Encouraged by heart-warming local support
Mr. Somiya said, “We opened this shop because we wanted to create something that would help us put what we had learnt at university into practice. We felt that our knowledge of language and business administration should be put to practical use. We also saw it as an opportunity for building friendly relationships between the local people and the foreign students. However, this dream could never have come to fruition without the co-operation of the local people who supported us in the many challenges we faced, such as the paperwork and opening preparations.”
After a group of close friends got together, the shop was opened in July 2003. The shop’s core business is the sale of imported Asian goods. There is plenty of variety with products ranging from tea to fashion accessories to light fittings. The members have put in a lot of hard work and are very appreciative of the warm encouragement and assistance they have received from the local people of Kannawa. |
Our first goal was “just to get the shop up and running.”
The business was going along smoothly, however as members would soon be graduating, the shop was in danger of closing down. When Ms. Babazono heard of the predicament she met with Mr. Somiya to discuss measures to keep the shop open. In the end, Ms. Babazono agreed to take on the running of the shop. She hopes to continue to develop the vision of the business while contributing to the international exchange and development in the Kannawa area. Mr. Somiya said, “It’s important to be open to new experiences and never to be afraid to make mistakes. I hope this shop continues to be a place where members can put into practice what they learn at university.” |
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Representative of Kannawa Happy Star Shop
Mr. Toru Somiya
(China) |
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The successor of Kannawa Happy Star Shop
Ms. Nami Babazono (Kagoshima prefecture) |
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Mr Somiya is a senior at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. He has lived in Japan since the age of 12, and is now a permanent resident. While university studies are his highest priority, he is involved in the management and operation of the shop. |
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Ms. Babazono is a sophomore at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. As one of those taking over the operation of the business, she plans to develop relationships with Thai and Taiwanese companies. |
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