Japanese Man Quits Full-Time Job To Fulfil Late Daughter's Dream Of Opening A Family Café
Koji Eguchi opened Coffee Roast HONO in memory of his late daughter, Honoka.
A 57-year-old Japanese man quit his full-time job to open a family café in honour of his late daughter
Koji Eguchi from Saga Prefecture made the life-changing decision after his daughter Honoka passed away from ovarian cancer in August 2022 at just 24.
According to South China Morning Post, Eguchi left his job of 35 years to pursue baking and pastry-making at a local culinary school, determined to fulfil his daughter's dream.
Honoka, diagnosed with cancer and given only three months to live, had found solace in the idea of opening a family café.
Eguchi and his wife, Michiyo, made a heartfelt promise to make it a reality.
Image via South China Morning Post/fnn.jp
28 months after her passing, the family turned their garage into a warm and welcoming café, Coffee Roast HONO
The couple opened its doors on what would have been Honoka’s birthday in December 2024.
Eguchi took charge of crafting the menu, while Michiyo greeted customers.
Honoka's friends, many of whom helped promote the café online, describe it as a sanctuary—a "second home" where her memory lives on.
The café's cosy interior features a framed photograph of Honoka, a poignant reminder of the young woman who inspired it all.
Image via coffee_roast_hono/Instagram
For Eguchi, running the café is a way of keeping his daughter's spirit alive
"It feels like the three of us are still together," he shared, his eyes filled with tears.
Michiyo hopes to continue running the café with pride, imagining a day when her daughter might say, "You've done really well, Mum."
The Eguchi family's dedication has resonated deeply, showing how love, grief, and resilience can create something beautiful — a tribute to Honoka that offers comfort not only to her loved ones but to all who visit.
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