Interview with the owner, Mikami
We spoke with Mikami Etsuko, the owner of "Neko no Taiyaki," which offers taiyaki in the shape of cats in Mabi, about her motivation for starting the shop and her thoughts since opening.
Reason for starting the shop
Can you tell us what inspired you to start the shop?
Mikami
I had been working in an office for a long time, but I had a desire to try something new.
The shop is located where my father used to run a printing business. After the heavy rain in July 2018, he closed the business, and it became vacant land.
Even after my father passed away, my mother lived nearby alone, but I had work and could only visit about once a week. At that time, my mother rarely went out, and when I visited, she would sometimes say, "Today was the first time I talked to someone."
I thought it would be nice to do something together with my mother, so I started the shop here.
Why did you choose to open a taiyaki shop among all the options?
Mikami
I have always loved taiyaki and often ate it during winter or at festivals.
There are many elderly people and students in this area, so I thought it would be nice for them to be able to stop by and buy taiyaki while taking a walk.
Inspiration for the cat shape
What inspired you to make it in the shape of a cat?
Mikami
At first, I was thinking of making the traditional fish-shaped taiyaki.
However, when I saw round taiyaki being sold in Kyoto, I thought, "This shape is also possible." If I were to make it in a shape other than fish, I wanted to make it in the shape of my favorite cat, and that was the beginning.
I hear you designed the cat-shaped mold yourself.
Mikami
Yes. I drew a picture and roughly shaped it with clay. When I sent that to the mold maker, they professionally refined it.
I had several exchanges with the mold maker, but I wanted to see the actual product, so I even traveled to Toyama.
Commitment to dough making
The chewy dough of the taiyaki is very delicious. What kind of efforts did you make in dough making?
Mikami
I experimented with the flour mixture, changing it by small gram units.
I think I tried about 200 times since the beginning.
Actually, I had already decided on the opening day, but even two weeks before, I still hadn't finalized the mixture. I had a dough that I thought was good, but when I came to practice, I forgot the recipe.
By chance, I tried a sample of flour I had received, and it turned out delicious, so I decided to go with that.
Are there any special techniques you use in the cooking process?
Mikami
The initial temperature is important for achieving the right color.
It's not just about cooking longer to get a good color; even opening the window can lower the temperature, so I check the temperature while cooking.
Future of the shop
How has it been since you started the shop?
Mikami
On weekdays, especially, local elderly people come to visit.
On weekends, we also have customers from outside the prefecture.
Since I had no experience in management, it was tough at first. Even now, it's difficult to judge how much to prepare, but on days when I think I have too much left over, I feel a bit healed when I remember, "That person came to visit."
Finally, what kind of shop do you want to create in the future?
Mikami
Actually, I haven't thought much about the future.
I don't have a strong desire to expand the shop either.
I hope to become a shop loved by the local community.
After all, it's the best when customers say, "It's delicious."
From the Writer
The cat-shaped taiyaki from "Neko no Taiyaki" is eye-catching.
Mikami's commitment to making taiyaki is evident, as she has tried various flour mixtures and even traveled to Toyama to create the mold.
While valuing the feedback of "It's delicious," Mikami continues to provide taiyaki daily. If you visit Mabi, why not stop by?
Neko no Taiyaki Information
| Name | Neko no Taiyaki |
|---|---|
| Address | 104-3 Tsujita, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | Via DM on Instagram ＠neko_no_taiyaki |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30 AM until sold out |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday, Friday Open on holidays, irregular openings on Mondays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Website | Neko no Taiyaki |
What do you want to know about Kurashiki?
By entering words, you can search articles from this site
