Running a Restaurant in Tokyo (Black in Japan) | MFiles
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this episode of The Melanated Files (MFiles) we introduce Richie, a Ghanaian restaurateur who operates a casual and fine dining restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. Richie has been living in Japan for twenty-two years and shares his journey with us. Watch to hear his story.
You can find Richie's restaurant on Instagram here: @didi_grande
You can visit his restaurant’s website here: www.didigrande...
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The Melanated Files or the MFiles is a Black Experience in Japan's series that highlights black people from diverse countries across the globe. It focuses on sharing the story of the individual; who they are; what they do; what they are passionate about; and what their experience has been so far, as a black person living in a foreign land.
Melanated is a word that is regularly used in the black community. It means “full of melanin.” Files is in reference to the collection of stories of black people that will be shared in this series.
If you would like to be featured or know a black person living in Japan or another foreign land, who would like to be featured, please send us a message on our Facebook page: / theblackexjp Or tweet or DM us @theblackexjp
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Thank you for watching!
#blackinjapan #mfiles #richie
promoting black businesses for free, what a guy!!
I am Japanese, but I was working as a waitress in his former restaurant when I was a student. I moved to another city and needed to quit a job, but it was a really great experience to work with him in my life and the food was really anazing:)
I wish you the best luck Richie san!
Miyu:)
This is a really nice post. I wish you all the best in life Miyu chan. 🙂👍
As a Japanese, I'm really happy seeing people being successful 🎉
Respect for that!!!
Arigatou Gozaimasu🥰
i'm japanese
i think so
Our West African Bros are hard working.. This is so inspiring. Keep it up Bro.Proud of you.
We Africans dont believe in racism can limit us in archiving anything.
Much love!!!
@@Igbomayor Some do.
@@Igbomayor achieving or archiving?
Actually, I saw a report on Ghanean entrepreneur women. What I understand from it is that our West African Sis are more hard working.
I am so happy to see Black successful business owners. It is so encouraging, and it gives me hope. Thank you so much for the interview.
There are lots of them in Europe and Asia
This shouldn’t be weird but normal.
@@D_Thang yes !
@@D_Thang it's is actually kinda normal tho some business owners might think they had to "black it up" to be more successful and its strange smaller countries are more welcoming to races than countries with wider land like almost 10-50 times bigger and I'm guessing larger countries are more afraid of other races almost controlling whole Counties or Towns.
There are successful black business owners all over the world. Its sad when people think its unusual. Im proud of them because i know that they had to work twice as hard to do so just because they are people of color. They have to overcome negatively on all levels.
This is very inspiring especially for us black in Japan 🇯🇵 we will visit his restaurant in Tokyo after the pandemic is over nice video
"When the pandemic is over-" ha nice. As if it'll ever end.
Otaku69 yes it will affect our lives going forward, but a vaccine will eventually be created and the quarantine situation will most likely go away. Who knows how long it will take tho
I dream of living in Japan. I love the culture, the language, the food and anime. I love everything Asian.
LaoSoftware Japan is beautiful
@@LaoSoftware Asian washed lmao
Deep respect to Ritchie. Man is well spoken, smart, articulate and charismatic. He has all the qualities of a good business man. Man is successful because he did his homework. So, so important in life.
What do you mean by ''he's articulate, well spoken'' etc etc? Why shouldn't he be? Because he's from Africa? Would you say all that if it was a white guy from Australia or Germany or Sweden? Stupid, ignorant dullard.
@@african-history-fountain I think you are getting ahead of yourself here bruno. What I said had nothing to do with race. I really don't know why you are inferring race into the matter. As a man, who is multi-lingual, whose English is not his primary language, he knows how to express himself. So, your statement has no credence. I am also muti-lingual, with English not being my primary language, but I can also literate in the language. And, I am also Black. Next time, try not to jump to conclusion. It's not a good thing. You end up in trouble more than anything else.
ross meroe exactly! I doubt that if this were white male he’d be so interested in the fact that he was capable of articulating.
@@pic376 Try and learn about where people come from before making crass and stupid assumptions. The man is from Ghana, and English is the national language of Ghana, being a former British colony. He was born and educated in Ghana, so why would he not be ''able to express himself'' or whatever condescending rubbish you're typing? Just back off cos I'm sick of people like you too lazy to research peoples' backgrounds before typing ignorant rubbish about them.
When did you meet a African who was not. They are taught and speak the Kings English.
You must be some white supremacist clown saying something so ill informed.
Man, this is so cool. I have to eat at DidiGrande one day
Me too, we have to support our brother with money.
