A Long, Steady Flame: A Wife's Work to Keep the Business Burning

Omori Warosokuya has been running for about 200 years in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture. While the artisan works silently in the back of the shop crafting candles, his wife, Shoko Omori, is the one managing the daily operations—both at the storefront and online.

From customer service, purchasing, and inventory management to running the online shop and even handling international shipping, her work isn't always in the spotlight. Yet, she naturally embraces these essential roles that are crucial for the business's survival. We spoke with her about the quiet, vital work of supporting the family business from the "outside."

PROFILE

Shoko Omori

Born in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Shoko moved to Uchiko after her marriage and began her involvement with Omori Warosokuya. She manages the external aspects of the family business, including customer service, purchasing, inventory management, online shop operations, and international shipping.

"I Always Figured He Would Take It Over Someday"—Facing the Family Business

Shoko is from Matsuyama, Ehime. Before getting married, she worked in the furniture and interior design industry.

"From the moment I met my husband, I knew his family ran a traditional candle shop. So I always had a sense that he would take over the business one day."

It wasn't a given that she would join the family business, but she naturally accepted it as part of her husband's life.

Uchiko, where she moved after getting married, was new territory for Shoko.

"Honestly, I'd barely visited before. But once I started living here, I discovered how rich it is in nature and how easy it is to raise a family. I realized what a wonderful town it is."

Her involvement with the family business was born from the reality of "living here," long before any talk of "succession."