#Japan #Akasaka #Fair Trade #Social Contribution #Umami Takurami

Umami Takurami's Fair Trade Lunch Set: A Delicious Initiative

Umami Takurami, a renowned fermentation restaurant located in the Tamachi-Sanno area of Akasaka, Tokyo, is set to launch a special Fair Trade lunch set on May 1, 2026, aligning with the Fair Trade Month initiative. This limited-time offer, priced at just 1,300 yen (tax included), aims to highlight the importance of global social contributions through everyday dining experiences.

The restaurant, operated by Bright Co., is participating in the "Fair Trade Million Action Campaign 2026," which is organized by the certified nonprofit Fair Trade Label Japan. By ordering any item from the Fair Trade menu, customers contribute directly to global development efforts, as 1 yen will be donated for every action counted during the campaign.

Reinventing the Popular Beef Bowl

The star of Umami Takurami's menu is undoubtedly the beef bowl. This dish has been innovatively enhanced by utilizing coffee grounds left over from specialty coffee brewing, a process known as upcycling. These spent coffee grounds are employed in the preparation of the beef bowl, enriching its flavor profile with deep, aromatic undertones that elevate the umami experience. The deep-seated flavors from the coffee perfectly complement the beef's richness, making it a truly unique offering.

This initiative not only nourishes the customers but also enables office workers in the vicinity to partake in a global cause effortlessly during their lunch breaks.

Details of the Lunch Set

The Fair Trade set includes:

• - Beef Bowl: Featuring the exclusive preparation method that incorporates coffee grounds, this dish is a must-try at just 800 yen (tax included).
• - Tea Cheese Cake: A beautifully crafted dessert made from Fair Trade certified tea leaves, merging vibrant flavors with a fermented twist, priced at 400 yen.
• - Double Bloom Black Cordial: A sustainable drink brewed with spice-infused coffee grounds, beautifully highlighting the concept of second life for ingredients, also priced at 400 yen.

The Million Action Campaign

In alignment with Fair Trade Month every May, the Million Action Campaign mobilizes companies, municipalities, and restaurants across Japan in awareness activities. Since its inception in 2021, the campaign has been steadily expanding, aiming for a monumental target of 3 million actions in its sixth year. Purchases of eligible items throughout the campaign are counted as actions, and the cumulative total directs donations to farmers in developing countries. This initiative connects each individual's dining choices to broader implications for environmental sustainability and farmer livelihoods.

The campaign is supported by Fair Trade Label Japan and runs from May 1 to May 31, 2026. For more information, visit the official website here.

Commitment to Sustainability and Community

Umami Takurami’s approach reflects its commitment to sustainability, ensuring that no part of their specialty coffee goes to waste. The innovative use of spent coffee grounds not only enhances their popular beef bowl but also contributes to a circular economy within food practices. By integrating these sustainable practices, the restaurant encourages local customers to engage in thinking about a sustainable future through their daily dining experiences.

More About Umami Takurami

Located a mere minute’s walk from Exit 8 of Tamachi-Sanno Station, Umami Takurami is dedicated to exploring the art of fermentation and ingredient circulation. It has been awarded two stars in the 'Food Made Good Japan Awards 2025' by the Sustainable Restaurant Association of Japan (SRA Japan). The restaurant serves a variety of popular dishes during weekday lunch hours, including their famed beef bowl and curry. In the evenings, the venue can be reserved entirely for private events such as corporate functions or team-building activities.

Store Information:

• - Address: 2-2-21 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, B1F Nagatacho Legal Building
• - Lunch Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (Last Order 1:15 PM)
• - Dinner Hours: Weekdays 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Reservation only)
• - Website: Umami Takurami Official Site
• - Phone: 03-6441-0076

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to:

• - Company: Bright Co.
• - Public Relations Contact: Takamura
• - Email: [email protected]

Bright Co. aims to tackle social issues and establish sustainable business models centered around food. They manage several restaurants, including Umami Takurami in Akasaka and La Fess in Kanda, and engage in various regional revitalization projects connecting urban and rural areas. The company continually strives for next-generation restaurant management that is both data-driven and creatively sustainable.

Through this initiative, every meal can become a meaningful contribution to the world, demonstrating that dining experiences can be both delightful and impactful.