Interview with Kazuno, owner of “BAR Kurashiki capri”
What inspired him to start a restaurant
To start, could you tell us what inspired you to open your shop?
Kazuno
Thirteen years ago, in 2006, I was a sales representative working as a salaried employee. Just as I was beginning to question continuing to work within an organization, I happened to see a sign that said, “Free cafe lessons—support provided all the way through opening.”
I remembered how much I loved the atmosphere of traditional coffee shops and how often I went to them, so I went to the coffee shop that had put up the sign to ask about it.
It has since closed, but back in 2006, they took me to a popular cafe in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, called “Coffee CLUB.” The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the space and thought, “Ah, I want to run a place like this myself.”
I had no knowledge or experience in running a restaurant, but I made up my mind and quit my salaried job.
How he took over the cafe “Cafe Capri”
So that coffee shop was what inspired you. Did you face any difficulties before opening your own shop?
Kazuno
After that, I started helping out at a shop run by someone who had also quit their salaried job to start a business. Within two months, I was able to run the shop on my own. I was serious about wanting to have my own place, so I studied hard.
Then, just at that time, a cafe owner was looking to close their shop, and the owner of that coffee company approached me.
The cafe was called “Cafe Capri” and was in Minami Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Taking over the shop’s name and opening it under new ownership became my first business.
Thankfully, everything fell into place, and I was able to open the shop smoothly. I think I was lucky.
How “cafe capri + Dining Bar” relocated and reopened
After that, you moved the shop to Toiyacho, right?
Kazuno
The first shop was a cafe, but as I ran it, I found more and more things I wanted to do, and it started to feel cramped. Then a space became available on the second floor of a building owned by someone I knew. It was spacious and met the conditions I was looking for, so I moved there.
In August 2013, I relocated and reopened “cafe capri + Dining Bar” in Toiyacho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.
From cafe to dining bar, then relocating and reopening “BAR Kurashiki Station capri” in front of JR Kurashiki Station
Why did you move here in front of JR Kurashiki Station and change the format again?
Kazuno
I heard that things were changing in Toiyacho, and began considering a move as I thought about the future prospects for my shop.
I asked people I knew, and this was one of the places they introduced me to. The location near JR Kurashiki Station was good, but there wasn’t much foot traffic on this street. After much deliberation, I decided to make it a bar.
I’d been running the shop under the name “Capri” for more than ten years, so the name had become fairly well established.
I wanted to keep the name “Capri,” and since I was opening near the station, I thought about the many tourists and business travelers who visit and decided to include the name of the local area, “Kurashiki.” So I opened in January 2018 as “BAR Kurashiki capri.”
We still have some menu items that were popular at “Capri,” such as coffee and French toast, because we have regular customers.
We also still use the ironwork and light fixtures from the previous shop, so some customers come here and feel nostalgic.
The shop’s commitment to “relaxation”
Could you tell us about what matters most to you in running the shop, Kazuno?
Kazuno
The theme of the shop, which has continued since it first opened, is “relaxation.”
When it was a cafe, I wanted people to relax over coffee. Now, I focus on creating a space where people can relax as much as possible.
I think the best way to relax at BAR Kurashiki capri is to sit at the counter. I want people to enjoy a relaxing time while chatting across the counter.
There are three types of seating here: the tables are for cafe-style visits, the counter is for a regular bar experience, and the loft offers a space where you can relax as if you were at home.
The rewarding moments: customers who “come to see” the staff
What do you find rewarding about running the shop?
Kazuno
The owner of the coffee company told me, “The shop’s design, atmosphere, and menu help you gain regular customers. But in the end, customers come for the people.”
Hearing that made me think that if customers became attached to the staff, myself included, the shop could have a long life.
What I find rewarding is when customers come to see the staff at my shop.
When customers come in on a day that a particular staff member is off, they tell me, “That person is great because of this,” and it makes me truly happy and gives me a sense of purpose to hear what they appreciate about them.
The shop’s future prospects
Finally, could you tell us about your plans for the shop going forward?
Kazuno
I’ve always run just one shop, but I’m interested in having multiple locations as well.
What you can do varies depending on the location, whether it’s near a station or in the suburbs. I’m also interested in businesses selling products and the beauty industry, so I’m thinking about how to offer an enjoyable experience to a wide range of customers.
From the Writer
The bar run by Kazuno is filled with his desire for customers to come in and take their time enjoying themselves.
I’ve also been to the dining bar he ran in Toiyacho, and I remember being very impressed by the clever feature of its glass-shelved entrance.
I remember feeling that the shop genuinely wanted to entertain its customers, and that the interior was comfortable.
Learning about the owner’s feelings behind the name “Capri” and the affection of the customers who frequent the shop made me an even bigger fan.
Why not spend some pleasant time at this shop, where you’ll be welcomed by a charming team that includes Kazuno?
BAR Kurashiki capri (Capri) Information
| Name | BAR Kurashiki capri (Capri) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-14-23 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086‐489-1374 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 7:00 p.m.–LAST |
| Regular closing days | Irregular holidays Check Instagram Stories for business days |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | Total seating capacity: 17 Counter: 5 seats Tables: 8 seats (four tables for two) Sofa (second-floor loft): approx. 4 seats Private bookings: 10–17 people Maximum banquet capacity: 17 seated |
| Smoking | Smoking permitted |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | BAR Kurashiki capri—Capri— |
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Photography: Yuki Watanabe (Instagram)