Cafe run by Japan island's only foreigner hopes to boost tourism

OITA - On a small island in southwestern Japan with a population of around 1,700, Australian national John Widmer -- said to be the island’s only foreign resident -- is drawing attention with a brightly coloured café that he hopes will become a new local tourist attraction.

Located on Himeshima Island in Oita Prefecture, the Ozi Cafe, painted in vibrant green and yellow, greets ferry passengers the moment they arrive.

A hand-drawn caricature of Widmer, 64, adorns the front, serving as the cafe’s unmistakable logo, Kyodo news agency reported.

Driven by a passion for good coffee and a desire to share a taste of home, Widmer opened the cafe in May last year. He imports roasted beans directly from Australia, and the brew has quickly become popular among visitors.

"(Customers) were really surprised at how nice the coffee was. I give them a taste of the beans,” Widmer said. "If I’m ever buying coffee in bulk for home, I always eat one of the beans. And if the bean tastes good, you’re going to get a good coffee.”

The cafe’s growing reputation has also had a ripple effect on the island’s economy. Walk Japan Ltd, a travel company that organises walking tours across the country, has begun including Himeshima in its itinerary, bringing foreign visitors who stop by the cafe.

Originally from Sydney, Widmer was a competitive swimmer and ran a swimming school in Australia for two decades. With a longstanding love for Japan -- and a wife from Oita Prefecture -- he decided to settle on Himeshima in May 2023.

Despite initial language and cultural differences, Widmer was warmly welcomed by the islanders and has since integrated well into the community. Beyond running the café, he teaches swimming to local primary school children and participates in a community volleyball club.

"We welcome new people bringing fresh ideas. I hope the island keeps getting livelier,” said Shiori Matsubara, 63, who works at a nearby souvenir shop. - BERNAMA