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Playlist by Blue Bottle Studio Shanghai
1. Portrait in Jazz, Bill Evans
2. Waltz for Debby, Bill Evans Trio
3. 12, Ryuichi Sakamoto
4. Philip Glass Solo, Philip Glass
5. Ballads, John Coltrane
6. Kind of Blue, Miles Davis
7. Sketches of Spain, Miles Davis
8. Jazz Samba, Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd
9. Way Out West, Sonny Rollins In discussing the development of China’s coffee
market, James reflected on its international character and
the diverse array of coffee experiences it offers: “It’s a
very international market... So I think there are places
that are working at an extraordinary level of detail.”
Regarding the future of home user merchandise
in China, James sees a range of consumers with vary-
ing preferences: “I find that especially in interna-
As James aptly put it, “What we see, what we hear, tional cities, the coffee scene is fascinating. Even
what we taste... They all have to be in balance.” Looking cafes that excel in roasting and sourcing are becom-
ahead, James envisions expanding the Studio experience ing more commercialized.”
to new horizons, with New York City at the forefront The balance between aesthetics and coffee quali-
of his aspirations. He mused about potential future ty was also highlighted, acknowledging the importance
residencies in Korea, Japan, and beyond, emphasizing of both in the cafe experience: “Put simply, if we create
the global appeal of Blue Bottle Studio. a visually stunning and intriguing experience, we hope
When asked about the application of the Studio people will appreciate it. Whether that appreciation
experience to the management of cafes in the future, translates into taking photos for the first time, I
James offered a poignant analogy: “Can you still hear the wouldn’t discourage it.”
ringing in the flowers? We have to listen, so hopefully Overall, Blue Bottle aims to provide a unique and
people are listening for sure here, in Shanghai.” James’s genuine coffee experience in China, focusing on qual-
emphasis on attentive listening underscores the impor- ity, authenticity, and connection with guests.
tance of remaining attuned to the ever-evolving needs
and desires of coffee enthusiasts. Authenticity Amidst Distractions
Navigating the Coffee Market in China Discussing the relationship between “popular”
and “traditional” within coffee culture, James em-
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the Stu- phasized the importance of staying true to one’s craft
dio experience on baristas, James continued, “I greatly while embracing innovation.
admire these baristas. What will they bring back to their In reflecting on the question regarding a popular
cafes? I believe they will catalyze change.” Benjamin story about him, wherein James started roasting coffee
elaborated on this notion, emphasizing the infusion of and selling it from a cart, attracting thousands of eager
the Japanese kissaten spirit of focus and hospitality, into customers, James said: “It wasn’t thousands of people,
the core ethos of Blue Bottle. it felt like thousands, though—long lines, people wait-
The service today revolves around the concept of ing for 30, 45 minutes. I remember that moment viv-
omotenashi. This job essentially embodies that idea. idly. It was a nice day in January, San Francisco. It was
Baristas have this wonderful expression that is being like a switch flipped. Suddenly, I realized I could pay
infused into Blue Bottle’s central nervous system. What my bills, even though they were modest. It was a thrill-
they say is “touch the feelings.” So, this is the approach ing realization that something significant had happened
we should take with every moment. It’s quite moving to my business. I didn’t know what would come next,
and deeply meaningful. but it was an exciting moment.”

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