How a Japanese-Educated 80s Returnee Built Her Coffee Dream

It starts with a trip to the supermarket — any supermarket, anywhere in the world. He Lihua heads straight for the coffee aisle, picks up a local single origin, studies the roast date and origin details on the back label, then immediately thinks of a dessert that would pair perfectly with it. For this 80s-born returnee from Japan, coffee isn't a trend or a lifestyle accessory. It’s personal.

If you’re wondering what turns someone into a true coffee enthusiast, the answer often lies in experience: for He Lihua, it was three years pulling shots and steaming milk in a Japanese coffee chain while studying abroad.

The Accidental Coffee Obsession

He Lihua didn’t set out to fall in love with coffee. Studying in Japan, she took a part-time job at a coffee chain to help cover high living costs — a common move for international students trying to adapt and earn. “I had to work to make ends meet,” she explains. But what began as a financial necessity quickly became a deep fascination.

She learned how soil, climate, and roast levels shaped a coffee’s flavour. She explored how milk, desserts, even water pouring speed altered the cup. “Coffee has such a strong personality,” she recalls. “The more I worked with it, the more surprising it became.”

Learning Every Detail

During her three-year shift, even after long days of classes and four-hour work stints, He Lihua often stayed late just to taste more coffees and memorize their subtle differences. Her coworkers called her a hard worker; she called it joy.

Beyond the café, she scoured Japanese supermarkets for regional beans, researching their origins and imagining ideal food pairings. Each new coffee felt like discovering hidden treasure. “It helped me handle the stress of being abroad,” she says. “A simple cup of coffee could bring peace.”

Her evening routine became sacred: grind fresh beans, brew, match with sweets, play soft music. “The aroma, that slight bitterness, it’s perfect for quiet reflection.”

The Dream of a Specialty Cafe in Guangzhou

Years later, He Lihua returned to China and settled in Guangzhou with a steady job. But she never let go of her dream: opening a unique coffee space, not for profit, but for community. “It doesn’t have to be high-end,” she insists. “Just a place for people who truly care about coffee.”

Her ideal cafe would feature floor-to-ceiling windows, constant coffee aromas, and a relaxed vibe. “People could enjoy well-brewed coffee, talk about flavours, and find a deeper kind of relaxation than just going to a bar,” she envisions. She also imagines stocking wine and hosting conversations over carefully brewed pour-overs.

What She Learned From Japan

Working in Japan taught He Lihua to appreciate coffee beyond the cup. She mastered the craft — from origin stories to roast impact, milk ratios to pairing theory. Most importantly, she learned that coffee can anchor you, offering calm amid life’s chaos.

“Coffee may not be part of traditional Chinese culture like tea,” she reflects. “But once you try it with an open mind, there’s so much to explore.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked He Lihua’s interest in coffee?

He Lihua developed her passion for coffee while working part-time for three years at a coffee chain in Japan. Initially taking the job to support herself financially, she became fascinated by the complexities of coffee, including origin, roast levels, brewing techniques, and food pairings.

Where did He Lihua work during her time in Japan?

She worked at a local coffee chain in Japan throughout her three-year stay as a student, where she gained hands-on experience with brewing, customer service, and coffee knowledge.

Why does He Lihua want to open a cafe in Guangzhou?

He Lihua dreams of opening a cafe in Guangzhou as a community hub for coffee lovers, not to maximize profits but to create a cultural space where people can connect over shared appreciation for specialty coffee.

What does she imagine her future cafe will look like?

Her ideal cafe features large windows, the constant smell of fresh coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. It would serve thoughtfully brewed coffee, offer wine, and encourage deep conversation among ‘coffee friends’.

How did her part-time job turn into a life passion?

Initially a way to afford life in Japan, her coffee shop job exposed her to the details of coffee sourcing, brewing, and enjoyment. Over time, she grew to love the complexity and calming effects of coffee, leading to a lifelong interest.

What coffee styles or pairings interested her the most?

She became particularly interested in how different coffees paired with desserts, and how variables like roast level, water flow, and milk changed flavour profiles. She often imagined the perfect sweet pairing for each bean she tried.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Single Origins

To follow He Lihua’s journey into specialty coffee, start with FrontStreet Coffee’s carefully selected single origins. The BrazilBourbon (Shidaluo Red Bourbon) offers a balanced, medium-bodied cup with creamy texture, mild acidity, and notes of nuts and caramel — great for beginners. The ColombiaSidra (Sidra from FENXIANXIAN Estate) delivers intense sweetness with complex fruitiness, including passionfruit and apricot, thanks to its double anaerobic natural process. For Indonesian richness, try the Lintong Mandheling, a classic thick and earthy profile with notes of toasted bread, cinnamon, and dark sugar. All are excellent for exploring how origin and processing define flavor. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.