.

It gets a little crowded during lunch time right after it opens, so aim to go after the third period class. It's perfect not only for a late lunch, but also for reading or studying, as you can relax without worrying about the noise around you.

Recently, the number of people using it for meetings has increased. We also accept reservations over the phone, so please use it for gatherings with friends, student club meetings, and other purposes where you don't have to make loud noises.

--Please give a message to Waseda University students!

We carefully brew each cup with all our heart so that all our customers will find it delicious. Whether you're someone who usually drinks at convenience stores or chain stores, or someone who knows a lot about coffee and prefers to make their own hand-drip coffee, I think you'll find our coffee different from others. Enjoy the taste and aroma of the coffee, as well as the quiet atmosphere and atmosphere of the shop.

Recommended by Sotokawa! "Coffee Research Group Blend" and "Homemade Quiche"

Coffee Research Blend (550 yen) and homemade quiche. Pictured is the quiche set (1,280 yen) which includes homemade quiche, toast, salad, and drink.

"Coffee Research Group Blend" was created through trial and error by our senior students who attended the school in 2018. A total of 3 types of beans are blended, mainly from Brazil. Not only is it well-balanced, but you can also enjoy the richness, sweetness, and aroma. In order to fully bring out these characteristics, we have also devised ways to incorporate them. It's delicious even when it's cold, so you can enjoy the process of temperature changes.

"Homemade Quiche" is our signature dish, made with plenty of eggs and seasonal vegetables. The gentle taste of handmade food will make you feel happy every time you eat it. Also, the ingredients may change depending on the day. One way to enjoy it is to think, "What's in it today?"

store information

[Store name] Café Clio
[Location] Waseda Campus Building No. 1, Waseda University History Museum 1st floor
[TEL] 03-6278-9990
[Business hours] 12:00-16:00 (last order 15:45)
[Closed] Wednesdays and Sundays
【X】@clio_cafe
【Instagram】@waseda_cafeclio

(*) All prices in the article include tax and are current at the time of reporting.

List of other campus cafes

There are several other cafes scattered around the campus. We received comments from each staff member. All stores are looking forward to Waseda University students visiting, so please use them depending on the time and occasion! Please check each link for details such as business hours.

*The affiliation of the person in charge is as of the time of the interview in 2023.

Uni.Café125

"At Uni.Café 125, the greenery of Okuma Garden spreads out in front of you, and on sunny days, you can see many customers reading and chatting on the terrace.Many of the customers are international students, and there are many people speaking many languages. You can enjoy an international atmosphere." (Manager Ogawa)

Photo left: Uni.Shop 125, which sells Waseda University official goods, is attached.
Photo right: Recommended bagel sandwiches and chiffon cakes

Waseda Milk Hall

"We have a wide variety of breads, from savory breads to sweet breads that are perfect for a 3 o'clock snack. Enjoy some freshly brewed coffee with us! X also posts announcements about new products on Instagram, so be sure to check it out!" (Manager Li)

Business hours: 09:00-17:30
*Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Also, it will be closed during long holidays.

Photo left: Store on the 1st floor of Building No.31, Toyama Campus
Photo on the right: Our favorite is the melon bread (150 yen), which is fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. If you buy this, you will definitely get it. Bacon potato dogs are very popular among side dish breads.

Starbucks Coffee Waseda University Toyama Campus Store

"Please enjoy a Starbucks drink during breaks from class or between student club activities.The store's recommended customization is based on the Coffee Frappuccino®, with the addition of whipped cream, chocolate chips, white mocha syrup, and chocolate sauce. It's a dish that you can enjoy to the fullest.It's calm in the morning, so you can take your time." (Midorikawa Store Manager)

The store is located on the 2nd floor Waseda Arena Toyama Campus

Tully's Coffee Waseda University Science and Technology Store / Waseda University Research and Development Center Store

"Many people use the Waseda University School of Science and Technology by themselves, so if you want to study, we recommend studying in the quieter mornings or after the evening. On days when the weather is nice, you can also sit comfortably on the terrace!" (Manager Sekiya)

"The Waseda University Research and Development Center store has a relatively quiet environment, so it may be full from the morning during testing periods.It's also close to Waseda Campus, so please come and refresh yourself during free time or during lunch!" (Manager Arai)

Nishi-Waseda Campus Building No.55 Waseda University Science and Engineering Store on the 1st floor (left) and Building No. 121 Waseda University Research and Development Center Store on the 1st floor (right)

ROASTERY COFFEE Waseda store

"We provide not only delicious coffee, but also a comfortable space.It serves as a "third place" where you can spend your time meaningfully.It serves as a place for socializing with friends, and at other times, you can be alone. Please enjoy spending time in the open space as a place to relax and study." (Manager Makiie)

Opening hours: Cafe counter 10:30-18:00 (last order 17:30) / Food counter 11:30-15:00
*Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Also has summer and winter holidays.

Left: The store is located on the 3rd floor of Okuma Garden House Waseda Campus.
Photo on the right: Recommended items are the "Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wrap Sandwich" (normal price 350 yen, association price 300 yen) and "Cafe Latte" (normal price 410 yen, association price 350 yen). In addition to drinks, there is a wide variety of food options.