- What do you like about Vancouver?
- What brought you here?/How long have you been living here?
- What is the hardest thing you have faced living in Canada and what have you learned from it?
- What do you do now?
- What do you like to do?
- What is your personal belief/motto?
- What would you like to do next?
- Editor’s comment
What do you like about Vancouver?
People are nice and very friendly in Vancouver. When I just moved here, I was surprised that people said thank you to the bus driver when they got off the bus. Also there is a lot of nature in the city. The view of the skyscrapers, mountains, and ocean together is amazing.
What brought you here?/How long have you been living here?
I met my husband in Japan and we were together for a long time. We had a long relationship, and in 2008 I decided to move to Ottawa, where he was living. It was a pretty drastic decision, but I don’t regret it. I came to Vancouver in 2010. It has been 11 years this year.
What is the hardest thing you have faced living in Canada and what have you learned from it?
My first work experience in Ottawa was hard. I worked at an organic bakery as a baker. This was my first experience working at an organic bakery after I started living in Ottawa. When I was looking for a job, I thought about what I could do in Ottawa. I decided to do what I liked, so I put a picture of the bread I had taken for my blog on my resume and submitted it. I had never had any real training.
After a week of training, when I was suddenly put in charge of the night shift by myself, I was under so much pressure that my body and mind could not rest. If I made a mistake, there would be no bread to put on the shelves in the morning. I couldn’t sleep from the pressure. I simulated it over and over in my head to make sure I didn’t make a mistake.
After I gained more experience, I eventually was able to handle the job with confidence. At the same time, I learned how to handle different types of organic dough. Above all, I learned how to get things done and make them happen. The experience gave me the confidence that I could do anything alone.
What do you do now?
I have my own bakery brand called: Masako Baked Goods. I provide a variety of Japanese styles of bread such as Melon Bun, Cream Bun, Mochi Anpan and Sausage Bun. Also, my own original bread such as Spicy Negi Miso Cheese Bun, Rum Raisin Walnuts Cream Cheese Bun, Kinako Whipped Cream Bun and many more!!
You can check out my Instagram @masakobakedgoods for your order.
What do you like to do?
I love making bread! I spend most of my day in the kitchen, thinking about what I should make next.
That’s the most exciting moment for me.
If I don’t bake bread for a week, I’ll go crazy. When I go back to Japan, I like to visit different bakeries and try a variety of bread to stimulate my imagination. Now, I want to try authentic bread, especially Croissants and baguettes in France.
What is your personal belief/motto?
Failure is a stepping-stone to success. I keep telling my kids whatever you want to do, just do your best. Don’t be afraid to fail. The most important thing is how you can make the most of your mistakes.
What would you like to do next?
I would like to open a small bakery next to my dream house.
Editor’s comment
The interview took place on a sunny afternoon in a spacious park. Almost 90% of the interview was about bread! Throughout the interview, I felt her strong passion for baking.
Making bread is her job. At the same time, It is her relaxation and her time to calm down. That’s why she doesn’t want to push herself too hard. She will keep her pace and pursue a satisfying taste. If you would like to try her bread, please contact her through her Instagram @masakobakedgoods or QO code. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!
