nice to meet you

My name is Tomoko and I work at YANCAFE in Araha Beach, Chatan Town, Okinawa, where I brew coffee, make smoothies and baked goods, and run resin art workshops.

As the website is gradually taking shape, I'm starting to think that I would like to leave a blog as part of YANCAFE's history.

I would like to record little bits about my daily life at Araha Beach, the cafe, the workshops, and what I think and feel on a daily basis outside of work.

I was born and raised in Saitama, a landlocked area.

I studied music but gave up, then I worked in the land of my dreams, I worked as a bartender in Kabukicho inspired by the movie Coyote Ugly, I worked as a receptionist at a gym that employed some of the country's top bodybuilders, and I had a fun time in my early twenties, trying out all kinds of part-time jobs.

Then, when I was 24 years old, I came to Okinawa.

Although I didn't understand the local dialect at all, I worked in a care facility for about six years.

I began to understand it while talking with my senior from Okinawa.

Nursing work can be difficult, but it's fun to talk to so many senior colleagues.

I only have fond memories.

And he told me a lot of stories about the war.

I'm from Saitama, and I'd like to share some of my experiences.

I have so many fun memories and touching memories, I can't write them all down.

These six years of encounters were also very precious times.

After that, I got qualified as a care worker and learned lymph massage, yoga, Brazilian waxing, and resin art from wonderful teachers who not only taught me specialized knowledge but also taught me a heart full of love. I am full of gratitude.

I've been living in Okinawa for 20 years...

And then, by chance, I started going to Araha Beach in 2020.

After that, in 2022, we will start a collaboration with the Osaka Shinsaibashi Roastery.

For the first time in my life, I have come across beans that I found incredibly delicious, and I am learning more about coffee.

Resin art workshop starting in 2023

A long time ago, when I was in my 20s and working part-time at a Japanese restaurant in Minami-Aoyama, a regular customer who was the elderly president of a major company would often tell me that we should study and challenge ourselves until we die.

Now that I'm in my 40s, I feel like that's exactly what I'm experiencing now.

I don't think many people will actually read it though...lol

I will update my diary slowly.

If you'd like, please read it quickly.

Tomoko