Little Darling Coffee Roasters (LDCR), a coffee roaster cafe in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, has launched the third installment of the ECHO COFFEE series in partnership with FARMER YOU. Rwanda Kilimbi Natural, sourced from the Kilimbi district in the Nyabihwe area of western Rwanda, went on sale on June 8, 2026 (Monday).
Following the first release from Ethiopia and the second from Laos, this edition was produced in collaboration with ORIGIN COUNTRIES. The coffee is grown at elevations of 1,650 to 1,850 meters in the steep highlands of Rwanda — known as the "land of a thousand hills" — and is characterized by the translucent fruit flavors typical of African beans, along with a clarity in the cup that reflects the hands of its makers.
The ECHO COFFEE concept embodies FARMER YOU's wish to create a resonant relationship between distant producers and consumers — an "echo" between origin and cup. This particular origin was chosen in recognition of the efforts of Muraho Trading Company, which supports local communities through everything from seedling distribution to infrastructure such as water and communications, and of ORIGIN COUNTRIES, which has continued its commitment to the region even after the conclusion of JICA projects. Rather than simple aid, the project aims for a sustainable relationship that builds quality together and ensures fair value reaches the market.
Coffee cultivation in the Kilimbi district has become a symbol of renewed hope, with many women now playing a central role in the industry. The barista who visited the region expressed what they felt firsthand about the makers through the roasting process. Even amid threats from heavy rains and flooding in recent years, the passion of those who earnestly pursue quality comes through in every cup.
Product Details
ECHO COFFEE - Rwanda Kilimbi Natural
- Variety: Bourbon, RAB C15
- Processing: Natural
- Province: Western Province
- District: Nyamasheke
- Altitude: 1,650m to 1,850m
- Price:
- Coffee beans: 100g ¥2,200 / 200g ¥3,100
- Hand brew: HOT ¥900 / ICED ¥1,000
- Available at: Little Darling Coffee Roasters
Barista: Naoya Akagawa
Naoya Akagawa joined Transit General Office in 2014 and served as manager at THE THEATRE COFFEE in Shibuya Hikarie, going on to win second place at the Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship 2016. After transferring to the corporate office as a corporate barista, he was involved in coffee operations across various locations before opening Little Darling Coffee Roasters in 2018 — the company's first original roaster cafe — where he oversees everything from bean sourcing to roasting.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akanihihi/
Little Darling Coffee Roasters
An urban coffee roaster cafe designed to make coffee something truly special. Set amid lush greenery with an industrial interior woven through with art and design, visitors can enjoy carefully selected, roasted, and brewed coffee alongside one-hand menu items.
- Address: 1-12-32 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littledarling_coffeeroasters/
- Website: https://ldcrstores.stores.jp/
