One of the representative Chinese restaurants in Tamashima is Kouchin Chinese Restaurant (中国料理廣珍).
Since its establishment in 1959 in the Tōmachi shopping district, where Chinese restaurants were rare at the time in Kurashiki, it has been 67 years. Now, it is beloved by the citizens of Kurashiki City as a locally rooted dining establishment with five locations, including four affiliated stores centered in Tamashima.
We interviewed Kouchin, a local Chinese restaurant, about the background of its expansion into affiliated stores that offer sushi and udon, and the secret to its unwavering commitment to bringing joy to everyone through delicious food as the company grows.
What is Kouchin Co., Ltd.?
Kouchin Co., Ltd. originated from Kouchin Chinese Restaurant, founded in 1953 by Toshihiro Hori, who is from Tamashima and currently serves as the chairman.
Toshihiro experienced the post-war era when food was scarce after the war ended at the age of 8, which led him to develop a strong desire for "eating until full." Encouraged by his father, he trained at "Kouchin-ken," the first Chinese restaurant in Okayama.
At the age of 22, he opened the restaurant with the desire to let the local people of Tamashima "enjoy delicious food, eat as much meat as possible, and bring joy to customers."
In 2025, Kouchin's store moved to Sangyodori, but it continues to provide delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere to the local people, inheriting the spirit of its founding.
Four Affiliated Stores with Different Concepts
Until the 2010s, there were hardly any national chain restaurants in Tamashima. Kouchin, which opened a Chinese restaurant that did not exist in Tamashima at the time, has also worked on creating a dining establishment loved by the people of Tamashima.
Kouchin, which started as a local Chinese restaurant, was incorporated into a company in 1964, the year the Tokyo Olympics were held. In 1996, it opened "Azumaya Tamashima Store," and currently has the following four affiliated stores.
- Azumaya, a Japanese Cuisine Restaurant
- Menya Kouchin
- Hiromaru
- Kouchin Chinese Dining Hirata Store
Azumaya, a Japanese Cuisine Restaurant
Opened in 1996 as Kouchin's first franchise store, Azumaya (和食の里あずまや), located next to the current Kouchin Chinese Restaurant, was released from its franchise agreement in 2015 and is now operating as an affiliated store of Kouchin.
Azumaya is characterized by its use of locally sourced ingredients to provide Japanese cuisine centered on sushi and udon.
Menya Kouchin
As the second franchise store, "Ramen Ichibantei Tamashima Store" opened at Marunaka Shinkurashiki Store. Initially starting as a franchise store, it was renovated and reopened in 2013 under the self-branded name "Menya Kouchin," and continues to this day.
Menya Kouchin is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic ramen using genuine seasonings unique to Chinese restaurants, while also focusing on local ingredients from Tamashima. During lunch hours, the first extra serving of ramen is free, which is a typical initiative of Kouchin to provide customers with a fulfilling experience.
Hiromaru
Opened in 2013 as Kouchin's first takeout specialty store, Kouchin Delica was renovated and reopened as "Hiromaru" in 2021 and continues to this day.
The menu specializes in fried chicken and fresh gyoza, providing dishes that are "fresh, safe, and secure" using domestic ingredients.
Kouchin Chinese Dining Hirata Store
In 2019, Kouchin celebrated its 60th anniversary and opened "Kurashiki Tanmen Kouchin Hirata Store" in Hirata, Kurashiki City. It was later renovated and reopened in 2021 as Kouchin Chinese Dining Hirata Store.
This store allows you to enjoy the taste of Kouchin Chinese Restaurant in Hirata, featuring carefully selected local ingredients, and also offers a variety of takeout options. You can enjoy the taste of Kouchin's affiliated stores in Hirata without having to go to Tamashima.
Although all are affiliated stores of Kouchin Chinese Restaurant, each one offers a menu that leverages its own specialization, which sets it apart from other national restaurant chains.
Community Contribution Activities Involving Customers
The founding of Kouchin and the expansion of its chain stores were all realized as a result of seeking ways to contribute to the local people of Tamashima.
In addition to increasing the number of stores, they actively participate in local events and engage in community contribution activities.
Participation in the Tamagawa Cleanup Operation
The Tamagawa (Tame River), which runs from Tamashima Tsumezaki to Tamashima Port, is a second-class river that can be viewed from inside Kouchin Chinese Restaurant. Some of the ingredients used by Kouchin are sourced from this river.
Since 1998, Kouchin has participated in the Tamagawa Cleanup Activity, held every spring and autumn. Initially, only executives such as the chairman and president participated, but eventually employees joined as well, and in recent years, customers have also participated after being called through the official LINE account.
Participation in the Tamashima Interaction Product Exhibition
At the local event "Tamashima Interaction Product Exhibition," held every autumn, where local companies and organizations sell specialty products and hold workshops, Kouchin sets up a food stall.
Since various menus from the affiliated stores gather, Kouchin is characterized by its ability to provide products that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Hosting Cooking Classes
Gyoza is one of the dishes often made at home.
Additionally, Kouchin's strength lies in its ability to hold cooking classes that utilize the specialization of each affiliated store, such as hand-rolled sushi.
Kouchin holds irregular cooking classes, sharing some of its secret techniques with the community. Although there was a period when classes were suspended due to measures against the spread of COVID-19, they are expected to resume after 2026.
Recruitment for the classes is conducted through Kouchin's official LINE account, so those interested should check it out.
Hosting a "Congratulations Party" at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Makibi Support School
Kouchin actively accepts local schools for practical training and workplace experiences. From this connection, in March 2026, they hosted a "Congratulations Party" at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Makibi Support School for third-year high school students.
Kouchin also welcomes customers with disabilities or special characteristics.
The holding of congratulatory events at special support schools provides employees with opportunities to serve such individuals, and by connecting with schools, it is seen as an important activity that could lead to employment at Kouchin.
In this way, Kouchin is a company that continues to evolve for everyone's "delicious!" from the local Tamashima.
We interviewed President Hiroshi Hori about what initiatives are being undertaken within the company as it expands its business.
Data of Kouchin Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Kouchin Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food and Beverage |
| Representative Name | Hiroshi Hori |
| Year Established | 1959 |
| Address | 4701-1 Otsushima, Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | Phone: 086-522-5188 |
| Website | Chinese Cuisine Kouchin | For Everyone's "Delicious!" |
