What do you like about Canada?
One of the most attractive things about Vancouver is that we have easy access to forests and beaches. I’d never gone hiking in Japan, but I really enjoy hiking and the fresh air in the forests here.
I feel that Canadians are similar to Japanese. People are tolerant, friendly and kind. I totally changed my image of people in western countries.
How long have you been living here? What brought you here？
I came to Vanccouver with a working holiday visa in 2015. It became the turning point of my life.
I was dealing with a tough situation and feeling down for a while in Japan. I wondered what I could only do in my twenties and what I could only do “now”. I decided to live in Canada.
The month I arrived here was September, which is the beginning of the rainy season. Honestly, I didn’t enjoy it here at first. I gradually improved my English and started working at a restaurant and enjoying talking with customers. Fortunately, I was able to receive a work permit and I was able to stay longer. During that time, I met my husband and ended up living here.
Life in Japan
The experience I had in Canada really changed my life. Thinking back, in Japan, I had lived by paying attention to what people think about me or how they see me. I studied hard to enter a good university and worked for a big well known corporation as a flight attendant. I chose the path without thinking about what I really like or want to do.
Living in Vancouver opened me up and made me realize that it’s more enjoyable to live my own life and make the best out of it!
What do you do now？
I launched Happy Toys Sharing, a toys renting service company in March, 2021. We rent out toys to families who have young children. All of our toys have good quality and are educational. Toys have a huge impact on child development, but choosing a toy is unexpectedly difficult. Also, they take up so much space especially in a small house in Vancouver. We would like to help reduce the burden on families. We believe that through toy rental, children will learn to “share” and “treat things carefully” while having fun. We would like to deliver not only toys but also “HAPPY” to everyone!
I would like to help moms and provide a place where they could meet each other. Also, I would like to express myself and connect with others and societies through my business.
How did you come up with the business idea?
One day, there were tons of toys scattered around the floor in front of me, which I needed to clean up. Then the Toys sharing idea struck me! I also believe that the sharing economy is one of the ways of sustainable living.
Having my son was another turning point. I met some independent women in Canada. They work full time, but make time for themselves even though they have children. I thought they were so cool. It made me think that I want to be independent and do something challenging for myself. At first, after I started working a part time job, I felt that I was selling my time even though I am a busy mom and I don’t have much time. I thought I’d rather use my time efficiently and sell my ideas and services.
What is the hardest thing you’ve faced living in Canada?
Raising a child is one of the hardest things I’ve experienced. I wish my parents had been around to help me. Even if I went to the park with my son and met some people, I felt that I can’t get to know them well because of the language barrier. I started losing confidence and started feeling very lonely.
I needed a connection with the society outside, to have time to get my confidence back. That’s the reason why I started working part time.
What is your personal belief?
My mother used to say to me “Everything is an experience!” Trying new things could be scary or painful, but once you do it, you will be glad you did. Just try it anyway! It will not be a scary thing anymore.
Editor’s comment
Deciding to come to Canada became a big turning point in her life. Raising a child changed the idea of her career. I believe that lots of immigrant women would sympathize with her about feelings of loneliness when raising children overseas, the experience of getting help from mom friends, and the desire to be independent. She kept saying that she doesn’t have any skills, but I think that she is a woman who has the talent and power to put her decisions into action and to make it work, and the charm that makes people want to support her.
Please check out her website for her great Toys rental service.
