Interview with Mr. Hiroyuki Hara and his wife Naoko
They were always smiling and it was impressive how warmly they spoke.
What was the trigger for opening the café?
Hiroyuki Hara
This café building was the residence of Mr. Minoru Honda, who took care of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
After Mr. Honda and his wife passed away, the house was vacant for about ten years, and while I thought something needed to be done, time passed.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
I thought it would be nice to do something for the 100th anniversary, and one of those ideas was the café.
Also, many of the books here were packed in cardboard boxes and had not seen the light of day at all.
I want everyone to see the various books collected by the people involved with this observatory.
And I want many people to know about the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
Additionally, I hope this can be a place for my wife, who moved her base to Kurashiki from outside the prefecture, to meet people and showcase her skills in making sweets.
About six months after opening, have there been any changes in your feelings?
Naoko Hara
When I started making cakes in the café's kitchen, I struggled with the lack of tools and the different quirks of the oven.
At first, I was anxious every day, wondering what kind of cakes I should bake and how many to make to please the customers.
But now, I have been able to consult with a pastry chef who is a friend of my husband and with local farmers who grow vegetables and fruits, and their advice has been a great help.
When customers actually taste the cakes, I often hear them say, "It was delicious!" which makes me very happy.
Also, I am impressed by the abundance of local ingredients available in Okayama.
I want to cook using unique Okayama ingredients and share that with others.
This summer, a customer introduced me to a peach farmer, and I learned that there are rare peaches that can only be eaten in Okayama because they spoil by the time they arrive in Tokyo.
I have come to realize that Okayama is a place that inspires a desire to create.
What makes your café different from others?
Hiroyuki Hara
Here, we do not play music.
For example, in autumn, you can hear the sounds of insects, as well as the sounds of cars outside and the air conditioning; that is the BGM.
If we played music, it would inevitably make the voices of people chatting louder, and I also want to be considerate of those who are reading.
What is the origin of the café's name?
Hiroyuki Hara
Mr. Honda loved to write poetry and left behind various poems.
The name was taken from a line of his poetry.
What kind of café do you want to create in the future?
Hiroyuki Hara
I want it to be a café where people want to come back multiple times.
A place where one can spend time leisurely alone or come with friends.
I hope it can also be a place for people to meet and a place to encounter the observatory.
In the future, I am considering having a night section where people can enjoy tea or alcohol while stargazing, and I want to connect that to lunch during the day.
Conclusion
The observatory café run by this friendly couple, who value connections with people, is filled with unique charm.
You will surely be satisfied with the handmade sweets made from seasonal ingredients from Okayama.
Please enjoy a special time spent feeling the stars and the moon along with many books.
Data on the clarity of starlight
| Name | Clarity of Starlight |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-4589 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1 PM to 5 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seats | 12 seats |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
