The Buzz in the Coffee Industry: 'Force Wave' Arrives as Fully Automated Coffee Maker 'xBloom Studio' Launches in Japan

Navy Blue Inc. (headquartered in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuya Fukuzawa), the company behind the fully automated coffee maker 'xBloom Studio,' announces the full-scale launch of the product in the Japanese market starting July 16, 2026. Already launched in the U.S. and South Korea, xBloom Studio has gained recognition overseas as a symbol of the 'Force Wave' in coffee culture. With its Japanese rollout, the company will progressively partner with roasters across Japan, including in Kyushu, Osaka, Kyoto, and Miyagi.

The Coffee Industry Enters Its Fourth Wave

The first wave of coffee was defined by canned and instant coffee, making it affordable and accessible anywhere. The second wave, symbolized by the arrival of Starbucks, emphasized experience and lifestyle. The third wave, ignited by Blue Bottle Coffee, focused on bean origin and barista craftsmanship. Japan’s coffee culture has evolved through these three waves over the past 60 years.

A decade after the third wave, high-quality beans are now widely available across the country. However, replicating café-quality coffee at home still requires expensive equipment and technical skill. As a result, specialty coffee—coffee made from carefully sourced and roasted beans—remains a niche enjoyed mostly by enthusiasts.

What Is the 'Force Wave'?

The coffee industry is now embracing a fourth wave, known as the 'Force Wave'—a movement driven by technology that enables anyone to enjoy professionally brewed coffee at home.

Previously, only those with specialized tools and expertise could replicate the precise extraction techniques and roaster-designed recipes. Now, with coffee machines connected to apps and data, these experiences can be recreated in any household. The Force Wave honors the skills and knowledge of baristas and roasters while making their craft accessible to a broader audience.

Introducing 'xBloom Studio'

xBloom Studio is a fully automated coffee maker developed by a design team with prior experience at Apple Inc. It integrates a grinder (mill), electric kettle, and scale into one sleek device. The product’s design has won international accolades, including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, and CES Innovation Award.

It precisely controls every variable that affects coffee flavor: 80 grind settings, water temperature adjustable in 1°C increments from 40°C to 95°C, and water volume measured in milliliters. This allows users to perfectly replicate roaster-designed recipes via the companion app or recipe cards.

Users simply load a recipe and press a button to enjoy the exact flavor profile intended by the coffee maker.

The dedicated app connects to the device via Bluetooth, enabling smartphone control over grind size, water temperature, recipe storage, and sharing.

Connecting with Roasters Nationwide: Bringing 'That Café’s Brew' Home

With the full launch, Navy Blue will begin partnerships with roasters across Japan. The first collaborations include LEAVES COFFEE ROASTERS in Kuramae, Tokyo, and COFFEE COUNTY in Kurume, Fukuoka. These roasters’ beans and recipes will be delivered to users nationwide via the proprietary 'xPods' capsules and digital recipe distribution.

The xPods Capsule System

The company plans to expand partnerships to regions including Kyushu, Osaka, Kyoto, and Miyagi. Navy Blue positions xBloom Studio as a platform connecting local Japanese coffee shops and roasters with consumers, enabling people across the country to enjoy signature brews previously accessible only by visiting in person.

CEO Yuya Fukuzawa’s Vision for xBloom Studio in Japan

Fukuzawa, who joined a U.S. advertising agency in San Francisco with only a TOEIC score in the 200s and minimal English ability, was introduced to the third wave coffee culture there. After returning to Japan, he opened a café in Sangenjaya, expanding to seven locations before closing most during the pandemic. Undeterred, he remained committed to democratizing coffee culture through enjoyable, user-friendly machines. After ventures in coffee bean production and roaster equipment sales, he became the exclusive Japanese distributor for xBloom in 2023.

'Japan’s coffee industry has become increasingly specialized, creating a gap between professionals and everyday consumers. I want to bridge that gap with technology,' says Fukuzawa. With this mission, Navy Blue will work with roasters nationwide to realize the Force Wave.

Product Overview

Product Name: xBloom Studio

Colors: Midnight Black / Moonlight White

Price: ¥99,550 (tax included)

Features: Integrated grinder (80 settings), electric kettle (40–95°C), scale (0.1g precision); compatible with dedicated app and recipe cards; works with both xPods capsules and user-supplied beans

Purchase here:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/stores/page/BE00E499-4708-4256-80BF-31DB5D16DC35?channel=P_01

Company Overview

Company Name: Navy Blue Inc.

Address: 3-14-2 Hirasuka, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Yuya Fukuzawa

Established: January 2020

Business: Brand expansion, sales, and customer support for xBloom Studio in Japan; manufacturing and sales of xPods capsules, and more

URL: https://www.navyblue.cc/

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