Please I'm from Cameroon and have been thinking to move to Japan please help me with info please .
@@vnation4443 Your consulate or embassy would be the best place to get any information.
Japanese treating African people as humans instead of cough cough cough China and I like keep it up my black folks nice
Me too✌
Ranzo, some people might not realise this but a major reason why this channel is awesome is due to your INTERVIEWER SKILLS. So, props to you for that. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I appreciate your kind words Julia.
I agree. He's an amazing interviewer.
This is true. Ranzo has amazing communication skills in speaking as well to make the interview more natural and engaging.
@@TheBlackExJp It was so engaging, fun and entertaining. What an awesome interview
Yep
Jealous hater who thumb down bcoz they can not be like him .well done my bros keep it well
Ignored tho hater we need more love and rescpect for each other.
Why even point out the dislikes? There are on every popular video on UA-cam, it’s really no surprise
I hope his business is prospering and continues to do so.
Richie is a very humble guy. He treated us like Queens when we dined at his restaurant. The food, service were simply amazing. It was an unforgettable experience.
*Wow! That's Unity....brotherhood from India🇮🇳*
@Black To Grace I know everything is running with Money
aquinas62 thats so cool 😎
Some people find Japan impenetrable, so I salute your dedication and commitment in running a succesful business there. It's also heartening to hear that the Japanese people have been supportive and receptive.
Well done.
When I get a chance to go to Japan, definitely hitting up his restaurant. This was a good watch.
welcome to japan 😉 🙏
You don't know me and I don't know you but this is my prayer for you Sir.
The Lord will lead you to victory in every area of your life! Amen.
I'm so proud of your hard work. Stay safe and blessed.
I'm not black but I couldn't resist writing this comment, black people excels in every fields. All they need is to focus and they pass everyone quickly. Good luck to the Ghanaian brother. Love from Los Angeles, CA.
I want to come work for you in Tokyo.
Romanian, fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, with basic Japanese. Back of the house, kitchen porter, prep, etc.
Skillful, reliable and hard working individual.
I love Japan its culture and its people...and I would like to live there for a couple of years at least(if possible), so that I get to learn more about Japan and to learn the language naturally by phonetically absorbing every bit that surrounds me.
🇬🇭I’m Ghanaian 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭👌🏾.. I miss Tokyo.. Rappongi has another local Ghanaian restaurant..I’m in china now, I want to be in japan.. I love the culture and how friendly.. Ghanaians are lovely 😊..
I've seen the terrible, inhumane treatment of Africans at the hands of the Chinese because they think "blacks are importing the coronavirus". How are they treating you over there?
Aawh.. happy to hear we are excelling.
I’m in China and I love it ! Tokyo is on my list of places to visit
Always admire small business owners. What a neat restaurant! I hope I can eat there one day when I visit Japan!
This brother is a pace setter. Well done bro. All the best.
I thought he was ivorian at first
Didn't even have to look in the description to know he is Ghanaian. I LOVE TO SEE IT.
Richie is an amazing human being! I watched the whole show and deeply admire him and his knowledge. Wow!! Greetings from Washington DC!!
This is awesome and much respect to Richie and the staff at Didi Grande -- Ghana is a lovely place by the way, the brothers and sisters in Accra are very warm with their hospitality.
This is what I always wanted to hear. Saved to watch tomorrow morning. Now Oyasumi
Very enlightening interview, he's vert engaging. Beautiful restaurant...I hope things are still going well during this global virus situation. Thanks for bring Richie to your forum.
Thanks Ranzo, am always happy to see Blacks in business, way to go 💪🏿👍
One of your best interviews. These personality are few and far between. I was very impressed with your interview with the Jamaican architect but this guy has me writing a comment.
Yes, I love that architect. Serious, focused and determined woman.
Very impressed with Ritchie -- his demeanor and articulation very refreshing...simply Knowledgeable and should do well. He used his dissimilarity to his advantage because it is an advantage.
This is so good. I knew he was Ghanaian straight away from the accent xx
Ritchie dropped a lot of knowledge communication is the key. I wish him well with his business.
You are an amazing interviewer! You are patient and kind, with great insight and appropriate, timely connections to each person that you interview. You have the strategic skill of listening twice and speaking once, asking perfect questions without a script. I love the wisdom that your guests share with the world. STILL WATCHING...❣️
Spectacular Rich Beauty & Brilliance Thank you for your kind words 🙏🏿
@@TheBlackExJp It's well deserved.
I can’t wait to travel again!!! Post covid!!! I’m going to Japan again and will visit his restaurant!!!
More of these need to be posted! Perceptions can't prevail.
