Coffee to Support Memory (*) “Memory Coffee” (Contains 200 mg of GABA) Now available as a Hometown Tax donation gift in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture

HOPEF Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Niigata Prefecture,Representative Director: Toshihiko Sato), has been adopted as a “Hometown Tax” return gift by Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Sales began on July 6, 2026, on major portal sites, including Rakuten Hometown Tax.

In Japan’s aging society, interest in “memory lapses” and cognitive function is growing steadily.

Rakuten Furusato Nozei product image

■ Background of Development — The “Invisible Anxiety” Brought to Light by the Founder’s Mother

New Year’s Eve 2022. Founder Toshihiko Sato was watching the “Kohaku Uta Gassen” (Red and White Song Contest) with his mother, who was 68 at the time, as they reflected on the events of the year. The conversation turned to a support initiative held on March 7, 2022, in which proceeds from coffee sales were used to plant trees for children in Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture — an initiative that had been featured in newspapers and on NHK. However, his mother, who should have been there at the time, said she “didn’t remember” it. After showing her photos and explaining the situation carefully, she finally recalled the event, but Sato was left with an indescribable sense of unease.

“Instead of a supplement that feels like medicine, couldn’t I support her memory with the coffee she loves so much?” That thought became the starting point for the development of Memory Coffee.

■ An Uncompromising “Commitment to Manufacturing”

Whether to market it as a “health food” or register it as a “food with functional claims”—Toshihiko Sato was faced with this choice when manufacturing GABA Coffee. Choosing the former would allow for greater freedom in marketing, but it would prevent him from accurately conveying the product’s value—that it “maintains memory and cognitive function”—to consumers.Sato chose the path of “functional food,” which required both time and money.

Consequently, it was not easy to find a company willing to take on the manufacturing. Discussions with a manufacturer outside Shizuoka Prefecture, with whom development had been underway for nearly a year, fell through at the last minute. While Sato continued searching for a manufacturer, unable to give up, a company with a factory in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, resonated with his vision and responded, “Let’s give it a try.”This partner worked with us for about two years to bring Memory Coffee to life.

It took a full three years from the time Sato first began exploring the theme of “memory” until Memory Coffee finally hit store shelves. You can read the full story of this journey in the “Brand Story” section of our official website.

“If we hadn’t met, Memory Coffee would certainly never have come to fruition. I am truly delighted that we can give back to Fuji City through the Hometown Tax Donation program.” (Toshihiko Sato, CEO)

■ Why Choose Memory Coffee?

While coffee containing GABA has existed before, there are very few coffees in Japan that have been registered as “Functional Labeling Foods” promoting the maintenance of memory and cognitive function.

Manufacturing is handled at a GMP-certified factory in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. (Certification No.: 14307)

GMP certification is a system that requires strict management of all processes, from the receipt of raw materials to shipment.

We refined the flavor through approximately 30 different blend adjustments, creating a cup that harmonizes with GABA’s unique flavor while still being easy to enjoy as part of your “daily coffee routine”—not just as a supplement.

■ Product Details

Product Name: Memory Coffee

Category: Functional Food (Notification No.: J1384)

Functional Ingredient: Contains 200 mg of GABA (per stick (3 g))

Contents: 30 sticks (1 cup per day, 30-day supply)

Manufactured by: GMP-certified factory (Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Certification No.: 14307)

Donation Amount: 25,000 yen and up

Available Quantities: 1 box, 3 boxes, 6 boxes, 12 boxes; Subscription plans: 3, 6, or 12 deliveries

URL: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/f222101-fuji/sf127-001/

　　　　　　　　 (Rakuten Furusato Nozei)

Please note that this product is also gradually becoming available on major portal sites such as Satofuru, FuruNavi, and Furusato Choice. For details, please visit the official Memory Coffee website (https://memory-coffee.jp).

*This product contains GABA. It has been reported that GABA helps maintain certain cognitive functions that decline with age, including memory (the ability to recall what one has seen or heard), spatial cognition (the ability to accurately grasp the position, shape, and orientation of objects), and sustained attention (the ability to continue working while maintaining focus).

■ Company Overview

Company Name: HOPEF Co., Ltd.

Representative: Toshihiko Sato, Representative Director

Address: 1948 Jidaihama, Seiro Town, Kitakambara District, Niigata Prefecture

Established: March 12, 2020

Business Activities: Development and sales of functional foods

Official Website: https://memory-coffee.jp