Friendship draws Japanese chef to Sibu
SIBU: Japanese chef Nobuaki Yamauchi is currently sharing his culinary skills with Sibu diners because of his close friendship with local restaurateur John Loh.
The two 35-year-olds first met in Kobe, Japan, where Loh worked with a heavy machinery company for six years.
Loh, who loves food and meeting people, explained that whenever he went to a restaurant there, he would start talking to the restaurant owners and staff.
That was how he met Yamauchi.
“We became best friends and he took care of me very well while I was in Japan. I was a regular customer of the restaurant where he worked,” said Loh.
“I don’t cook, but I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant. One day, I told him (Yamauchi) about my plan and he said ‘yes’.”
It only took Loh an hour to convince Yamauchi to join him as business partner.
“I didn’t think of anything else, he is my friend. The restaurant was a great plan and so I agreed,” Yamauchi said.
A month after coming back from Japan in 2013, Loh opened the Akatsuki Animate Restaurant, which is known for its Japanese-style barbecue and steamboat.
Yamauchi is currently steering the team members towards operating on their own.
“Yamauchi is teaching and training the kitchen staff. He will do it until we can manage on our own,” Loh said, adding that operating the restaurant has been a challenge.
“Closing shop never came to mind. Yamauchi and I are very determined to make things work.”
Although he loves Sibu, Yamauchi said he would return to Japan one day.
“Japan is my home and I will not stay here forever. Japan is where I belong,” he said.