Three years ago, Yurya, who was living alone in Nakameguro, Tokyo, discovered "Chocolat da Familia" at Utility Canvas, an apparel shop close to her home. Delighted by its delicious taste, she brought her chocolate-loving mother, Mariko, back to the shop, and ever since, the mother-daughter duo has been passionately devoted to it.
"I've always liked chocolate, but I never had a specific shop I frequented," Mariko says. "I would receive high-end or fancy chocolates at events, but none of them really stuck with me. Ever since my daughter introduced me to Chocolat da Familia, I haven't 'cheated' on them! (laughs) It's just so delicious and comforting. Lately, my favorite is the 'Bark Chocolate White & Raisin.'"
"I'm also hooked on the bark chocolate," Yurya adds. "Since it has nuts and raisins, the different textures make me so happy. Once I start, I can't stop eating it until it's all gone. It's addictive! (laughs)"
"It pairs well with coffee, so I always keep chocolate at my coffee station at home," Mariko continues. "That way, I can eat it right away, right? But sometimes my son eats it all, and I find it gone."
"Actually, I keep 'Colorful Chocolat' in my desk drawer at work," Mariko shares. "When I'm working overtime, I pop one as a reward for myself. It really energizes me. The other day, I ordered 20 mini bark chocolates to give to everyone as a thank-you for my department transfer. Since I love them so much, I thought it would be nice if more people became fans. I also often give them as a small gift when returning something I've borrowed, so they're incredibly useful in my daily life (laughs)," says Mariko.
Chocolat da Familia was there for both special occasions and everyday life.
"Nakameguro was the first place I lived alone in my twenties, but it felt a little lonely to be away from my parents. So, I decided to make it a place I loved, choosing a town where I often went cherry blossom viewing during the spring. Stepping into Utility, I discovered Chocolat da Familia, and it became one more favorite spot that I could visit with my mother. Even after moving, I still visit Nakameguro to buy chocolates. I'm still connected with the people I met there; we have lunch and home parties. Of course, my mother joins us too. When I think about it, Chocolat da Familia and this town seem to have added a little more parent-child time to our lives."
Profile
Mariko Shibata and Yurya. Born and residing in Tokyo. Mother and daughter, Mariko and Yurya, are such good friends that they go for walks in Nakameguro and attend lessons together several times a month.
