On a small island in southwestern Japan with a population of only around 1,700, Australian John Widmer, reputed to be the island's only foreign resident, runs a cafe hoping it will serve as a new spot to draw visitors.
Those traveling by ferry to Himeshima, an Oita Prefecture island with a 17-kilometer-long coastline, are immediately greeted by the sight of the vibrant green and yellow of the Ozi Cafe, complete with a hand-drawn caricature of the 64-year-old as its logo.
Driven by his quest for good coffee and a desire to share a familiar taste of home, Widmer decided to open the cafe on the island in May last year, with coffee brewed from roasted beans imported directly from Australia becoming popular among visitors.
"Customers were really surprised at how nice the coffee was. I give them a taste of the beans. Because if I'm ever buying coffee in bulk for home, I would always eat one of the beans. And if the bean tastes good, you're going to get a good coffee," Widmer said.
Local businesses on the island have also benefited from the cafe's growing reputation, with foreign visitors coming to enjoy the coffee after Walk Japan Ltd, a company that organizes walking tours across Japan, started including Himeshima on its itinerary, according to Widmer.
Originally from Sydney, Widmer was once a competitive swimmer and ran a swimming school in Australia for around 20 years. But with a longtime love for Japan, and his wife also from Oita Prefecture, he decided to relocate to Himeshima in May 2023.
Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, the islanders welcomed Widmer warmly, allowing him to settle easily into the community. In addition to running his cafe, he also teaches swimming to local elementary school students and participates in a volleyball club.
"We welcome new people bringing fresh ideas. I hope the island keeps getting livelier," said Shiori Matsubara, a 63-year-old employee of a nearby souvenir shop.
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