Japanese dad of five proud to make Malaysia his home

The Star

21 hours ago

Sweet tribute: Tomohisa showing the different pastries on sale at his bakery in Horizon Hill, Iskandar Puteri, in conjunction with the National Month celebrations.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Merdeka is no longer an unfamiliar term for Haraguchi Tomohisa, who has called Malaysia home for the past 15 years.
The Japanese national first came to Johor more than a decade ago after failing his fifth attempt to secure a job as a pilot.
'As a Japanese, I grew up thinking running a business was too difficult and that being an employee was the safer choice.
'Feeling dejected, I decided to visit my then-girlfriend, now my wife, in Malaysia,' he said during an interview.
Spending time here made him feel drawn to the local culture and entrepreneurial spirit, noting how many young Malaysians are already running their own businesses.
'Back then, I was so surprised to see young people in their 20s already doing business and calling themselves an entrepreneur.
'It definitely was an eye-opening experience to a Japanese like me.
'The environment was so encouraging, it gave me a sense of hope. I told my girlfriend I wanted to settle down here.
'Fast forward to today, I have been running my own bakery for 12 years,' he said.
Tomohisa, 40, got married to his Johorean wife in 2012 and they now have five children, all born in Malaysia.
'I have a big family and I thank this country for allowing me to become who I wanted to be.
'In Japan, it would be impossible for me to father five children due to the strict environment where silence is the norm in public spaces.
'Here, strangers offer help, tolerate the cries of my children and even give us space to care for them. This is the perfect home to raise my big family,' he said.
To celebrate National Day, Tomohisa has prepared hundreds of mini Jalur Gemilang to decorate the pastries that are sold in his bakery in the coming weeks.
'I am not only giving discounts in conjunction with the celebration but also giving back to society.
'I have partnered with five local associations to distribute pastries to those in need.
'This is my way of showing my appreciation to Malaysia,' he said.