この教材で英語力アップ！
語彙から始めて、理解チェックやまとめ、ディスカッションに挑戦してみましょう。
Vocabulary
Certifications– Official approval showing quality
The farm received international certification for its coffee beans
Cultivation– The process of growing crops
Coffee cultivation in Okinawa requires special techniques.
Identity– Special characteristics
Sweetness gives Okinawan coffee a unique identity.
Experiment– to try new methods
Farmers experiment with processing methods to improve flavor.
Harmony– Peaceful balance
The farm represents harmony between people and nature.
Article
Against the Odds: How Okinawa Is Growing World-Class Coffee
In Nago, a city in Okinawa Prefecture, coffee farmer Tadaaki Miyagi runs one of the smallest specialty coffee farms in the world. His farm, Burikina, has only about 300 coffee trees, yet it received the prestigious Q Grade certification from the Coffee Quality Institute — a global standard for high-quality coffee beans. This achievement surprised many people because Okinawa’s climate and location are not usually considered ideal for coffee cultivation.
Miyagi began farming coffee in 2015, even though he had no previous experience. At first, he knew very little about coffee and simply enjoyed sweet cappuccinos. However, he chose coffee farming because he wanted to connect with people through his work. He planted coffee trees alongside local plants such as shikuwasa citrus and banana trees, which provide shade and protection from strong winds.
Growing coffee in Okinawa is challenging. The island lies north of the typical coffee-growing region, and farmers must deal with strong winds, heavy rain, and changing temperatures. Some years, Miyagi harvests only a few kilograms of coffee beans. Despite these difficulties, Okinawan coffee cherries are known for their sweetness and citrus-like flavor, giving them a unique identity.
Other farmers in Okinawa are also experimenting with new ideas. At Nakayama Coffee Farm, owner Tatsumi Kishimoto blends local beans with coffee from countries such as Ethiopia and Colombia to create new flavors. Meanwhile, Eriko Higa of Harmony Farm uses greenhouses and different processing methods to manage climate challenges and improve quality.
Because production is small and farming conditions are difficult, Okinawan coffee is expensive. Farmers often earn additional income through tours, cafés, and specialty products like coffee leaf tea. Even so, many producers believe Okinawa’s coffee represents harmony between nature, culture, and community proving that high-quality coffee can grow in unexpected places.
Source: Japan Times(English)
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions following the article in English.
- Why was Miyagi’s Q Grade certification surprising?
- What challenges do coffee farmers face in Okinawa?
- How do farmers protect or improve their coffee production?
- Why is Okinawan coffee expensive?
Summary
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.
Discussion
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.
- How does climate change affect agriculture in your country?
- Would you pay more for locally produced specialty products? Explain your reasons.
- Why is innovation important in traditional industries like farming?
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