For the first “Lunch iitomo!” of the third semester, we welcomed a coffee roaster from “open roastery Alu.” a coffee shop in Futaba town. The roaster shared stories about coffee and his work with us, making it a meaningful and enjoyable time. 双葉駅前に2025年にオープン！ 双葉町の焙煎所「open roastery Alu.」 – ふくしまほんものの旅

“Roasting coffee beans and selling coffee is his job. He runs a busy shop, and on weekends he often sets up booths at events.”

He told us that the flavor of coffee changes depending on where and how the beans are grown.

By adjusting how long and how much the beans are roasted, the taste changes as well, so he carefully checks the flavor each time.

He brought some coffee beans with them. The beans had a unique, bitter aroma.

“They decided to pursue their current job about five years ago. Originally from Akita prefecture, they were working in Aizu at the time. Someone nearby was roasting coffee, and they learned about coffee roasting from that person. As they drank more coffee themselves, they began to enjoy the process of roasting.

“When I was a university student, I traveled around the world. I met many different people in many different countries. Later, I worked in Fukushima, where new encounters led me to my current job. In order to make it my profession, I had many people try my coffee. I also saved money so that I could open my own café.”

He says that many different kinds of people come to his café, and he finds that very interesting.

“The taste of coffee changes every day. It changes with the weather, and it also changes depending on who you drink it with. Through coffee, I was able to make friends with many different people.”

The message he wants to share with the children of Yumeno Mori is “to challenge yourself and try new things.”

“When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a carpenter. In junior high school, I wanted to be a teacher. I loved running, reading books, and drawing pictures. I’ve lived my life continuing to do the things I like. Eventually, I found a job that I felt was worth dedicating my life to — a job I could truly challenge myself with. It’s good to keep doing what you love, and I also want you to be brave enough to jump into new things.”

He also brought roasted coffee beans with him. They had a wonderful coffee aroma.

Even though the children may not yet be able to fully enjoy the taste of coffee, they could clearly feel his passion for his work. Thank you very much.