Interview with Takamasa Fukuyama, the manager of Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo
Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo, which excites many customers with its Bukkake udon, Kokusai Musou, and giant fried chicken.
I spoke with the manager, Takamasa Fukuyama.
Established in 1983 as a branch of the original Bukkake udon Shinkyo in Aichi
I want to know about the background of the establishment.
Fukuyama
Originally, the founder, Eisaburo Akagi, established the business in 1983.
He trained at the main store of Shinkyo in Aichi and branched out.
Shinkyo is known as the origin of "Bukkake udon."
Later, his son, Kotohisa Akagi, became the second generation and continued the business.
However, in May 2020, a fire occurred, completely destroying the store.
They were forced to close.
After that, a system company in Okayama City, Oyu System Co., Ltd., took over the business and decided to rebuild the store.
Then, the newly reborn Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo, which was taken over by Oyu System, started operations in February 2022.
At the beginning of the reopening, Nozomi Tateishi, who had been transferred from the headquarters of Oyu System, was mainly in charge of operations.
In May 2022, I joined and have been working hard on store operations with Tateishi.
Is the menu different from the original Shinkyo in Aichi?
Fukuyama
The main menu items, such as Bukkake udon, Kokusai Musou, fried chicken, and fried squid, are the same as those at Shinkyo in Aichi.
However, according to employees who have eaten at the Aichi Shinkyo, while the menu itself is the same, the taste and characteristics seem to be quite different.
The base is the same, but each store seems to have its own unique touches.
Rebuilding the store through business succession from the previous generation to preserve local flavors
Why did Oyu System take over the business?
Fukuyama
The representative of Oyu System, Takuya Nanseki, is from the area near Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo and has cherished memories of the store since childhood.
Additionally, many employees were regular customers of Bukkake udon.
With the determination of "not wanting to lose a store and taste that many people love and that is rooted in the community," the representative thought about how they could help with the rebuilding and approached the previous owner, Mr. Akagi.
I joined right after the reopening, and I myself am from near Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo and have known it since I was little.
In my case, I didn't like Bukkake udon when I was a child, but when I tried it as an adult, I found it incredibly delicious and became hooked.
Especially in the year leading up to the fire, I visited quite frequently.
Therefore, I remember being shocked when I heard the news of the fire.
We conducted crowdfunding for reconstruction, but how was the response?
Fukuyama
I have heard that the response was beyond our expectations, and it was surprising.
Even though we say we will rebuild the store, a large amount of funding is needed for various things such as demolishing the building, preparing the land, constructing a new building, and preparing various other facilities.
Therefore, we decided to conduct crowdfunding to widely seek support from everyone.
We received support at a faster pace than expected, and ultimately received support from over 570 people.
We raised more than double the target amount, and we can only express our gratitude.
I was surprised to receive a lot of funding not only from individuals but also from organizations.
The names of the individuals and organizations that provided support are displayed in the store.
In particular, for those who provided substantial support, we included their logos or names on staff shirts.
Inheriting the flavor through the passionate guidance of the previous generation
I understand that Store Manager Fukuyama joined after the store reopened; could you tell me about the background?
Fukuyama
Originally, I worked in a completely different industry, not even in a ramen shop or the restaurant industry.
I was originally acquainted with Minamiishi, the representative of Oyu System, and was consulting about changing jobs.
At that timing, there was a discussion about the business succession of Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo, and Minamiishi pointed me out and invited me, saying, "Why not give it a try?"
Even though it was a shop I liked, I had no experience in the restaurant or cooking industry, so I was filled with anxiety.
However, the desire to protect a shop that is loved by the community and one that I have a personal attachment to grew stronger, and I decided to take on the challenge.
How did you inherit the taste and cooking methods?
Fukuyama
Before the store reopened and for several months after, the previous owner, Akagi, worked as a staff member and provided direct guidance.
Both I and Tateishi have no experience in the restaurant industry, and we have very little cooking experience in our private lives as well.
