One Kick. One Cup. One Last Call.
Kansei Matsuzawa recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders following the 2026 NFL Draft marking the next chapter in a journey that has always been defined by precision, patience, and belief. From teaching himself how to kick in Japan to becoming one of the most accurate kickers in college football, Kansei’s path has never followed a traditional playbook.
Back in December 2025, we introduced a collaboration that reflected that same spirit. The launch of the Tokyo Toe Blend wasn’t just about coffee—it was about bringing together sport, culture, and craft. A shared story connecting Hawai‘i and Japan through discipline and intention.
Now, as the blend approaches its final pour at the end of April 2026, that story feels even more meaningful.
Crossing Oceans, Chasing Dreams
From the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan to the bright lights of the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Football Stadium, Kansei Matsuzawa has followed a path few would dare to dream. Growing up a soccer player in Japan, Kansei saw his first NFL game on a 2018 U.S. solo trip and fell in love with the precision and discipline of the kicking game. With nothing but determination, he taught himself to kick via YouTube, trained tirelessly, and chased a vision that would one day bring him across the Pacific.
Today, Kansei is known to teammates and fans as “The Tokyo Toe”—a nickname given by a former UH teammate that celebrates both his roots and the accuracy that defines his game.
Building the Blend, Together
Just like Kansei’s craft, this blend is all about balance and focus. With a smooth combination of coffees, including 10% Kona coffee from our farm, you can taste notes of dried apple, Brazil nut, and brown sugar. Each sip reflects Kansei’s willingness to cross oceans, embrace challenges, and follow his vision—one kick, one cup, one step at a time.
Before the Tokyo Toe Blend ever hit shelves, Kansei stepped into the cupping room alongside our team and a few of his friends. Thomas Keisling, Honolulu Coffee’s Head Roaster, walked everyone through the process from bean to cup and the nuances found in different roast profiles.
Side by side, we worked through multiple iterations—tasting, refining, and discussing what resonated most. It wasn’t about creating something flashy. It was about finding balance.
Kansei gravitated toward a cup that felt smooth, composed, and layered—something that mirrored his approach on the field. The final blend reflects that: notes of dried apple, Brazil nut, and brown sugar, anchored by 10% Kona coffee from our farm on Hawai‘i Island.
Throwback to Our Tokyo Toe Blend Kickoff
On December 18, 2025, we celebrated the launch at our Bakery on King location. Kansei Matsuzawa and Honolulu Coffee Co. fans had the opportunity to meet Kansei to take photos and sign autographs. Despite the stormy weather, fans lined up outside the doors as early as 5:00am!
“We’re honored to partner with Kansei on a blend that reflects both his story and our shared connections between Hawai‘i and Japan,” said Erica Mounsey, COO of Honolulu Coffee Co. “The Tokyo Toe Blend is a tribute to dedication, heart, and the belief that craft matters—whether on the field or in the cup.”
A Year of Momentum
Since the launch, Kansei’s presence has grown far beyond Hawai‘i. His 2025 season brought national recognition, establishing him as one of the most consistent and reliable kickers in college football.
He earned Consensus All-American honors—the first in University of Hawai‘i history—along with recognition as a Lou Groza Award finalist, Academic All-American, and Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. His name quickly entered national conversations, with analysts pointing not only to his accuracy, but to his composure in high-pressure moments.
It’s a journey that mirrors the philosophy behind every Honolulu Coffee roast: consistency, care, and a commitment to getting it right, every time.
More Than a Partnership
At its core, this collaboration has always been about more than coffee. It’s about representing where you come from—and carrying that with you as you move forward.
“Hawai‘i is a special place for me and my family,” Kansei shares. “The culture and people in Hawai‘i gave me strength.”
That sense of connection—between place, people, and purpose—is what defines both Kansei’s journey and Honolulu Coffee’s approach to craft.
One Last Cup
As Kansei steps into the next level of his career with the Raiders, the Tokyo Toe Blend enters its final stretch. Like any meaningful chapter, it’s not about how long it lasts—it’s about the impact it leaves behind.
From the cupping table in Honolulu to the NFL stage, this journey has always been rooted in intention. In showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the process.
Enjoy one last cup as a cheers to Kansei’s future endeavors! The Tokyo Toe Blend is available through the end of April while supplies last.