Absolutely! This is the best way to change the narrative.
I looveed this one. Whenever i am able to visit Japan i'll make sure i visit DiDiGrande
Will definitely pay them a visit after the virus! ❤️ I had to report my trip to Tokyo, but it's no biggie. Still discovering more amazing stops and making my list more extensive than ever! 😂
Thank you for the Japanese subtitles.
日本語字幕ありがとうございます♪
I'm flying to Japan next month and I'm so glad I saw this. You best believe I'm going to this restaurant
Did you go?
@@e.a6851 if only Japan didn't ban us from entering the country 4 days prior to leaving, i would have gone. When it's safe to go to Japan again, I will be
Looking forward to dining at Di Di Grande when I come back to Japan!! Congrats Richie Wonderful Job!!
Excellent! huge smile on my face.
This was awesome. You can see Ritchie is very intelligent by the way he speaks and carries himself. The host and founder- great job, great interviews, great channel.
Very interesting conversation with this great gentleman.
What I learned from this interview is to be humble, learn the language and culture, hard working and have carisma. I'm sure his charming smile with that accent that will immediately melt any Japanese heart helps as well. Wish him the best!!
This is amazing! I HAVE to visit this restaurant when I eventually get a chance to visit Tokyo!!!
This man should have his own show, with a larger audience. I just love this type of interview. Questions were very sensible. Also, kudos to the chef, he is so well-mannered with the way he answered the questions. I’m inspired by his positiveness and outlook in life. 💕
My daughter and I will be traveling to Japan in June from New Orleans and we are so excited 😁
Great conversation.... He was very enlightening and inspiring to well done again x
I’m looking forward to eating at DiDi Grande!! Flashbacks to my time in Japan in the early 90’s and my Ghanaian buddy Johnny who owned several nightclubs. Gombate!!!
I miss roppongi, Tokyo, and the consai area.
Uncle Ritchie, you are going to be a millionaire. We promise you. Were all coming to JAPAN to support you
Love seeing black people succeed! We need more of this
His personality is so infectious! If I ever visit Japan, I’ll be sure to add Didi Grande to my list. Great interview - love your videos!
This is not for you mate
Gregoire Diniz Guimaraes thanks for your input, but I still enjoyed the interview and content and will continue to support the channel.
The time it took this brother to secure the funds is what is outstanding. However, do not underestimate the power of his experience and his relationship building. In the West....men of color would never get this type of support unless you are an entertainer or athlete. This is why Asia is great as a whole. You are truly judged by WHO you are vs. the color of your skin. Obviously , not everyone in Asia feels this way concerning people of color (evidenced by the treatment of blacks in Guangzhou)...there is never a perfect society. But, as a whole, Asia welcomes you for who you are no matter your complexion. I have been in China for three years and am just starting to build my businesses here. Salute to this brother and when I visit Japan.....I will make a visit to his establishment . This is a tremendous series....keep pushing.
lol you’d be surprised in Korea..
Stop throwing card race! STOP
mairu wuki shut the hell up. Read what I said and unless you are black don’t speak on what you don’t know.
This Channel is inspiring. I think it's important for people (ESPECIALLY black people) to see that there are opportunities for then to grow outside of their own country. I'm originally from California but have been living in South America for the last 8 years and it has been an amazing experience. For me the best part has been seeing the ways in which African culture impacted Latin culture overall from the music, art, religion etc.
Only his smile makes you want to go to his restaurant already lol. Smiling all day long gotta love Ritchie may God bless your soul!
This is so awesome! Thank you for making videos like this! Makes me so happy to see diversity !!
What an astonishing story. This shows how being determined pays off. Well done Richie. I'll certainly check Didi Grande out when I make it to Tokyo!
Dont know if it’s even possible but I hope the restaurant is doing the “only for pickup” option due to COVID.. i wish this man the best of success, very inspiring
Before Clicking the video I was like “He’s definitely Ghanaian” because he looks like one of my uncles lol. But kudos to him! Keep up the good work! 🙏🏿🙏🏿
This content is amazing, my wife and I are moving to the Tokyo area once this corona crisis allow us to travel freely. We have aspirations of opening an America soul food restuarant in Tokyo in a few years. This video really moved me, I am looking forward to more great content....Keep em coming
Definitely visiting this restaurant next time in Japan. Hope they’re doing well even in this pandemic. Thank you for sharing all these stories!
Love what you are doing ! Please never stop !
Wow, I’m definitely going to try and visit his Resturant when I travel to Japan!
Good to see Richie again. I look forward to visiting the restaurant once the travel restrictions are lifted.
