My everyday life is your extraordinary life.
When I run a store, I sometimes feel that way.
For me, the restaurant is my everyday workplace. But for customers, eating out at a restaurant is (in most cases) a place to have an experience they can't have in their everyday lives.
The work we do every day has the potential to become a special moment for someone. For those who come from far away, the time they spend at our store may become a "memory of Nagoya."
When I think about that, I feel more motivated.
I've felt that way especially this week.
A Japanese person living in New Zealand whom I met on social media came all the way to visit Bokumo.
A few months ago, I received a message from Toshi, who works at a winery in Central Otago, saying he was going on a trip to Japan and would be stopping by Bokumo.
It was my first experience meeting someone I only knew through social media, and who lived more than 10,000 kilometers away.
Toshi said that it was no exaggeration to say that the main purpose of his trip to Japan was to come to Bokumo. What a blessing!
On the day, Toshi visited Bokumo with his friend Angela from New Zealand.
Those who have experienced going from SNS to face-to-face will understand, but it's an interesting thing. It made me feel like I was able to see the facial expression of someone I only knew the outline of.
We received souvenirs, had a lively conversation, and time passed by quickly.
But Toshi was a very free-spirited guy and very interesting. Halfway through, he moved to the side of Bokumo Wine staff member Sato, who had come to drink, and started having fun. "Angela, you should just enjoy yourself."
As a result, Angela was sitting alone at the counter. But this was lucky for me. I was able to talk to her in my poor English about the towns and food in New Zealand, and about what she liked about her trip to Japan and what she ate. It was very interesting.
What was particularly impressive was when he said, "I feel there is diversity in Japanese culture."
She came to Nagoya via Okinawa, Nagasaki, and Kyoto, and each place left a completely different impression on her, from the buildings to the food. She was surprised to learn that each region has such a different character. And she found it even more wonderful to learn that each place has its own unique history.
I see.
Diversity. Unique history. That's what makes it amazing and wonderful.
Bokumo has been open for 14 years. It is still too short to call it a unique history. But some people might say, "It's interesting that it's in Nagoya but New Zealand." I need to dig deeper into this individuality.
Shortly after we said goodbye and said "Have a nice trip!", Angela wrote a review for Bokumo on Google.
"What a great little find . Your place is very nice with a great selection of NZ Wines . Food was also very yum . Thanks for your hospitality."
Wow, thank you!
I was very happy if her first experience in Nagoya left a good impression on her.
I will not become complacent about this experience, but will continue to work hard so that I can help someone else experience something out of the ordinary.
Yes, it is often said that "travel enriches life."
But even if you don't travel yourself, you can still feel enriched by interacting with other travelers. That was the big discovery I made that night.
