In a heartfelt tribute to his late daughter, 57-year-old Koji Eguchi from Saga Prefecture, Japan, made a life-changing decision to leave his full-time job and open a family café.
This poignant journey began after his daughter, Honoka, tragically passed away from ovarian cancer in August 2022 at just 24 years old.
Photo via South China Morning Post
According to the South China Morning Post, Honoka’s dream of opening a family café became a source of comfort during her illness. Despite being given only three months to live, she found solace in imagining a space where love and warmth could be shared with others.
Determined to honour her wishes, Eguchi left his 35-year career and enrolled in a local culinary school to master baking and pastry-making. Together with his wife, Michiyo, the couple transformed their garage into a cosy café, which they named Coffee Roast HONO in memory of Honoka.
The café officially opened its doors in December 2024 on what would have been Honoka’s birthday. Koji crafted the menu with care, while Michiyo welcomed customers with a warm smile. The café’s interior features a framed photograph of Honoka, serving as a poignant reminder of the young woman whose dream inspired it all.
Photo via South China Morning Post
Honoka’s friends, many of whom helped promote the café online, describe it as a sanctuary and a “second home” where her memory lives on. Visitors are touched by the Eguchi family’s dedication and the comforting atmosphere of the café.
For Koji, running the café is more than just a business; it is a way to keep his daughter’s spirit alive. “It feels like the three of us are still together,” he shared, his voice filled with emotion.
Michiyo echoes this sentiment, hoping to continue running the café with pride. She imagines Honoka looking down and saying, “You’ve done really well, Mum.”
The Eguchi family’s story is a testament to the power of love and resilience. Through their café, they have created a beautiful tribute to Honoka that offers comfort and inspiration to all who visit, proving that even in grief, something profoundly meaningful can bloom.
