Japan and Rwanda – a happy coffee partnership?

According to reports, the two nationalities met in a crowded room at a Specialty Coffee Association of Japan exhibition in Tokyo. Of the many Japanese who met at the event (rumoured to be over 6,000), some 2,400 attended coffee-tasting events and rather took a shine to the coffee blends from the African country of Rwanda.

The National Agricultural Export Board was flattered by the attention and invited three groups of Specialty Coffee Association of Japan members to visit, so that they can see if the flames of passion for Rwandan coffee can be fanned higher.

The Association is a Japanese organisation which seeks to improve understanding and knowledge of coffee. As the Japanese members were impressed by the Rwandan coffee, they are hoping to visit the country in May to learn more and find out how the coffee-relationship between the two countries can blossom.

The Rwandan coffee calendar is busy in May and so this was seen as an ideal time to show the Japanese around. However, the Japanese have already ordered over 60 tonnes of coffee from Rwanda since April and that initial meeting. The Japanese have also extended other means of support to the African country and, according to reports, is becoming a significant development partner. For example, this support has taken the form of advancement in human resources, equipment and education of science and mathematics teachers. The tourism flow to Rwanda is also becoming more significant. Long may the partnership continue.