JOURNEY TO YEMEN 'A World Through Coffee' – A Journey to Yemen, the Birthplace of Coffee Culture, at Roppongi Tsutaya Books, Fukuoka

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which conducts medical and humanitarian aid activities in over 70 countries worldwide, will host 'JOURNEY TO YEMEN (Journey to Yemen): A World Through Coffee – A Journey to Yemen, the Birthplace of Coffee Culture' at Roppongi Tsutaya Books in Fukuoka City from Saturday, August 8 to Sunday, August 23, 2026. This exhibition introduces the rich culture and daily life of Yemen in the Middle East, while also raising awareness about the current situation of people affected by prolonged conflict.

Yemen: A Land of Rich Culture

Yemen has been experiencing a humanitarian crisis since 2015 due to ongoing civil war, poverty, and food shortages. Approximately 5.2 million people—equivalent to the entire population of Fukuoka Prefecture (about 5.08 million)—are currently displaced (※). Medical services, including maternal and child healthcare, are in critical condition, and MSF continues large-scale medical and humanitarian aid operations across Yemen.

Despite conflict and humanitarian challenges, Yemen possesses a vibrant history and culture. Renowned for the historic port of Mocha, a hub of coffee trade, Yemen is considered the birthplace of coffee culture. For generations, sharing coffee with family and friends has been a cherished tradition.

※UNHCR, 2026

Raising Awareness of Global Humanitarian Crises

The exhibition will feature documentary photographs by Yuichi Mori, who has dedicated his career to capturing Yemen’s landscapes and people. It will also introduce Yemeni coffee, traditional culture, and daily life, while highlighting the current humanitarian crisis and MSF’s medical and humanitarian efforts in the country.

Special events during weekends will include children’s programs and immersive experiences of Yemeni culture, cuisine, and music. Additionally, Mocha Origins, a company importing and selling Yemeni coffee, will offer coffee tastings and sales.

The event aims to deepen public understanding of Yemen through its cultural and social dimensions and inspire greater awareness of global humanitarian crises.

Previously held at Eniwa Tsutaya Books in Hokkaido in 2025 © Yuichi Mori Photography © Jun Higurashi

Event Overview

JOURNEY TO YEMEN 'A World Through Coffee'

– A Journey to Yemen, the Birthplace of Coffee Culture at Roppongi Tsutaya Books

Dates: August 8 (Sat) – August 23 (Sun), 2026

Hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Venue: Roppongi Tsutaya Books

4-2-1 Roppongi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 421 Roppongi, 2nd Floor

Directly connected to 'Roppongi' Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line

Admission: Free

Organizer: Médecins Sans Frontières Japan (Non-Profit Organization)

Special Cooperation: Roppongi Tsutaya Books

Contact: Public Relations Department, MSF Japan – [email protected]

Website: https://www.msf.or.jp/event/detail/20260808.html

Event Highlights

Photo Exhibition

Showcasing the works of documentary photographer Yuichi Mori, whose life’s work has been documenting Yemen’s stunning landscapes and vibrant people.

Daily Life Exhibits

Introducing coffee, an essential part of Yemeni life, alongside traditional rugs, household items, and clothing. Real samples of incense such as frankincense and myrrh will be on display, allowing visitors to experience their fragrance.

Food Culture Introduction

Exhibiting traditional iron pots used for stews and photographs of Yemeni dishes such as rice meals and grilled camel meat. (No food will be served.)

Art and Architecture

An installation inspired by the 'Kamaria Window,' a distinctive Yemeni architectural style combining white plaster and colorful stained glass. Also on display are works of Arabic calligraphy, a 1,400-year-old art form.

Children’s Drawings

MSF provides psychological care to those traumatized by conflict. Drawings made by children participating in MSF’s mental health programs at hospitals will be exhibited.

MSF Activity Exhibition

Displays on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and MSF’s medical and humanitarian response efforts.

Crossword Puzzle Challenge

Find hidden clues around the venue and solve a crossword puzzle to learn fun facts about Yemen.

Photo Spot with Chopper

A photo opportunity with Chopper, the official supporter of MSF from the anime 'ONE PIECE.'

Exhibits include photographs from Yemen, traditional crafts, and children’s artwork.

Children’s Programs and Talk Events During the Exhibition

Children’s Program: Summer Special 'Classroom of the World and Life' at Roppongi Tsutaya Books

The 'Classroom of the World and Life' is an interactive educational program designed to help participants view humanitarian issues not as distant events but as personal responsibilities, fostering action-oriented individuals. MSF staff will speak about life-threatening crises and humanitarian aid worldwide.

【Date】August 11, 2026 (Tue, Holiday)

Morning Session: 11:00–11:45 (45 min) / Afternoon Session: 13:30–14:15 (45 min)

【Target】Elementary School Grade 4 to Junior High School Grade 3

【Fee】Free

【Capacity】50 participants (first-come, first-served)

Children’s Program: Summer Special 'Discover Yemen’s Culture and Médecins Sans Frontières!'

Learn about Yemen’s geography, food culture, and daily life with Tareq, a Yemeni national, and MSF staff.

【Date】August 15, 2026 (Sat) 14:00–15:15

【Participants】25 people

【Fee】Free

【Recommended Age】Elementary school students and above

【Speakers】Tareq Almogahed (Representative, Mocha Origins) / Kazuko Marui (MSF Logistician) / Yuichi Mori (Documentary Photographer)

Special Talk: JOURNEY TO YEMEN – Yemeni Culture and Daily Life

Perspectives from photography, medicine, cultural studies, and travel will illuminate the lives and social realities of Yemeni people. On-site, Mocha Origins will offer tastings of aromatic Yemeni coffee.

【Date】August 16, 2026 (Sun) 14:00–15:30

【Participants】25 people (first-come, first-served)

【Fee】Free

【Speakers】

Part 1: Yuichi Mori (Documentary Photographer) / Kazuko Marui (MSF Logistician)

Part 2: Hiroshi Sato (Executive Director, Japan-Yemen Friendship Association) / Tareq Almogahed (Representative, Mocha Origins)

Moderator: Takuya Mori (Travel Concierge, Roppongi Tsutaya Books)

Special Talk & Live Performance: JOURNEY TO YEMEN – The Enchantment of Arab Cuisine and Music

Part 1: Ryohei Saito, who organizes Arab food events across Japan, will introduce the delights of home-friendly Arab cuisine. MSF nurse Miki Dotsu, who has worked in Yemen, will share her experiences from the field. (No food will be served.) Part 2: The enchanting sounds of the oud, known as the 'queen of instruments' in Arab music, and the ney, a reed flute, will be performed live.