He dropped a log of jewels in his conversation. Well Done 🤜🏾🤛🏾
i got mad respect for this man hes inspiring
Great interview. I've watched a few of your videos and I appreciate the fact you ask good questions that a person watching can gain knowledge from then you then you listen.
Thoroughly enjoyed this interview and I can see that you really enjoyed interviewing Richie. Beautiful work with this channel. Hoping for you and Richie only continued success. Peace!!! 😊
Love this! Keep up the great work! Love to see other black people be successful around the world 🌏💕
This was one of the best of your videos. Very inspiring. Also very informational about how to relate to Japanese people. I would have like to hear about how he met his wife. Great job!!!
very nice interview, love the energy😁
This is so cool! Next time I’m in Nihon I’m making a point to visit Richie’s restaurant. 🙌 Can’t wait for borders to open back up again.
I'm from Cameroon and have been thinking moving to Japan please help me with info
This guy has the same appearance look like the Ghanaian young man owns the beautiful high rise building at # 1 Oxford street Accra, I plan to visit Tokyo from Canada when things cool down and will definitely check my Countryman .
Yes is true Nana kwame bediako
That is very true. I thought the same. The demeanor and mannerism, the same.
My PEOPLEEEEEEEE! Loved this even more. Entrepreneurial spirit a black man doing well. I pray things are going from strength to strength at Didi Grande. What a great story. Very inspiring.
I'm interested in started a venture in a totally different industry but still learned a lot from this conversation. Thank you both for documenting this exchange. It was very encouraging, humbling and inspiring. Wishing you both all the very best and looking forward to more such discussions. I will definitely be checking out Didi Grande if I ever return to Japan
Probably my favorite restaurant in Tokyo is Soul Food House, also in Azabu Juban. It's owned by a nice couple from Atlanta and the food is amazing. I'm originally from Louisiana and it's very rare to find a decent gumbo in Japan, but their's is very good. I spent a lot of time in Azabu Juban when I was in university but I never visited this place, it's looks fantastic though.
Love your channel man! Keep up the good content!
He is articulate and demonstrates a keen sense of restaurant/ food industry. Best wishes Ritchie
Nice! What a great story. I will definitely visit once this whole corona situation has subsided.
I used to work with Saim the chef before I left for college. It was very nice to have the support of a Ghanaian Uncle. I would love to visit this restaurant some day when I come back. Much love!!
Absolute amazing! ❤️
Thank you for this commentary Ranzo. Thank you for helping me to see, we do whatever you want everywhere we are, but we need motivation. I am proud of Richie for what he did and his sharing. Thank you for your advice Richie.God bless you both.
Guaranteed we’re going to drop by next Japan trip. The food looks outstanding 👍
Man with a mission, massive respect!!
Azabu juban! There is one of the most expensive areas where Japanese celebrities and wealthy foreigners go in Japan! Even though I've been living in Tokyo for over 10years, never been there. I'm happy to see his success. Visiting his restaurant would be my first time to be in Azabu Juban.
"It depends on how you take it." Perspective-taking. Love it!
I look forward to checking this place out
The food looks fantastic! Next time in Japan will definitely try to stop by. Good luck during this tough time!
A lot of knowledge was dropped in this video. Connectivity is key.
people like him makes me so proud to be west african
Especially when all that's mostly associated with west Africa is fraud, theft, and scamming....I see your point.
To Be african 🙂
People like him makes me proud 👏 to be an African. Period!
When this world crisis , will pass. I intend to visit Japan in the future with my friends and I will definitely visit his restaurant to eat.
Thanks for another awesome production Ranzo! Great interview as usual lots to learn here. Its important to observe the dedication and passion that a business owner must put into the nurturing of the business. Yet to Ritchie its clear he doesnt even notice much as its instinctive...this is what doing our passion will do for us!
After COVID-19 I will definitely visit DiDi restaurant.
The big thing I get from this guy is; learn learn learn, that seems to be one of his core values.
Nice interview , nice questions and answers , Richie is very honest and expert guy , professional and polite , I will visit the restaurant next time I will go to Japan , I like his idea and the restaurant looks very nice. See you soon !
Great conversation. I must say you are doing a great job and telling our stories to change the narrative.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Actually all the interviews on TBE-J are quite pleasant
Much success to you!
I am impressed 👏👏👏👏👏👏. Keep it up. Watching all the way from Ireland
Excellent interview as usual. Very inspiring businessman and wish you nothing but success. When I visit Tokyo I will definitely eat at this restaurant.
His restaurant looks lit! I have to try it out!
I'm going to visit! I'm proud..so proud of him! 💕🐞🌺