A Place to Call Home: Finding Comfort and Connection at FamFam and Dolce | しあわせの隠れ処
My journey started about 23 years ago when my father passed away. The last words were “Let’s go visit Kyoto.” That’s where he was born and raised. I didn’t think much then, but after moving to Chicago and watching my mother gradually lose her memory of her family, I realized that I didn’t know much about my roots. I never got an opportunity to visit rural towns. I wanted to learn about where I came from. So, I decided to explore a part of Japan I had never visited and also the places where my parents grew up.
Upon visiting several similar towns, I noticed a huge problem. I was incredibly saddened at the state these towns were in. Many of these towns that were the focal point for Japanese food and culture long ago are dying as a result of the declining birth rates, the aging population, and the simultaneous migration to Tokyo. These towns are in dire need of revitalization and preservation, but their spirit remains alive. It was inspiring for me to see the determination and expert craftsmanship these artisans created. There is some brightness to it especially because many young people are now working hard to revitalize and preserve their community and history. It was encouraging to see them take such great care of their lifestyle and people. I would love to be able to be part of such a community. It is my DREAM!
In 2019, my mother passed away at home in Chicago after 5 long years. She was fortunate that she was under the best care of FamFam and Dolce. The day she died was incredible. After the bed was empty, Dolce sat on her pillow looking out the window. The sky was covered in dark clouds, but rather than a sudden rain shower, the clouds slowly drifted apart and created an opening. It reminded me of a gateway to heaven. Unbelievable! At that moment, I start moving on to build my next chapter of life. I found my passion in supporting the revitalization of communities. I wanted to help establish connections through people and lifestyles that can be utilized every day by building a new way of living. It was a revelation for my sister and our friend, Alan. We, FamFam, are now here to build a new style of family and community between Chicago and Japan.
I was ready, but then the pandemic hit. During the pandemic, there was a lot to think about, especially my roots. Like many families, it hit our family hard. What my parents left for us. What were their dreams and destiny? I never questioned my family, but the pandemic forced me to question and rethink the meaning of a family. How do cultural values play in a family? What does it mean to grow up in America? Are foreigners actually welcome even in their own families? It made me realize the kind of environment and world we will be living in in the future. I had to come to terms with the fact that the world is changing fast!
Our parents wanted to keep the family together and wanted us to bridge the two places where they loved and cared very much about – Japan and the U.S.A. That was the thread that kept them together. It’s time for me to carry over their legacy to the next generation.
