Patrick & Kanako met in Seminar House 1 at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. Patrick was studying Japanese and Kanako was studying International Studies. They grew closer by cooking together, taking long walks, and exploring the city with their friends.
After our time at school, we spent a lot of time dating long distance, and meeting in different places on vacation. We learned to be at home wherever we went.
Covid was tough! Patrick returned to Chicago in March of 2020 and couldn't return to Japan until September 2020. (This photo is the day Patrick arrived in Kyoto.)
After Patrick spent 3 months in Japan, we were both able to come to Chicago in December 2020 until Kanako had to return to Japan in May 2021.
Finally in September 2021 - the day Canada opened their borders to international travelers - Kanako arrived in Toronto where we live today.
Making the tough times easier, and the good times last forever. "Life is better with your best friend. That's why I married mine."
Kanako's family won't be able to join us in July unfortunately. We will be returning to Japan in the fall and will be planning another celebration there later in the year. (Kanako's parents - Atsuko & Hideharu and Kanako's sister Yukiko)
Though we've only had a year in Toronto, it will always be special to us. We've made new friends and got engaged!
Our story is certainly unique. There were times when it seemed impossible. Without the support of our wonderful families, we might not be here now. We are so thankful for our family.
We will miss you all when we return to Kyoto for our next adventure. Kanako will be looking to expand her career prospects. Patrick will be finishing up his masters (Japanese translation) and hoping to find an interesting job that will allow travel between the US and Japan.