Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] ~ A Traditional House Café Where You Can Enjoy Food and Drinks from a Different Owner Every Day

Interview with Yukiko Kanamaru, representative of Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen]

We spoke with Yukiko Kanamaru, representative of Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen].

What led to the opening of Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen]

Could you tell us what led to the opening of Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen]?

Kanamaru

Before Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] opened, there was a cafe called Saji.

At that time, a young woman came in and said, “I want to run a cafe!”

We are an NPO that wants to listen to the requests of people who come here and fulfill them as much as we can.

Saji had been operating in the current cafe location, so we set up a cafe in the place that is now a warehouse.

When she was running the cafe there, one person after another came saying, “I want to run a cafe too!” They connected with one another, and Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] came into being.

Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] was created simply in response to that young woman's enthusiasm and her feeling that she wanted to do it.

Does that woman still run a cafe?

Kanamaru

Yes, that young woman is Ms. Matsuura, the owner of Fondant Miel.

After Saji became independent about 1 and a half years later, around 4 rotating cafes moved in, and it took on its current form.

We have never recruited rotating cafes, but they naturally increased over time.

What makes Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] special

What makes Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] special?

Kanamaru

We really don't have any particular preferences.

What I find interesting is that the same space becomes completely different depending on the owner.

Before we even have to think about it, everyone creates the space for us, so all we can really do is prepare the setting.

The tables and counter were donated or handmade, so this is a space created through connections with many different people.

Our role is simply to provide a place and make it easy for the people using it.

Really, the only things we pay special attention to are cleaning and tending the garden. (Laughs)

If you come for a week, you'll see, in a way that feels almost magical, how each cafe owner creates a completely different space.

About the July 2018 Heavy Rains

The July 2018 Heavy Rains also had a major impact on Soja City. Was your business affected?

Kanamaru

When the July 2018 Heavy Rains occurred, 2 board members were affected by the disaster.

Everyone at this cafe is connected, so starting the day after the disaster, we all went to help.

And before we knew it, the place was unbelievably clean.

When the board member who had been affected by the disaster gave a speech at the general meeting, they said this:

“I feel that all the hard work we had done up to then was for that day. All the members here came to help, and the place was cleaned up so quickly that people were amazed.”

So, it was an experience that made us realize once again just how important connections with people are.

From the Writer

At Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen], you can enjoy food and drinks from a different owner every day.

Born from one young woman's wish to “run a cafe,” this cafe, created through the connections of many people, was a very warm and comfortable space.

It reminds us once again how important connections with people are, while also lowering the barriers to taking on a challenge. It's a wonderful cafe that brings joy to the local community.

Be sure to visit the cafe of an owner who catches your interest.

Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] details

Name	Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen]
Address	2-5-20 Soja, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	080-1925-9379
Parking	Available The parking location is easy to mistake, so be sure to check the directions under Access.
Hours	Monday: Gohan-ya Kanade 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 　　　　Yoru to Gohan 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday: Fondant Miel 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Wednesday: cafe & deli COPAN 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Thursday: Mendokoro Sudachiya 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Friday: Hakka cafe 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed	Sunday Rotating cafes may also be closed on their scheduled days. Check each cafe's social media or website in advance. On some Sundays, a student cafeteria run by students from Okayama Prefectural University is held. As it is not announced online, please check on site.
Payment methods	Cash
Reservations	Accepted For reservations, be sure to contact the individual cafe by phone. The phone number for Tsunagaru Cafe [Sen] (080-1925-9379) connects to Kanamaru, the chair of the NPO Soja Shopping Street Old Houses Utilization Association, so please take care when making reservations.
Seating	26 seats total Counter seats: 4 Tables for 4: 4 Tables for 2: 3
Smoking	Entirely non-smoking
Restroom	Western-style toilet
Website	NPO Soja Shopping Street Old Houses Utilization Association

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