Time to spill: Ken Takakura’s coffee journey began not with a love for the brew, but with a fashion statement. What started as a hipster aesthetic—sunglasses, terrace sunrises, and a cup as a prop—evolved into a lifelong obsession. His pivot from viewing coffee as a trend to treating it as a craft was sparked during university in Australia, where specialty coffee’s depth and precision hooked him. The shift was as deliberate as his 16-year tennis career: disciplined, focused, and unyielding. Today, Ken balances roles as founder of Re-Co, freelance barista, and quality controller for a green bean import company, all while championing sustainability and collaboration.
Re-Co isn’t just a micro-roastery—it’s a manifesto. The name, a fusion of “Re” (recreate, recycle) and “Co” (coexist, common), embodies Ken’s mission: to reimagine coffee’s lifecycle. From direct producer partnerships to repurposing coffee cherries into new products, Re-Co prioritizes long-term impact over short-term gains. Ken’s hands-on approach spans roasting, barista work, and supply chain oversight, ensuring every cup reflects his belief that coffee deserves reverence. His vision isn’t just about quality—it’s about legacy.
Ken’s philosophy is rooted in curiosity and responsibility. He sees coffee as a luxury product, not a commodity, arguing that its true value lies in the labor and care behind each bean. Yet he’s wary of complacency: the industry must innovate, educate, and embrace sustainability to survive climate shifts and declining producers. His own growth mirrors this ethos—after placing fourth in the Dutch Barista Championship, he admits the loss was as emotional as it was technical. “I cried,” he says. “Not for the result, but for the gap between what I knew I could do and what I delivered.”
KEY POINTS Coffee’s value lies in its craftsmanship and sustainability, not just price. Curiosity and discipline drive innovation in the coffee world. The industry’s future depends on community and responsible practices.
What role should coffee play in our future.
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Questions & Answers
What inspired Ken Takakura to start Re-Co?
Ken Takakura founded Re-Co to blend coffee culture with art and community, inspired by his passion for storytelling and creating spaces that foster connection through coffee.
Where is Re-Co located?
Re-Co is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, known for its vibrant coffee scene and creative atmosphere.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
