In many ways, LaTonya Whitaker’s story reminded me of another expat in Japan, Candy Rowe. Both women didn’t necessarily plan on going to Japan, but in each case,  an opportunity arose that was worth making the trip.  And like Candy,  LaTonya had to pivot from her original plans in order to make life in Japan work. 

Because there is no reason why a pastor’s kid, who grew up in a small town  in Mississippi, would be running a well-received soul food restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. But she and her husband, David, do just that.

And in reality, to call Soul Food House, just a restaurant, wouldn’t do it justice.  Because the truth is,  beyond the chicken and waffles, it’s an outgrowth of years of intentional community that has produced a haven for those new to the country or supportive space for those who have been around for awhile.

But before you get to the story of the restaurant, you have to walk through the many twists and turns LaTonya  has experienced. This includes realizing that she and her husband were scammed the day they landed in Tokyo, the outright suggestion to pretend to be married to Japanese citizens to get their business launched and relying on their artistic backgrounds to navigate professional opportunities. 

LaTonya shares the significant ups and downs in building her life in Japan, but also drops some important advice for those who are leaving home for the first time.  She also  breaks down how her  long standing Thanksgiving dinners traditions ended up providing some of the crucial financial support needed to launch their business.  And she shares why she launched the Legacy Foundation to ensure that the Black experience in Japan would be supported and documented.  

Like I said, everything about her story is unlikely. And nothing about it is a straight path, but it is certainly worth the ride.