Akenohoshi Kougei Co., Ltd. is a Kyoto-based company rooted in the Catholic spirit.
The partnership with the NPO Seibo began through a long-standing connection between the representatives of both organizations, who have been close since their student days within the Catholic community.
Both organizations are dedicated to embodying the Church’s mission within society, and Seibo looks forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration.

The History and Background of Akenohoshi Kougei

For many years, Akenohoshi Kougei has provided high-quality sacred vessels and religious items to churches and parishioners across Japan through its wholesale business.

・Products: Altars, crucifixes, rosaries, statues, and liturgical supplies.
・Our Philosophy: We believe in more than just selling objects; we cherish designs suitable for prayer and the warmth of artisanal craftsmanship.
・Trust: Our foundation is built on deep relationships of trust established through years of service to churches and convents nationwide.

Visit their website here.

1. Social Contribution & Coffee Project (La Parole x Seibo Partnership)

The meticulous attention to detail cultivated in their religious goods business has expanded into a new form of social contribution.

・Drip Bag Sales: Through their retail site, “La Parole,” Akenohoshi Kougei processes and sells Seibo’s “Malawian Coffee” in convenient drip bags.
・Sustainable Support: A portion of the proceeds from this coffee is donated to provide school meals for children in Malawi.
・Our Role: Just as sacred items support “prayer,” this coffee supports the “future of the world’s children.”

Purchase products here.

2. Share House & Community “e.a.t.”: A Place to Eat and Live Together
Akenohoshi Kougei has recently launched a share house project named “e.a.t.” The name stands for “Everyone Appreciates Together.” It carries the message of maintaining a heart of gratitude toward fellow residents, the local neighborhood, and society at large. Furthermore, “Eat” represents a place where people share meals and share their lives.

At Seibo, our mission is to create a better future for children through school meal support. We are proud to support the future of the residents at “e.a.t.” in Japan as well.

Facility Details:
・Extensive Common Space: A spacious 30-tatami mat (approx. 50sqm) living and dining area designed to foster natural conversation.
・Privacy Guaranteed: Each private room is lockable and fully equipped with a bed, desk, and air conditioning.
・Low Initial Costs: Fully furnished with appliances and furniture, making it easy to start a new life.

Access:
Located within walking distance of Kuramaguchi Station (Kyoto City Subway). Situated in a quiet residential area with easy access to central Kyoto and various universities.

Click here for details.

3. Connecting Kyoto to the World through a “Cup of Coffee”
As a charity partner of Seibo, Akenohoshi Kougei operates the online shop “La Parole.” Each drip bag we carefully pack provides approximately one school meal for a child in Malawi. A cup of coffee shared with friends at “e.a.t.” directly connects to the future of children overseas. Life at “e.a.t.” allows residents to feel that their daily lives are directly linked to the global community.

For residency inquiries, click here.

Future Collaboration with NPO Seibo
・Circular Support Model: A portion of coffee sales will continue to fund school meals in Malawi through Seibo. We also hope to share stories from the share house, showcasing how social connections are born from a simple cup of coffee.

・Multi-faceted Promotion: Beyond coffee sales, we plan to utilize Seibo’s network with educational institutions to introduce the “e.a.t.” share house to incoming university students, exploring new ways to collaborate.

・Collaboration with Mission Schools: At mission schools where Seibo conducts lessons on social business, we will also sell Akenohoshi Kougei products. Together, we aim to realize our shared missions within the economic landscape.