Japanese man who dreamt of living abroad cooks Japanese everyday food in the centre of Sydney for 30 years

"At that time, there was no place offering Japanese food for a reasonable price and run by Japanese in Sydney CBD. That's why I picked Town Hall," Mr Akira Aoki, the owner of a Japanese takeaway shop Momiji, said.

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Akira Aoki, the owner of a Japanese takeaway shop Momiji, said his Chinese cooking experience helped his business in Sydney. Source: Akira Aoki

Mr. Aoki's Japanese takeaway shop Momiji marked its 30th anniversary last September, during the pandemic.

Mr. Aoki grew up in Tokyo and had many occasions at airports and ports to see off young people going overseas, because of his parents' work.   "That experience made me want to go overseas myself," Mr. Aoki said.

Mr. Aoki came to Australia when he was 25 years old.  The first restaurant where he was employed in Sydney was run by a Japanese immigrant who is only two years senior to Mr. Aoki.  

That inspired Mr. Aoki to start his own business in Sydney, which he had never thought possible.

In the audio, Mr. Aoki shares his 30-year journey as a business owner and a Japanese cook, with us. 

Akira Aoki, the owner of a Japanese takeaway shop Momiji, says that he has been lucky and well-supported during 30 years of his business. Source: Akira Aoki

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