I always wanted to bring people together.

My name is Hiroko Torigoe, originally from Fujiwasawa. My family moved around a lot so I grew up in mainly Wakayama before coming back to Fujisawa.
In elementary school, I heard BOYS II MEN for the first time and fell in love with American music. I love Beyonce!

Q: How did you come to join Cafe Company?

I myself love connecting with people and helping build up neighborhood, and promote good things that people are doing. When I was in university in Fujisawa, I wanted my fellow students to fall in love with the city, and not just head off to Tokyo.

Q: While still in school, I started an interview series of local farmers, bamboo charcoal makers, chicken breeders, tofu artisans, etc and created food & music events where I would bring them together with local rappers. I always wanted to bring people together, and get them to take part in the local community. It was then that I had the idea that the best way to continually do this would be to open a cafe.

I then had a friend who introduced me to Cafe Company, and when I saw Community Access For Everyone on the website, I knew that that was the place for me!

The most fun part is building a team.

Q: What are you doing now?

As the restaurant manager, I'm in charge of all operations. It's kinda like a manager on a baseball team. The most fun part is building a team and getting everyone working happily together.

Q: What does community mean to you?

It's a place filled with laughter!! As long as you have happy and smiling people around you, everyone can relax and come together

Q: A word for those thinking of joining Cafe Company?

As long as you work at it, Cafe Company is a place where you can do what you want. I hope that other young students get to know our company and come and work with me!