Occupation:
Founder and Dad of the Foreign Buyer' Club
Time in Japan:
14 years
Where are you from?
San Diego, California.
What brought you to Japan?
I was just looking for a job and running away from life in the States.
How did you start the Foreign Buyer's Club?
Since it took nearly two years, it's tough to give a short answer. With the help of God,
friends and 18-hour work days, it was a simple matter. I wanted food from home and had
some spare time to figure out a totally new system of importing to Japan.
What was the most difficult task in starting the business?
There was no one thing but rather 100. I was a writer with one "good seller"
that gave me royalties to feed myself until the other business got off the ground. It took
me and my wife Kelly two years just to start FBC, and another year or so before we drew
any salary. For most people, that's a tough nut to crack. Importing food and drugs raises
issues that stagger the mind. Just the basic business required becoming a techie for
computer systems, learning enough Japanese to meet people but not get into trouble-ha!
Then came the unexpected: suppliers in the US dropping the ball, changing shippers, a
domestic delivery company changes the size of the label being used, which requires a new
program, and on and on!
Why do you think it got so popular?
Let's see. Probably because of we sell US goods at US prices in Japan with American
customer service. And because we have a membership system, and everyone wants to join a
club. No, no. Macaroni and cheese, that's it.
What do you like about Japan most?
The regard for relations, going gently with people, tolerance. These are some of the edges
that I feel Japan has helped grind off of me.
What's your favorite area in Japan?
Rokko Island in Kobe! I know it's not the real Japan, but with four kids and our current
lifestyle, it's so comfortable. Everything we need is within walking distance, it's clean,
safe, and convenient, with a river down the middle! It's hard to beat that anywhere in the
world.
If you could change one thing about Japan, what would it be?
The language. I'd be more comfortable if everyone could just speak English and, in the
long run, I think they'd prefer it as well.
What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen or experienced in Japan?
After 14 years, it's hard to pick just one. Maybe two Americans speaking Japanese to each
other with gestures and all.
If you could take one thing back from Japan to your native country, what would it
be?
The Japanese bathroom.
What's your recipe for a happy and successful life in Japan?
Know God, know yourself, and follow both in that order. Anywhere.
You can condemn one person to eternity on the Chuo-line and give one a bottomless
credit card at Seibu Department store. Who would it be?
Eternity is a bit long for anything, and I think department stores are basically passe.
Next question?
Chuck Grafft
LIFE IN JAPAN: