Vol.04 Start and end your day with this one piece
When asked when they first encountered "Chocolat da Familia" chocolates,
Ayako, the wife, replied, "Two years ago. I remember because I was wearing those sandals… so it must have been late summer."
The reason she can recall the memory so vividly is because she takes photos at every opportunity.
It's a daily routine for the Inoues to take walks on Sundays, taking photos with a film camera.
"Looking at photos, I remember the seasons, the scenes, and everything from that time. Like, 'it was hot then.' I print the film photos, so our family often looks through them together."
Ayako has been photographing her family for over 20 years, since her children were born.
Her husband, Ryo, inspired by her, also picked up a camera, and it became a shared hobby for the couple.
They found "Chocolat da Familia" at a shop they discovered during one of their walks.
"It wasn't like any chocolate I knew," said Ayako.
"When they said it was strawberry flavored and I tried it, it genuinely tasted like strawberry. It was a delicious and exciting experience, unlike anything I'd ever tasted."
"My favorite is the Hojicha flavor. I can't forget the impact it had when I first tasted it. It was a unique flavor." Both husband and wife were instantly smitten.
They enjoy their chocolates at different times.
Ryo has one piece with coffee as dessert after dinner.
"It feels like 'good job today.' I'd love to eat it anytime, (laughs) but I'm on a diet now, so just one piece... It's always a battle for flavors with my daughter, who loves sweets."
Ayako's absolute favorite is "Bark Chocolate White & Raisin."
"I've made it a habit to have a piece in the morning. It's something my body needs to start the day. But sometimes I also sneak a piece while preparing dinner. Since it's in the kitchen, I secretly grab one with my back to the family (laughs)."
Starting and ending the day with "Chocolat da Familia" chocolates.
For the Inoues, this single piece has become as much a part of their daily life as taking photos.
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Ryo and Ayako Inoue, a couple living with their two children and a cockatiel named Moyan. Their shared hobby is photography. Ryo, as a "part-time photographer," is active in portrait, documentary, and interview photography, in addition to his main profession.