Singaporeans in Japan mark nation’s 58th birthday, while navigating challenges living in a foreign land

“We started the restaurant two years ago during COVID. After some time, we realised the location wasn’t working well for us. Also because of our manpower (as) we had our second child,” Ms Yap told CNA.

After considering the factors, Ms Yap and Mr Namiki decided to pivot to a food truck business and do online deliveries, instead of running a physical cafe. 

They are now making final preparations for the food truck, which Ms Yap hopes can bring back her old customers, while also welcoming new ones.

LIVING IN JAPAN

The main reason the couple came to Japan in the first place was not to run a food and beverage business, they said.

Instead, Mr Namiki, who is half Japanese, wanted to experience living in Japan even if just for a short period of time.

“I’ve never ever lived in Japan. I grew up in Singapore. Singapore is home. But I’ve always wondered what it was like to live in Japan, so we talked about it, then (decided) okay let’s just try for one year,” he said.

“I enjoyed it and I stayed on. Of course, COVID had a little bit to do with it,” added Mr Namiki, who started a new job at a five-star hotel in Tokyo last month.