What Coffee!?!?!

Coffee was introduced to Japan by Dutch traders in the 17th century, during the Edo period. Initially, it was a luxury commodity consumed mostly by the wealthy and by Dutch residents within the confines of Dejima, the sole trading post allowed to operate in Nagasaki. However, coffee did not gain widespread popularity in Japan until the late 19th century following the country's opening to international trade. The first domestic coffee shop, Kahiichakan, was opened in Tokyo in 1888, marking the beginning of coffee culture in Japan, although it closed after just five years.

The real growth of coffee consumption in Japan took place in the 20th century, especially in the post-World War II era. The rapid economic development and urbanization led to the emergence of coffee shops known as "kissaten." These establishments served as social hubs where people could discuss politics, culture, and business, playing a significant role in Japan's modernization. In the 1960s and 1970s, the kissaten also became popular among students and intellectuals. Today, Japan is known for its vibrant coffee culture, with a deep appreciation for specialty coffee and meticulous brewing techniques, distinguishing itself as a major player in the global coffee scene.

Fukuoka Airport, originally established as Mushiroda Airfield in 1944 during World War II, has a rich history. It was initially used by the Imperial Japanese Army as a base for air defense operations in northern Kyushu. After the war, the airfield was taken over by the United States Air Force and renamed Itazuke Air Base. It served as a key strategic point during the Korean War for the United States, facilitating numerous military operations. In 1972, the air base was returned to Japan, and the facility was converted into a civilian airport, officially renamed Fukuoka Airport.

Over the years, Fukuoka Airport has undergone significant transformations to accommodate the growing demand for both domestic and international flights, becoming one of the busiest airports in Japan. Situated just a few kilometers east of the city center of Fukuoka, it is uniquely integrated into the urban environment, contributing to its high traffic volume. The airport’s single runway and proximity to the city have required innovative solutions to manage flight schedules efficiently and minimize noise pollution in the surrounding areas. Today, Fukuoka Airport serves as a vital hub for business and travel in the region, connecting Kyushu to major cities across Asia and beyond.

Three-letter airport codes, known officially as location identifiers, are an essential component of global aviation, developed to streamline communication and logistics. The system was introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the 1940s as air travel began to expand rapidly worldwide. Prior to this, airports were typically identified by two-letter codes based on the radio call signs allocated by the International Telecommunication Union. However, with the increasing number of airports, a more expansive coding system became necessary. IATA's three-letter codes were designed to be simple and memorable while providing enough combinations to uniquely identify each airport around the world.

The allocation of these three-letter codes often relates to the name of the airport or the city it serves, which helps in their memorability and ease of recognition. For example, JFK stands for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and LAX for Los Angeles International Airport. Sometimes, if the straightforward initials are already taken or would be too ambiguous, the codes might include a letter from the state or country, or even be derived from historical airport names or older codes. Over time, as airports have changed names or new airports have been built, new codes have been assigned, but the three-letter system remains a constant, facilitating efficient travel, luggage routing, and international aviation logistics across the globe.

In the case of Fukuoka Airport, the IATA airport code is FUK. And the founder of the coffee shop loves airplanes and all things flying. The establishment in Fukuoka, the first one made, is named after Fukuoka Airport's IATA code, although it isn't inside the airport terminal. But when you walk in the store, there is a sign encouraging you in English to "Have a good flight." There are sister shops in Nagoya (NGS Coffee), Osaka (OSA Coffee), and Hiroshima (HIJ Coffee). But as the coffee empire started in Fukuoka, it also has FUK Coffee Roastery, FUK Coffee Seaside, and FUK Coffee Parks. The parent company is called 3LETTER Co. Ltd., clearly explaining where the names come from. We've never been to this establishment, but we've probably had beverages from Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX). Visiting FUK Coffee is likely to send us on a trip from Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) to Butler Airport (BUM). But throwing caution to the wind, we will drink from FUK Coffee, followed by dessert at St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE). Omega Airport (OMG), it seems so Farnborough Airport (FAB). Bloemfontein Airport (BFN)! Antoine-Simon Airport (CYA)!

See also "How Starbucks Succeeded in Japan"

FUK Coffee's Website