From Bali to Tokyo: A Barista Connecting Two Cultures Through Coffee

In the heart of Tokyo, there’s a little coffee shop and roastery that tells a big story. Lemari Coffee is where Indonesian coffee beans meet Japanese coffee lovers, and behind the counter is Anak Agung Kento Alit, an easy-going barista from Bali who’s made Tokyo his home. 

Over a cup of his go-to brew, Kento shared his journey from the laid-back beaches of Bali to the buzzing streets of Tokyo.

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“I graduated in March 2020, right when everything went crazy,” Kento says, to Hudes with a bit of a chuckle. He’d studied tourism in Japan, which felt like the perfect fit at the time. But as soon as the pandemic hit, the travel industry, along with many others, came to a halt.

“I was working at a travel agency, but when COVID-19 hit, everything changed,” he adds, pausing for a moment. “The company had to make cuts, and I was one of the ones let go. It wasn’t easy, but I didn’t want to just sit around.”

A casual chat with a friend led to something unexpected. “They told me about a job opening at Kopikalyan Tokyo,” he recalls. “It’s an Indonesian coffee shop. I had zero experience in coffee, but I thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’”

Little did he know, that decision would change his life. “At first, it was just a job,” Kento admits, a smile creeping across his face.

“But then, I fell in love with coffee. It’s not just about making drinks, it’s about sharing something special with people.”

Kento’s connection to Japan goes deeper than just a place to live, it’s part of his roots. His mom is Japanese, and his dad is Balinese, giving him a unique mix of influences. “Growing up, Japan always felt like home,” he says with a smile. “My mom’s stories and traditions made me feel connected to it long before I actually came here.”

After spending years studying in Japan, Kento decided to stay. “It just felt right. I’ve been here long enough now, and I know this is where I want to build my future,” he explains.

When it comes to coffee culture, Kento’s noticed some interesting differences between Indonesia and Japan. “In Indonesia, people love their coffee with sugar or milk, it's all about that sweetness and comfort,” he says. “But in Japan, it’s all about the beans. Most people drink their coffee black, to really taste the flavor.”

Anak Agung Kento Alit | photo by Kento doc.

Coffee in Japan is more than just a caffeine fix, it’s a whole experience. “Japanese coffee culture is about being subtle,” Kento says. “It’s very precise, whether it’s drip coffee, pour-over, or espresso. People take their time and really appreciate the ritual.”

Kento laughs when asked about the most popular coffee drinks in Japan. “If you want to fit in, you’d better know your black coffee. The ‘Americano’ is pretty much everywhere. It’s simple, bold, and smooth,” he says. “But recently, people are getting into the ‘matcha latte.’ It’s a huge hit with the younger crowd, combining matcha, which is so Japanese, with the comfort of a latte.”

Being a barista in Tokyo might not be as glamorous as it sounds, but Kento finds joy in the little things. “I love meeting customers,” he says, grinning. “They’re polite, they appreciate good coffee, and they don’t ask for anything too wild!”

That said, the job is demanding. “It’s not just making coffee,” he explains. “You’re running around, handling the kitchen, cashier, cleaning, it’s a team effort. You’ve got to stay on your toes.”

Kento credits his background in tourism for helping him navigate the hustle. “Studying and working in Japan gave me a good foundation,” he says. “I already knew the language and culture, so I wasn’t completely starting from scratch.”

Even on the busiest days, Kento finds small moments of joy, like when a customer takes their first sip and smiles, or when he gets to tell them about the beans he’s using that day.

For Kento, coffee is about connection. As he serves up Indonesian coffee in Tokyo, he’s not just brewing a cup; he’s sharing a piece of himself. “Coffee is like this universal language,” he reflects. “No matter where you’re from, it brings people together.”

And as his journey continues, Kento doesn’t just see himself as a barista, he’s a storyteller. Each cup of coffee he serves bridges Bali and Tokyo, tradition and modernity, home and the world.

“Home isn’t just where you’re born,” Kento says, glancing around the cozy café. “It’s where you grow, where you feel at peace. For me, that’s right here,” Kento said. (hudes)