Interview with the owner, Ishimaru Yukiko
I spoke with Ishimaru Yukiko, the owner of BAMBOO BAKERS.
Can you tell us about the background of opening BAMBOO BAKERS?
Ishimaru (no honorifics)
Originally, there was a pharmacy here that had been in operation since my grandfather's time.
After my grandfather, my mother took over the pharmacy, and it continued for about 70 years, but it closed in June 2024.
Hearing that, I started to think that it would be sad for this place to become vacant, so I wanted to do something.
The reason I chose to open a bakery is that I love bread.
I often went bakery hopping with my sister, but actually, I have been working in the bridal industry, which is unrelated to bread.
To be honest, I had no knowledge of bread making at all.
So, I asked two friends who were working as bread artisans at a bakery in Kurashiki City if they wanted to start a bakery together, and that’s how BAMBOO BAKERS came to be.
Additionally, my sister, who is an English conversation instructor, is also helping out at the shop.
I was born and raised in Mizushima, and I have witnessed the shopping district in Mizushima gradually becoming less lively. I would be happy if Mizushima could become a little more vibrant.
Can you tell us about the origin of the shop's name?
Ishimaru
“BAMBOO” means “bamboo,” and it is derived from my grandmother's name, Takeko.
In fact, during the time my grandfather was running the pharmacy, there was a coffee shop run by my grandmother, Takeko Obaachan, on the floor above. At that time, influenced by my sister, who was good at English, my great-grandchildren called Takeko Obaachan “Bamboo Obaachan.”
I named it “BAMBOO BAKERS” with the hope that everyone’s beloved Bamboo Obaachan would watch over the shop from heaven.
The shop's logo features bamboo and cat motifs.
All the staff love cats, so we decided to include a cat illustration as well.
By the way, the logo design was commissioned from a famous artist from Mizushima, JET.
Please pay attention to the logo as well.
What are your commitments to bread?
Ishimaru
One of my commitments is to keep the amount of sugar added to the dough moderate so that it doesn't feel heavy even if you eat too much.
I also strive to provide different textures of bread using the same ingredients.
Two bread artisans make over 70 types of bread daily, including hard, cookie, Danish, and savory types.
They efficiently make this variety of bread starting around 5 AM, and on weekends, they speed up their work even more, which I truly respect.
Do you have any recommended products?
Ishimaru
I often get asked for recommendations, but I hope customers can find their own favorite bread.
As we continue the business, it would make me happiest if some breads become popular among customers with “This is good”.
I want to offer a variety of breads and let customers choose.
If you have enjoyed a delicious bread or have a favorite, please let the staff know.
Perhaps due to the local culture, many customers talk to the staff, and we are all very happy about that. It also motivates and energizes the staff.
It serves as a reference for developing and improving new products, so please feel free to talk to the staff.
Do you have any goals or visions for the future of the shop?
Ishimaru
I aim to be a beloved bakery that is cherished by the locals for a long time.
Our customers are diverse, ranging from elderly neighbors to company employees returning from work.
Of course, we are happy to have customers coming from afar, but what makes me happiest is to see more local repeat customers.
It brings me the greatest joy when even one more person eats our bread and smiles, saying “delicious.”
Please give a message to the readers.
Ishimaru
If you haven't visited us yet, please come by the shop at least once. We prepare a variety of breads every day, from sweet breads to savory ones and simple loaves, and we are waiting for you.
For those who have already visited, please let the staff know your favorite bread.
We will continue to aim to be a place that the locals can call their “go-to bakery.”
Conclusion
I have purchased bread from BAMBOO BAKERS several times, and every bread is substantial and, above all, truly delicious. Therefore, I often end up buying more than I can eat in a day.
I want to conquer all the types of bread available at the shop, so I plan to keep visiting.
Of course, there are familiar flavors like cream bread, but there are also unique breads like hojicha black beans, offering a lineup that can be enjoyed by all generations.
Why not visit at least once?
Data on BAMBOO BAKERS
| Name | BAMBOO BAKERS |
|---|---|
| Address | 11-16 Nishitokiwa-cho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-444-9271 |
| Parking | Available Next to the shop |
| Business Hours | 10 AM - 5 PM |
| Closed | Wednesday, Sunday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | BAMBOO BAKERS |
