Interview with the owner of GOJITOMA-ISM
I interviewed Takamoto Karen, who is selling bento using a food truck, inheriting the spirit of GOJITOMA.
The making of GOJITOMA-ISM
Why did you start selling bento?
Takamoto
Since I was in the fifth grade of elementary school, I told my father that I wanted to inherit GOJITOMA.
Although there were options to work at other cafes, I thought it would be smoother to start my own shop when I officially inherited it, so I decided to sell bento using my cooking experience.
I started operating with a food truck because I wanted to give back to the people of Mabi who supported my father's shop.
After the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, the food truck had only been operational about once a year since GOJITOMA was rebuilt, but I had a strong desire not to waste the food truck, which is filled with memories of being supported by many people.
Can you tell me the origin of the shop name?
Takamoto
As I take over, my father named it with the hope that I would connect the spirit of GOJITOMA while adding my own personality.
Actually, shortly after I consulted him to think of a shop name, my father was hospitalized due to a heart condition. After surviving a life-or-death situation, he thought of the name, so it holds a very strong emotional significance.
I want you to enjoy seasonal vegetables
Can you tell me about your cooking philosophy?
Takamoto
I focus on balancing sour, sweet, and salty flavors within a single bento, and I strive for colorful presentations that make people want to eat.
When I worked at a nursery, I noticed that if the food only looked green or brown, some children would get bored. I thought about what kind of appearance would encourage them to eat, and my commitment is to create colorful bento that are visually appealing and delicious.
I heard that you mainly use vegetables from Mabi.
Takamoto
I wanted to use vegetables from Mabi, and I learned that "Hyakusai Farm" in the town grows organic vegetables, so I utilize them.
I receive information from Hyakusai Farm about the vegetables that can be harvested that week, and I decide the menu based on the vegetables. It feels like the shop exists because of the farmers.
Since vegetables are natural products, if the harvest is insufficient, I supplement them from the local production for local consumption section of supermarkets. However, I want to continue to prioritize using vegetables harvested in Mabi.
I want to give back to the people of Mabi
Please share your thoughts about the customers who come to buy from you.
Takamoto
Many of the customers who come to buy are from Mabi, and some even make a U-turn to come back when passing by.
During the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, I was supported by the warmth of many people, especially those from Mabi.
I want to give back directly to those who helped me, and I want to convey the feelings I received to others. Operating GOJITOMA-ISM feels like giving back to Mabi.
Of course, I think about how much better it would have been if the heavy rain disaster had not occurred. However, there were many realizations that I could only come to because of the damage.
Additionally, due to my health issues, I have reaffirmed the importance of food, so I believe there are things I can convey in terms of food.
Can you share your future prospects?
Takamoto
I want to utilize the characteristics of the food truck to participate in events and promote the goodness of Mabi outside the town.
Due to structural issues, it is difficult to participate in events immediately, but I have been invited to an event in the spring of 2026, so I hope to gradually get used to it and be able to go to other regions.
I would be happy if promoting the goodness of Mabi could encourage people from outside the town to visit.
Conclusion
When I first purchased a bento from GOJITOMA-ISM, I ate it with my child. My child quickly finished the side dishes while saying, "It's delicious!"
Looking back after the interview, I feel that Takamoto's feelings were clearly conveyed.
The bento and sandwiches are filled with gratitude towards Mabi.
Please visit and try them out.
Data on GOJITOMA-ISM
| Name | GOJITOMA-ISM |
|---|---|
| Address | 748-4 Ayata, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-3740-3693 |
| Parking | Available You can park in the parking lot of GOJITOMA. |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Ends when products run out |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday Closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | GOJITOMA-ISM |
