Interview with Hiroyuki Hara and his wife Naoko
What stood out was how warmly they spoke, smiling throughout.
What inspired you to open the cafe?
Hiroyuki Hara
This cafe building was the home of Dr. Minoru Honda, who looked after the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
After Dr. Honda and his wife passed away, the house stood empty for about ten years. Time went by as we wondered what we could do with it.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, four years from now.
We hoped to do something for the centennial, and opening a cafe was one of the ideas.
The many books here had also been packed away in cardboard boxes and never seen the light of day.
We also wanted people to see the many different books collected by those who have been involved with this observatory.
And we want more people to learn about the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
We also hoped this would be a place where my wife, who moved here from outside the prefecture, could meet people and showcase her baking skills.
It’s been about six months since opening. Has anything changed for you?
Naoko Hara
When I started making cakes in the cafe kitchen, I struggled because I didn’t have the right tools and the oven behaved differently from what I was used to.
At first, I was anxious every day, wondering what kinds of cakes to bake and how many, and whether customers would enjoy them.
But now I can consult with my husband’s pastry-chef acquaintances and local people who grow vegetables and fruit, and their advice has been a great help.
When customers try the cakes, many tell me, “They were delicious!” which makes me very happy.
I’m also amazed by the abundance of ingredients grown locally in Okayama.
I’d like to cook with ingredients unique to Okayama and share what I make.
This summer, a customer introduced me to a peach farmer. I also learned that there are rare peaches that can only be eaten in Okayama, because they would spoil before reaching Tokyo if shipped there.
I’m realizing that Okayama is a place that inspires me to create.
How is this cafe different from other places?
Hiroyuki Hara
We don’t play music here.
In autumn, for example, you can hear insects; otherwise, the sounds of cars outside and the air conditioner serve as background music.
When music is playing, people inevitably speak louder, and we also want them to be considerate of those reading.
How did you choose the cafe’s name?
Hiroyuki Hara
Dr. Honda loved writing poetry and left behind many poems.
We named the cafe after a line from one of his poems.
What kind of cafe would you like this to become?
Hiroyuki Hara
We want it to be a cafe that people come back to again and again.
A place to spend some quiet time alone or visit with friends.
We hope it will also be a place where people meet one another and discover the observatory.
We’re also considering evening hours, when people can enjoy tea or drinks while stargazing.
We’d like to build on that and eventually offer lunch during the day, too.
From the Writer
This observatory cafe, run by a close-knit couple who cherish their connections with others, is full of unique charms.
The handmade sweets made with seasonal ingredients from Okayama are sure to warm your heart.
Enjoy a special moment surrounded by books and immersed in the stars and moon.
Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari Information
| Name | Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-4589 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 12 seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking throughout |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
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