Interview with owner Kowa Takehiro
We spoke with Kowa Takehiro, owner of Pâtisserie Coa in Soja City, about what inspired him to start the shop and his approach to making sweets.
Could you tell us how you came to open the shop?
Kowa (honorific omitted)
I originally attended a school to become an engineer, and after that, I got a job at a regular company.
But my mother made sweets, and I had been making them since I was little, too. When I was in high school and thinking about what to do in the future, I thought making sweets might be a good option. Even after I started working, I couldn't give up on that dream.
It was a completely different field, but I changed jobs and trained for about eight years before opening the shop.
What does the shop name “Coa” mean?
Kowa
When you write “coa” in the alphabet, all the letters have shapes close to circles, right? I chose the name to express the idea of cherishing circles and connections.
I want to connect with all kinds of people through sweets and nurture those connections. The name also sounds similar to my own, so I chose it.
It seems unusual for a pastry shop to sell bread. What inspired you to start selling it?
Kowa
One of the shops where I trained specialized in French pastries.
In France, it’s common to make products using fermented dough, such as croissants, alongside cakes and baked sweets.
Also, Soja City is thriving as a “town of bread,” so I thought bread would be a good fit for the community and decided to focus on it, too.
What do you focus on and value when making sweets?
Kowa
I focus most on choosing ingredients.
I select and use locally produced ingredients from among the seasonal offerings.
It’s important to me to choose ingredients that people can enjoy with peace of mind.
Do you have a message for people who visit your shop?
Kowa
I’m always grateful to everyone who visits the shop.
Since people are paying for our products, I want to at least meet their expectations—and, if possible, exceed them. I feel that’s something I need to work toward every day.
I’ll continue doing my best to exceed our customers’ requests and expectations.
Finally, could you tell us about your goals for the future?
Kowa
I hope to make products that many customers will discover and enjoy, and that will make them think, “I’d like to come back.”
In addition to the products we offer now, I’d like to take on the challenge of creating things customers can enjoy even more, such as ice cream and crepes.
From the Writer
The sweets at Pâtisserie Coa have a comforting flavor that makes you want to enjoy them again and again.
Customers kept coming in throughout our interview, making it clear that this is a beloved local shop.
They’re perfect as a gift for someone special, or as a little treat for yourself.
Why not visit Pâtisserie Coa and find a new favorite sweet?
Pâtisserie Coa’s details
| Name | Pâtisserie Coa |
|---|---|
| Address | Finesse K1, 1-23-107 Chuo, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0866-33-9114 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business hours | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Tuesday, Wednesday |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | Pâtisserie Coa |
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