As third-wave coffee continues to spread in Japan, many people have likely come across the term "hipster" while researching the origins of this delicious coffee. The "hip" in "hipster" is a variant of the 1940s American jazz slang term "hep," meaning "cool." The term "hipster" (meaning "a person who is hip") became widespread as it was used to mean something similar to "connoisseur." Today, it primarily refers to people who share a certain value system.

For example, when it comes to coffee, these people tend to choose independently owned coffee shops that are particular about their flavor and brewing method, rather than major chains like Starbucks or Walmart. They avoid coffee with additives and preservatives, and strive to stay healthy by cycling instead of driving. They wear secondhand clothing or independently owned brands, use iPhones and Macs as their phones, and actively enjoy the outdoors and gardening, even living in a primitive environment. The rise of these "hipsters" is dramatically changing American lifestyles and culture. We spoke with Yumiko Sakuma, a New York-based writer who recently published "Hip Life Revolution" (Asahi Publishing), about these changes. You currently live in New York. Have you noticed any changes in the lives of people close to you? I've also cut down on my shopping. Many people around me say they're also going shopping less frequently. More and more people are starting to consider whether they really need something before making a purchase. In the past, when it came to clothes, I might have bought something impulsively if I tried it on and liked it, without really looking for a reason for it. But now, rather than buying 10 reasonably priced, decent-quality items, many people are choosing to spend a little more on a special piece they can wear forever. People are also becoming more aware of "things you can only buy here and now." In Detroit, where I've been doing a lot of reporting recently, I often look for things that are only sold there, or buy products made by local friends as a token of my support. When you buy something for a reason, you feel a special attachment to it and develop a desire to cherish it for a long time.

--Has your attitude toward food changed?

Yes, I enjoy eating more now than before. Truly delicious ingredients, carefully grown through organic farming, are even appearing in supermarkets. More and more restaurants are also preparing menus that list the origins and producers of the ingredients they use. This inevitably leads consumers to become more conscious about what they eat.

Of course, cooking methods have changed as ingredients have become more delicious. Poor-quality ingredients require strong seasonings to be tasty, so even high-end restaurants used to use lots of butter and sauces to season their food. However, nowadays, more restaurants are using simple seasonings that make the most of the ingredients, and serving smaller portions.

Continued from Yumiko Sakuma 2/2 --Hips Enrich Japan.