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From Venice to Niigata: One Man’s Pursuit of a Dream, One Pizza at a Time
Niigata, Japan is gaining recognition as a destination for international residents seeking a unique blend of customary culture and modern living. This is the story of Miki,an Italian entrepreneur who traded the canals of Venice for the coastal prefecture of Niigata,and built a life – and a thriving pizza shop – on the power of believing in his dreams.
Miki’s journey began in Jesolo, a seaside resort town in the province of Venice, Italy. He first arrived in Niigata in March 2005, after spending five years in England where he befriended a local from the area. He initially settled into a living situation with a friend, Miki discovered a property with a garage that immediately resonated with his long-term aspirations. “I’ve always wanted to open my own shop someday, so I thought this location with a garage would be a good idea,” he explained. The proximity to the ocean also appealed to his passion for sailing.
The initial period was challenging. Arriving with limited Japanese language skills, Miki secured employment at a local pickle factory. Despite the language barrier, he was warmly welcomed by his colleagues and the company president. “The work was quite demanding,” he admitted, describing the physically intensive task of unloading radishes. “When I came to japan, my weight was 90kg, but thanks to my physically active job, I lost 10kg.”
He continued to hone his Japanese skills through immersion, working at a Brazilian restaurant, an okonomiyaki restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and as an English conversation teacher. He emphasized the importance of consistent practice, drawing parallels to his experience learning English: “It’s important to practice every day.”
After 15 years of planning and a dedicated DIY spirit, Miki’s vision materialized in 2020 with the opening of “Officina Italia,” a pizza shop housed within his renovated garage. The name “Officina” itself translates to “workshop” or “garage” in Italian, reflecting the shop’s unique aesthetic.
Miki intentionally sought to recreate the atmosphere of a beloved shop he frequented in England – a seemingly unassuming exterior concealing a vibrant and welcoming interior. “I wanted to create a shop that retains a garage-like exterior, but with a warm atmosphere once you step inside,” he said. The interior reflects his Italian heritage, complete with Italian online radio playing in the background. He even customized the counter height to accommodate his 189cm stature, demonstrating his commitment to detail.
The pizza at Officina Italia stands apart from the numerous Neapolitan-style pizzerias in Niigata. Miki opted for a “pan pizza” style popular in Italy, characterized by a crispy exterior and chewy interior.He imports both the cheese and flour from Italy, utilizing only Niigata water in his 48-hour fermentation process.
Beyond the food,Miki infuses his personal passions into every aspect of the business. He showcased a “Nolan X-lite” carbon helmet, a symbol of his love for Ducati motorcycles and a testament to his belief in pursuing dreams. A trip to Thailand, where he witnessed unsafe motorcycle practices, inspired him to obtain his motorcycle license and invest in high-quality safety gear. He also displayed a pair of Italian sunglasses he’s used since arriving in Japan and a pink backpack reminiscent of his youth in the 1990s.
Miki’s adventurous spirit extends beyond his business.He recently restored a catamaran-style yacht he inherited from an acquaintance, learning the necessary repair skills through YouTube tutorials. He’s also eager to explore kitesurfing and foil surfing.
“what I want to convey to the people reading this article is,’If you take action to achieve what you want,your dreams will come true,'” Miki stated emphatically. He acknowledged the challenges of arriving in Niigata with limited language skills and no established network, but emphasized that consistent effort and unwavering belief are key to success. “It may take some time, but I think you should believe in it and give it a try.”