Interview with owner Ishimaru Yukiko
We spoke with BAMBOO BAKERS owner Ishimaru Yukiko.
Could you tell us how you came to open BAMBOO BAKERS?
Ishimaru (surname only)
There used to be a pharmacy here that had been in business since my grandfather's time.
After my grandfather, my mother took over the pharmacy and ran it for about 70 years, but it closed in June 2024.
When I heard about that, I started thinking that it would be a shame to let the place become vacant, and wondering if there was something I could do.
The reason I made it a bakery is that I love bread.
My younger sister and I often went on bakery-hopping trips, but actually, I worked in the bridal industry, so my work had nothing to do with bread.
To be honest, I knew absolutely nothing about making bread.
So I asked two friends who had worked as bakers at bakeries in Kurashiki City, “Would you like to open a bakery together?” That’s how BAMBOO BAKERS came to be.
My younger sister, who teaches English conversation, also helps out at the shop.
I was born and raised here in Mizushima, and I’ve watched the Mizushima shopping district gradually grow quieter. I’d be happy if the town of Mizushima could become even a little more lively.
Could you tell us how you came up with the shop’s name?
Ishimaru
“BAMBOO” means “bamboo,” and comes from my grandmother’s name, Takeko.
Actually, when my grandfather ran the pharmacy, the floor above it housed a coffee shop run by my grandmother, Grandma Takeko. Because my younger sister was good at English, her great-grandchildren called Grandma Takeko “Grandma Bamboo.”
We named the shop “BAMBOO BAKERS” because we wanted Grandma Bamboo, whom we all loved, to watch over it from heaven.
The shop’s logo features bamboo and a cat.
Since all the staff love cats, we decided to include a cat illustration, too.
By the way, we commissioned the logo design from JET, a well-known artist from Mizushima.
Please take a look at the logo, too.
Could you tell us what you focus on when making your bread?
Ishimaru
One of the things we focus on is using less sugar in the dough and making sure it doesn’t feel heavy, even if you eat a lot.
We also try to offer breads with different textures, even when made with the same ingredients.
Our two bakers make more than 70 varieties every day, including crusty breads, cookie-style breads, Danish pastries, and savory breads.
They efficiently make all these varieties starting at around 5 a.m., and work even faster on days off, such as Saturdays. I really admire them.
Do you have any recommended products?
Ishimaru
People often ask me what I recommend, but I hope customers will find their own favorite breads.
As we continue running the shop, it would make me happiest if a few breads became popular with customers, who say, “This is good!”
We want to offer a variety of breads and let customers choose for themselves.
If you’ve enjoyed a bread or found a favorite, please tell our staff.
Perhaps because of the local character, many people strike up conversations with our staff, and we’re all very happy about it. It also encourages and energizes the staff.
Your feedback can also help us develop and improve new products, so please feel free to talk to our staff.
Do you have any goals or plans for the shop going forward?
Ishimaru
We aim to be a bakery that people love for a long time, and that local people love.
Our customers come from all walks of life, from older people in the neighborhood to office workers stopping by after work.
We’re happy to welcome customers from farther away, of course, but what makes us happiest is seeing more local regulars.
Nothing makes us happier than having as many people as possible enjoy our bread, say “Delicious,” and leave with a smile.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Ishimaru
If you haven’t visited us yet, please stop by sometime. Every day, we have a variety of breads waiting for you, from sweet and savory breads to simple loaves of shokupan.
If you’ve already visited us, please tell our staff which bread is your favorite.
We’ll continue striving to be the kind of place that local people can call their “regular bakery.”
From the Writer
I’ve bought bread at BAMBOO BAKERS several times, and every loaf is generous in size and, above all, truly delicious. As a result, I always end up buying so much that I can’t finish it all in one day by myself.
I’d like to try every kind of bread they have on display, so I plan to keep coming back.
Alongside familiar favorites like cream buns, they also have unusual varieties such as roasted green tea and black soybean bread, offering a selection that people of all ages can enjoy.
Why not stop by and give it a try?
BAMBOO BAKERS Information
| Name | BAMBOO BAKERS |
|---|---|
| Address | 11-16 Mizushima Nishitokiwa-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-444-9271 |
| Parking | Available Next to the shop |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Wednesday, Sunday |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | BAMBOO BAKERS |
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