Charles Roche, a New York native, came to Japan in 1969 for what was meant to be a two-month visit. This stay extended into a two-year adventure, during which he bartended, busked, cleaned squid, and imported Afghan embroidery. After returning to the U.S., he took up furniture making as a hobby. In 1978, he returned to Kyoto to hone his skills by studying Japanese woodworking and lacquering techniques. In 1985, Roche and his wife Mieko launched a New York-style eatery in Kyoto. This venture blossomed into Papa Jon's, a specialty café renowned for its cheesecake. Today, the couple continues in the café business in Kyoto, where they exhibit the work of local artists.
