Interview with the owner of Hidamari Pan Kobo, Taizo Harada
I heard you opened in February 2019. Could you tell us what inspired you to start a bakery?
Harada
Well, it’s not a big story or anything, just how things turned out (laughs).
I’ve always liked bread, so I tried various shops, but I couldn’t find any bread that I thought was “delicious.”
However, there was one bakery in Okayama that I thought had “the taste.”
That shop was part of a franchise, so I took some training and opened my shop here.
When I first opened, I wasn’t used to it, so I struggled to keep up with the bread production. By around 3 PM, everything would be gone.
For about a week after opening, there were a lot of customers, but then it suddenly stopped (laughs).
I feel like I’ve finally started to find my rhythm recently.
Is there a reason you chose the shopping center in Kasaoka for your shop's location?
Harada
Well, the parking lot is spacious, right?
There are also many public facilities nearby, like a library and a post office, so I thought families with children could easily stop by.
I originally lived in Fukuyama, but I have friends in Kasaoka who often come to my shop.
My friend, who is an illustrator, designed the sign and flyers for me.
Do you have any particular commitment to the bread you serve at your shop?
Harada
Yes, I focus on safety and security, and no additives.
Of course, I use domestic wheat and try to have freshly baked bread available at all times, so I plan the baking schedule accordingly.
In terms of products, curry bread and salt butter rolls are popular, but walnut bread sells well too.
Walnuts are rich in oleic acid, which is good for health-conscious people.
The simple walnut bread comes in various types, such as with sweet potato or filled with cream.
I heard that a music event was held on the opening day of your shop.
Harada
Not just on the opening day, but I’ve been holding events irregularly until now.
I’ve been involved in music for a long time, so I gathered my music friends and held Hawaiian and hula events in front of the shop, as well as Ryukyu music.
It’s difficult to hold such events now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since it’s outdoors, I’d like to continue them regularly while maintaining social distance.
So, you will continue to hold events in the future?
Harada
Yes. The COVID-19 pandemic has made things feel a bit cramped, and many activities have disappeared, which is disappointing. Even so, I want to do things that the local people can enjoy.
Also, I would be happy if the bakery could attract more repeat customers and people from a wider area (laughs).
I want to keep baking bread to broaden our customer base.
From the Writer
Moms with babies returning from the library, elderly people living nearby, and first-grade boys coming home from school with their mothers.
All the customers who came while I was interviewing were holding bread and looked very happy.
“I’m so glad it opened nearby. And you know, the bread here is really delicious.”
The smile of the grandmother holding her favorite red bean bread was very lovely and left a strong impression on me.
I hope you continue to make safe, secure, and delicious bread.
Especially the deliciousness of the freshly baked salt butter rolls! Please try them at least once.
Hidamari Pan Kobo Information
| Name | Hidamari Pan Kobo |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-6 Yobanchō, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, inside Kasaoka Shopping Center |
| Contact | 0865-69-0323 |
| Parking | Available 40 cars (shared with Kasaoka Shopping Center) |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Monday |
| Payment Method |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | Terrace: 6 seats |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Website | Hidamari Pan Kobo |
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