We received thorough guidance not only in cooking but also in all aspects of restaurant operation, including customer service.
Everything was a first-time experience, and it was very challenging.
Little by little, we were increasing what we could do, one step at a time.
Eventually, when Akagi said, "You can confidently serve this to customers!" I was so happy!
I received Akagi's approval safely.
That said, I am still studying every day.
What kind of advice did you receive from Akagi?
Fukuyama
Akagi taught me, "Do not change the basics; always uphold the basics," and I still maintain that.
While valuing the basics, my motto is to incorporate new things and take on new challenges.
Another point is that if customers leave food uneaten, there may be hints for the future within that leftover food.
While preserving the foundation inherited from the previous generation, I will take on new challenges
After reopening, a second store was opened in Kamogata.
Fukuyama
When I heard "Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo," many people had the image of a popular shop with long lines.
So there were voices saying, "I want to avoid waiting in line, so I think I'll skip going today."
Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo has many customers coming not only from around Kurashiki but also from distant places like Fukuyama and western Hyogo Prefecture.
Therefore, we opened the Kamogata store with the idea of establishing a branch in the western part of the prefecture to disperse customers and alleviate congestion.
As a result, I feel that the congestion at the main store has eased, making it easier to visit than before.
In the future, we are also planning to open a store in the eastern part of Okayama.
Additionally, starting this year (2023), we have also launched a food truck.
The food truck offers our original "Betokon Yakisoba" and other menu items that are not available in the store, so please give it a try!
Betokon Yakisoba is a menu item that originated from staff meals and is also available at the Kamogata store.
In this way, while preserving the foundation inherited from the previous generation, we are thinking of ways to make it easier for customers to visit.
As a specialty ramen of Kurashiki, I want to spread Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo to more people
If you have any future prospects or challenges, please let us know.
Fukuyama
With the Kamogata store established in addition to the main store, we are considering further branch openings.
When it comes to multi-store expansion, the challenge going forward is how to consistently provide stable taste and service.
Currently, we are thinking about creating a system for that, and making sure the system runs smoothly is our immediate goal.
Thanks to everyone, Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo has received support from many people.
We want to ensure that not only those who know about Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo but also those who have not yet visited can come.
Expanding to multiple stores is one of those efforts, as well as devising new menu items like "Mini Kara" or mini-sized ramen, frozen ramen, and new services like food trucks.
Of course, while preserving the fundamental aspects established by the previous generation.
In addition to removing garlic and spiciness from the ramen, we also try to accommodate customer requests as much as possible, such as removing disliked ingredients or reducing the portion size.
Although Bukkake udon has an image of being voluminous and rich, the main ingredients are vegetables, and the soup has a light flavor, so it is actually surprisingly easy to eat.
It may seem to have an impression of being aimed at young men, but in reality, that is not the case, as the customer base is very diverse, including elderly people, women dining alone, and families with children.
We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere, so we would be delighted if you could visit us.
As a specialty ramen of Kurashiki, we want to spread the word about the stamina-packed Bukkake udon to more people!
Eat Bukkake udon, loved by the community, to be in the best condition!
I had the impression that many customers like hearty meals, but during the interviews, I found that there were actually more women dining alone and elderly customers than I expected.
Additionally, there are many customers who come in three generations: parents, children, and grandchildren.
Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo, which has overcome difficulties and revived to be passed on to a new generation, is loved by many people.
Enjoy the healthy and stamina-packed Bukkake udon and Kokkish Musou, and be sure to get into the best condition!
Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo Data
| Name | Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo |
|---|---|
| Address | 507-2 Obitaka, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-7532 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:45 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | None |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Not accepted |
| Seating | 16 seats total (Counter only) |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Stroller entry allowed Children's utensils available |
| Barrier-free | Wheelchair accessible |
| Website | Bukkake udon Kurashiki Shinkyo: Official Instagram |
