The Friends I’m Grateful For Michie

When I found out that I would be moving to Switzerland, I searched on Google for “Japanese in Zug.”

Her name immediately caught my eye, and while I was still in Japan, I reached out and asked if she would be willing to be friends.

“Of course. When you arrive in Switzerland, please contact me at this number.”

That simple message was the beginning of our friendship.

At the time, I had absolutely no connection to the German language. She took me to many different places and introduced me to many people. After I moved, I also joined a “Frauen Abend” (a women’s evening gathering), where my circle of friends quickly grew.

Two years after arriving in Switzerland, Micchi (Michie ) started her own business.

A master baker, she launched a steamed bun shop called Konaküche. In the beginning, she often shared samples with me, and I always looked forward to tasting them.

Her careful selection of ingredients gave me a deep sense of trust. Even now, we purchase essentials such as miso from her for our home.

Then, two summers ago, while I was training in the food and hospitality field, a turning point arrived.

I heard that someone was looking for a caterer, and without hesitation I said,“I’d love to do it!”

That was the start of our catering journey from absolutely nothing — and my partner was, without question, Micchi.

Perhaps it was synchronicity.Just as I was thinking that if I were to ask anyone, it would be her, I heard that she was also interested. I contacted her immediately.

And that was how the Ofukuro Küche project was born.The name and slogan both came from Micchi’s ideas.

My dream of creating “a place gentle to the five senses” took a big step forward through this project.

If I hadn’t reached out to her back then, she might have remained simply someone I knew by name.

Connections are truly something special.

With gratitude.🙏