It is said that coffee was introduced to Dejima in Nagasaki during the period of national isolation.
Drinking tea began in the Edo period, and European-style coffee shops began to open in the Meiji period. The number of shops that took on the role of artistic salons also increased.
Historically, art and cafes have had a deep connection, and in recent years there have been increasing efforts to enhance cafe spaces as a bridge between art museums and visitors.

So, in search of a place where I can enjoy art and a cafe, I head to the art museum cafe in Sasebo City.

If your heart is moved, take action

Sakagami brewing coffee in a corner of the store's kitchen.

"I think art appreciation and coffee are a perfect match. I want to create a shop where people can freely appreciate art with a cup of coffee in hand, and not just feel hungry, but also be moved, surprised, and have their hearts changed."

That's what Sakaue Jiro, owner of the museum cafe Café Jilbe, which opened in the fall of 2023, said.

In the midst of a busy schedule, she quit her job as a hairdresser after 12 years in order to create some time to do nothing. At the same time, she met a friend of her late father who was living in France, and this led her to travel to Paris alone in her 30s. She met a Japanese who ran a hair salon there, and resumed her work as a hairdresser in Paris.

"I felt that it was a connection or destiny that my late father gave me. I've come to realize that my life isn't going to go the way I want it to. So, instead of hoping for it, I've decided that if I'm invited, I'll take on the challenge."

Sakagami's hobby was visiting cafes, and he always wanted to create a place where people could gather.
One day, a customer who visited the salon told her that she ran a cafe, so she began working at the cafe while also learning the basics of hairdressing.

One day, I was put in charge of serving food, and I worked hard to create food that I could be satisfied with. When I served the finished food to a customer, he was so surprised that he covered his mouth and exclaimed, "What is this?"

"I felt very happy when someone was pleased with something that I felt was good. I learned the importance of pursuing the space and products that we offer," says Sakagami, looking back on that time.

He learned about the recruitment for the museum cafe through an acquaintance, and has been trying to achieve his dream of running a cafe ever since. He says that his values have changed not only through his past encounters and experiences, but also through learning from the people who visit.

Aiming for a place that moves your heart

They are also taking an environmentally friendly approach. The coffee used is used for dyeing and as fertilizer.

In winter in Paris, there is little daylight, and it is not uncommon for people to feel depressed. When she felt down, she would control her mood by basking in the sunlight as much as she could.

"The feeling of being energized when you're exposed to the sun is a change in your mind... I think it's fine to believe in anything. Food is the same as life, so I feel that living things receive the effects of the sun. I try to make cheesecake on sunny days."

He says that in the day-to-day challenges of running a cafe, it's not enough to just go through the motions; by making an effort to stay excited about it, he can convey this to the staff and customers around him.

Basque cheesecake is best made on a sunny day.

Café Jilbe is located at the entrance to the Shimase Art Center in the center of the city. Exhibitions and music events are held in front of the store from time to time.

Seeking out something out of the ordinary is one of the joys of traveling. Spending time following your heart's desires may just nourish your sensibilities.

"Many Japanese people have a certain way of behaving, and they're very polite. When there's a music event here (at the entrance), people are free to move the chairs and tables wherever they like. I'd be happy if people came to enjoy coffee and cheesecake there. I want to increase the value of art."

Today, people gather at Cafe Jilbe in search of an inspiring space.

Museum Cafe Café Jilbe

電話：090-4109-4712

Address: 6-22 Shimasecho, Sasebo City (Shimase Art Center 1F)

Access: 5 minutes on foot from MR Sasebo Chuo Station / 5 minutes from Shimasemachi bus stop

SNS: https://www.instagram.com/natural69_hasami/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.