Collaboration between Thailand and Japan for fair trade coffee
“AKHA AMA COFFEE” is not just a coffee shop; it’s a cultural fusion between Thailand and Japan, offering an authentic Thai coffee experience. Situated in Kagurazaka, Japan, this specialty shop derives its name from the Akha tribe of Thailand, a nod to the unique origins of its coffee beans.
The beans are meticulously sourced from Chiang Rai, a mountainous region north of Chiang Mai, where the Akha tribe, the cultural custodians of this coffee, have been nurturing Arabica beans for a decade. The high-altitude region with its significant temperature variations between day and night creates an ideal environment for these coffee plants. The Akha people’s dedication to organic cultivation practices, including hand-picking, ensures the beans’ premium quality.
The store stands as a testament to the synergy between Thailand and Japan, being the first Japanese venture in collaboration with a Thai farm manager, Lee Ayu. This direct partnership with the farm not only guarantees fair trade but also strengthens the bond between these two nations.
Behind the shop’s inception is Yamashita, a globetrotter who previously worked with Peace Boat. Her journey led her to a Thai coffee farm, where she had her first taste of Akha Ama coffee, which he described as “instantly delicious!” This encounter sparked a relationship with the farm and brand, culminating in the establishment of “AKHA AMA COFFEE” and the incorporation of Akha Ama coffee in previously opened “Traveling CAFE” in Takadanobaba.
