A Foreign Story Brewed in Coffee Aromas
Hidden in the quiet alleys of Tainan, Yahata Coffee is filled with the rich aroma of Japanese-style coffee. This warm and inviting café was founded by Tanaka Rika, a Japanese immigrant from Saitama, Japan.
Not only is Tanaka Rika a certified Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) Senior Barista, but she also brings her passion for coffee and dedication to craftsmanship to skillfully blend Japanese kissaten (traditional coffeehouse) culture with Tainan's rich cultural charm. Through her meticulously brewed coffee with delicate layers of flavor, her café has become a beautiful intersection of Japanese and Taiwanese culture.
In addition to her expertly brewed hand-drip coffee, Tanaka offers classic Japanese melon pan, a nostalgic sweet bread from her homeland that has become a local favorite. This delicious treat has drawn both loyal customers and curious travelers. Furthermore, Tanaka has expanded her coffee business by exporting her home-roasted coffee beans to Hong Kong and other regions, further promoting her unique coffee philosophy while pursuing the highest standards of quality.
The Artisan Spirit of "Deep Roasting": Creating a Unique Japanese Kissaten
Establishing a distinctive Japanese-style kissaten is no easy task. During her studies at Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tanaka traveled extensively to Thailand, Indonesia, and Ghana, where she learned about the unique flavor profiles of different coffee beans and guided local farmers in improving their cultivation and marketing techniques.
Crafted with artisan spirit to create a unique Japanese-style "Kissaten" (traditional coffee shop) (Image/Source: FTV News Network)
After graduation, Tanaka joined a major coffee chain where she worked in product development and obtained her Senior Barista Certification, gradually weaving her coffee expertise into her daily life.
However, when she decided to start her own business in Tainan, she faced significant challenges with language, culture, and market differences. She recalls with a smile:
"Every detail in coffee matters — from deep roasting to precise brewing, each step determines the ultimate flavor experience."
It is this unwavering dedication to detail that makes her coffee shop more than just a café — it’s an immersive experience where the soul and culture of two nations come together.
Connecting Taiwan and Japan Through Coffee
In addition to running her café, Tanaka Rika actively promotes cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan. Through her YouTube channel "Rika in Taiwan", she shares her unique perspective on Taiwan’s landscapes, cuisine, and lifestyle, attracting a loyal following from Japan and beyond.
Her entrepreneurial proposal titled "Opening a Kissaten in the South" received funding from the National Immigration Agency’s "Dream Building Project". This support enabled her to expand her reach by participating in cultural and creative markets, where she introduces more people to the beauty of coffee culture and the harmonious blend of Taiwanese and Japanese traditions.
Tanaka Rika (first from the left) and her husband use coffee to promote Taiwan-Japan friendship and cultural integration. (Image/Source: FTV News Network)
Looking ahead, Tanaka hopes that Yahata Coffee will become an integral part of people's daily lives — a place where coffee awakens the soul and connects the cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan.
Her journey is more than just a business venture; it’s a heartfelt cultural bridge, carefully built one cup of coffee at a time.
Memorable Quote:💡 "Life is like coffee — only through careful grinding and mindful brewing can you savor its deepest and richest flavors."
