Coffee is something you want, whether during work or on a break. Some people drink a cup a day as a habit.
There are many cafes in the city, but a new coffee stand called calma coffee roasters is scheduled to open in Kojima in March 2025.
calma coffee roasters has participated in events before, but it has not had a physical store until now.
Why did they decide to establish a coffee stand in Kojima? And what kind of shop do they want to create? Here, we introduce the thoughts of Daiki Hamada from calma coffee roasters.
About calma coffee roasters
calma coffee roasters is a roasted coffee shop established by Daiki Hamada from Osaka in 2021.
Until now, they have not had a physical store, mainly operating through online sales of roasted coffee beans, wholesale to businesses, and pop-up events.
Coffee offered by calma coffee roasters
The coffee from calma coffee roasters is characterized by a mild bitterness and a fragrant taste.
Hamada, who conducts the roasting, also had a past where he disliked bitter coffee, and he roasts with the aim of creating coffee that is easy to drink even for those who dislike it. By roasting lightly, the flavor becomes aromatic and easy to drink.
Even I, who usually only drink tea, have tried the coffee roasted by Hamada.
Even as someone not very knowledgeable about coffee, I found it easy to drink, with a roasted flavor, a hint of bitterness, and a floral aroma. It was so delicious that I ended up wanting a second cup.
At calma coffee roasters, which can conduct in-house roasting, they also collaborate with restaurants and businesses.
In collaboration with the old folk house cafe "Arisorou" in Tomonoura, Fukuyama City, they created an original blend of coffee.
They started by hearing the desired taste and image from scratch, and ultimately held a tasting event inviting local people. They created a special cup together with the local community.
About Daiki Hamada
The founder of calma coffee roasters is Daiki Hamada, who is from Osaka. He moved to Kojima in 2021.
Before moving, Hamada worked as a soccer coach in Osaka while also working at a guesthouse. It was during this time that he encountered coffee.
At that time, Hamada could not drink black coffee, but after tasting the coffee from "HAIKU COFFEE ROASTERS" in Osaka, he was captivated by its deliciousness and drinkability. After encountering a life-changing cup, he began studying coffee and continued to serve coffee at the guesthouse.
However, after experiencing health issues, he decided to leave Osaka. While considering a place to move, he visited Kojima for a change of pace.
Hamada was shown around Kojima by Mr. Yamawaki from DENIM HOSTEL float, with whom he had connections from his guesthouse days, and he felt a sense of comfort in the Seto Inland Sea lifestyle. After returning to Osaka, he found a job listing for live-in staff at DENIM HOSTEL float and thought, "Since I’m here, I want to live here," so he applied and moved to Kojima.
Currently, he works at a welfare facility and participates in events as calma coffee roasters on his days off.
Hamada has connected with customers through roasting and pop-up events. However, in 2025, he is working towards the goal of establishing a new coffee stand.
I spoke with him about why he decided to establish a coffee stand in Kojima.
I want to create a coffee stand where locals gather
What was the trigger for establishing calma coffee roasters?
Hamada (no honorifics)
The town of Nakazaki in Osaka, where I worked before moving, was a place where people who are doing what they love and people who love the Nakazaki area gathered. I always thought, "I want to live that kind of life," seeing people enjoying their work and lives up close.
When I worked at float, an event called a workation tour was held, where people from outside Okayama stayed at float for about a week. Since I was living in, I was living with the participants.
During those days, I had the opportunity to talk with participants late at night, and they encouraged me by saying, "You should try doing what you want to do."
The first thing that came to mind was coffee.
I couldn't forget the taste of the coffee I had at HAIKU COFFEE ROASTERS in Osaka. And I had honed my skills in roasting and serving coffee during my previous job.
I thought that the coffee shop would be a way to utilize my past experiences, so I established calma coffee roasters in 2022.
Did you think you could realize "enjoying work and life" in Kojima?
Hamada
Yes, I thought it was a place where I could fulfill my desires.
The people I met at float, where I first settled after moving, are also actively challenging various things. It seems that many people enjoy both life and work.
Also, I like the shops and accommodations in Kojima, and many people come to visit for that purpose, which reminded me a bit of Nakazaki.
Kojima felt like an environment where people who want to try something gather, so I think I gained confidence to try what I want to do.
Do you have any memorable episodes from your activities as calma coffee roasters?
Hamada
I was happy to create connections with people and the community.
For example, I was invited to events by people from local restaurants I got to know, and they said, "Let's do something together..." It was personally great to see connections with people expanding.
Also, there was a customer who came to my pop-up and said, "I want to make sweets and try selling them." That customer was from Hiroshima, so we collaborated at the cafe "Arisorou" in Tomonoura, where I created the blended coffee, and sold sweets and coffee together.
I was happy to be able to do something together with someone who wanted to challenge themselves, and I think it was great to be able to engage in such activities from connections with customers.
Why did you decide to establish a coffee stand in Kojima?
Hamada
The trigger was encountering an ideal property in Kojima.
The property is located in a relatively open area, making it easy for both tourists and locals to stop by. It has a counter, and for me, who wanted to start from a small store, the scale was ideal. I could envision creating a space for community interaction.
I looked at various properties, but with encouragement from people I had met in Kojima, I decided to establish the coffee stand at that property.
What kind of coffee stand do you want to be in the community?
Hamada
I want to provide coffee that fits into the lives of the people of Kojima. And through coffee, I hope to create a place where people who want to challenge themselves or people who want to support someone’s challenge can gather.
The temporary pop-up shops I have been running until now have often been environments with one-time encounters. The coffee stand, on the other hand, I believe will allow me to create deep connections with the local community.
In the future, I want to take on new challenges through these connections and become a presence that can invigorate Kojima by involving the community.
Finally, please share a message with the readers.
Hamada
I want to create a coffee stand where people living in Kojima can take a breather. I hope the locals will definitely come by.
And if there are people who think, "I want to try something in Kojima," let's do various interesting things together. I would be happy if we could invigorate the town of Kojima together with me and many others.
We are currently challenging a crowdfunding campaign until January 31 (Friday), so if there are those who can support us, please do so.
Conclusion
Calma coffee roasters aims to be a coffee stand where local people gather.
After hearing Mr. Hamada's story, I am already looking forward to the kind of interactions that will arise at the shop.
The image of the community that lies beyond the opening of the coffee stand is one where each person enjoys their work and life, overflowing with things they want to do.
First, I want to support Mr. Hamada's activities as he prepares for the opening.
The opening is scheduled for March 2025, so if you are interested or want to support, please make sure to visit.
Data on calma coffee roasters
| Name | calma coffee roasters |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2-90 Ajino, Kurashiki |
| Website | calma coffee roasters |
