Navigating Life’s Crossroads: The Story of Opening an Izakaya in Japan

The Journey of Opening and Closing a Dream in Japan

How often have you found yourself standing at a crossroads, contemplating life-changing decisions? We all encounter moments that challenge us to choose between the safety of the familiar and the unknown’s tantalizing allure. These moments often come with questions: What’s the potential damage? What’s the worst that could happen? These queries aren’t born from fear of the unknown but rather an understanding of the need for informed courage. The ability to assess risk, weigh the possible outcomes, and move forward with confidence is critical.

For me, this approach shaped much of my life—until one fateful day when I made the decision to close my izakaya-style restaurant in Nara, Japan, ending my 25-year adventure living abroad.

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The Beginning: A Dream Takes Shape

On July 14th, 2016, we stood on the edge of what we believed to be a transformative new chapter in our lives. My wife Lily and I were preparing to open LBK Craft, an izakaya-style restaurant and bar in Nara. The space was still raw—no construction yet, just a vision. We were two weeks away from securing financing, full of optimism, and eager to bring our dream to life.

LBK Craft was intended to be a community space where locals and travelers could gather, share meals, and explore craft beer, wine, and sake. We envisioned a cozy bar counter, a kitchen bustling with activity, and patrons streaming in to enjoy great food and drinks. In many ways, it was more than just a business—it was our tribute to the many izakayas we had enjoyed throughout Japan, a way to recreate that sense of belonging we had experienced time and time again during our two decades of living in the country.

The excitement was palpable. I remember standing in the empty space, pointing out where the bar would be, imagining the kitchen in action, and envisioning the flow of people through the restaurant. It felt like the start of something great, something that would allow us to give back to the community we had grown to love.

Read: Izakayas: Japan’s Unmissable Dining Experience

Calculated Risks: A Lifelong Approach

Over the years, I’ve often heard people say, "I could never do that," or "How could you take such a risk?" The truth is, my major life changes—from moving to Japan to teach English to venturing into the world of Airbnbs—were never leaps into the unknown. They were always calculated strides toward something I believed in, guided by a willingness to learn and grow.

Each transition in my life, whether from English teacher to university lecturer or from wedding priest to entrepreneur, was carefully considered. I asked myself the same questions each time: What’s the potential damage? What’s the risk? It was never about fear, but about understanding what I stood to gain and lose. It was informed risk-taking, and with each decision, I found not just success, but invaluable lessons that shaped my understanding of the world and myself.

LBK Craft was no different. We didn’t see it as a reckless gamble, but as the culmination of years of learning, adapting, and succeeding in Japan. The dream of opening a restaurant wasn’t born overnight—it was the product of a lifetime of experiences, carefully stitched together with foresight and resilience.

The Reality of Running a Business

But as with any endeavor, reality often has a way of humbling even the most carefully laid plans. After three years of hard work, countless late nights, and moments of triumph, LBK Craft closed its doors in September 2019.

What was the damage? Far more than we could have ever imagined. The financial cost was steep, but the emotional toll was even greater. LBK Craft had become a part of our lives—a living, breathing testament to our years in Japan—and its closure felt like the end of an era. The dream we had nurtured with so much love and care was no more, and the impact rippled through our lives, profoundly altering our sense of purpose and direction.

Despite the unexpected conclusion, LBK Craft’s story is not one of failure. It’s a story of informed risk, of daring to dream and create something meaningful, and of learning from the journey, regardless of the outcome.

The Lessons Learned

When we look back on the journey of opening and closing LBK Craft, it’s impossible not to see the invaluable lessons we learned along the way. Running a business in a foreign country presents unique challenges—from navigating the cultural nuances of customer service to understanding the local regulations governing restaurants. We learned the importance of flexibility, of adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and of staying resilient in the face of setbacks.

Yet, beyond the logistical lessons, the experience taught us something even more profound. It taught us about community—the incredible power of bringing people together in a space where they can share meals, stories, and moments of joy. Even though LBK Craft no longer exists, the connections we made with our patrons, the memories we created, and the sense of belonging we fostered will stay with us forever.

Moving Forward with New Perspectives

As we reflect on the journey of LBK Craft, we understand that this wasn’t just the story of a restaurant—it was the story of embracing life’s unpredictability. It was about acknowledging that even when things don’t turn out as planned, there is beauty in the process. Each twist and turn, each success and setback, has shaped who we are today.

The decision to close the restaurant wasn’t the end of our story. It was merely the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. Life’s pivotal moments often lead us down paths we couldn’t have anticipated, and while some decisions bring unexpected challenges, they also bring growth, wisdom, and new opportunities.

The Power of Informed Risks

Looking back, the idea of opening LBK Craft wasn’t a reckless plunge into the unknown. It was a calculated risk, one we took with full awareness of the potential outcomes. We understood the challenges ahead and accepted them because we believed in the value of what we were creating.

Taking informed risks is a skill—one that requires courage, foresight, and the ability to learn from past experiences. It’s about stepping into the unknown with confidence, knowing that even if things don’t go as planned, the journey will be worth it.

As we move forward with new aspirations, we carry the lessons of LBK Craft with us. We are not defined by the restaurant’s closure but by the experience of running it—the people we met, the skills we honed, and the growth we experienced. It’s a reminder that life is a continuous series of decisions, each one offering the potential for new discoveries.

Embracing the Journey

In the end, LBK Craft’s story isn’t just about the life of a restaurant—it’s about life itself. It’s about embracing the unknown, taking calculated risks, and finding meaning in the journey. Every decision we make, every step we take, brings us closer to understanding who we are and what we’re capable of achieving.

As we continue to reflect on the past and look toward the future, we are reminded that the greatest rewards often come from the most unexpected places. Even when the path ahead is unclear, we move forward with the knowledge that the journey itself is filled with beauty, growth, and new beginnings.

So, whether you’re standing at a crossroads or contemplating your next big decision, remember that informed risks can lead to incredible outcomes. And even when things don’t go as planned, the lessons you learn along the way will stay with you forever.

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