I grew up reading manga online and watching anime whenever I could (i.e buying DVDs and going to internet cafes during my spare time…chill I’m only 30). I always craved the feeling of flipping through actual books, but let’s be real—buying manga was expensive, and I was already spending too much of my allowance on snacks and internet cafes.

Cafés, though? I loved them. Back in university, I’d always find some excuse to study in a café rather than the library—because libraries were way too quiet, and something about that made studying feel like a punishment. Cafés, on the other hand, had this perfect balance: just enough background noise, a cozy atmosphere, and the feeling that you could actually enjoy what you were doing, even if it was homework.

Fast forward to adulthood, and my café-hopping habits only got stronger. But there was a problem: I wanted a space where I could read manga without stacking a hundred volumes at home, where I could meet people who loved anime as much as I did, and where I could actually get things done without the corporate coworking space energy (been there, done that, did not like).

I kept daydreaming about a place that combined all of this—but it never crossed my mind to actually make it happen. Not until life forced my hand.

I got let go from my corporate job, and suddenly, I had two choices: jump back into the same cycle OR finally create the space I’d been searching for. I asked my husband what he thought, half-expecting a reality check. Instead, he just said, “Do it. I’ll help you”

So we did.

At first, I thought Kaizen would just be a cool little café for people like me. But along the way, something amazing happened—I made so many friends. People showed up, helped out, and turned this from a personal dream into a real, living community.

The thing I struggled with the most—finding people who actually love anime, manga, and getting things done together—ended up being exactly what makes Kaizen special.

So if you’ve ever wanted a place where you can read, work, meet cool people, and just exist with good vibes—welcome.

You belong here. 🎌💙

Sara, Co-founder of Kaizen Manga Cafe