Interview with the director of Kurashiki Yume Kobo, operator of Ichigo Biyori
We spoke with Hideyo Mimura, director of Kurashiki Yume Kobo, which operates “Ichigo Biyori,” about what inspired him to start the shop, the values he holds dear, and his plans for the future.
A cafe born from an initiative to grow strawberries
What inspired you to start Ichigo Biyori?
Mimura (surname omitted hereafter)
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted us to reconsider how our business should operate going forward. As we reviewed our existing approach, we arrived at a new possibility: a strawberry-growing initiative centered on collaboration between agriculture and welfare.
We opened a tourist farm in December 2023, and in September 2024 we started the cafe “Ichigo Biyori” as a place where people could enjoy those strawberries more easily and deliciously.
Creating a shop where delicious food and everyone’s abilities shine
What do you value when creating the shop?
Mimura
What matters to us is not that we are a welfare organization, but that we deliver truly delicious food as a shop in its own right.
We want this to be a place where people think, “It’s so delicious, I want to come back.” That feeling has never changed. We also want it to be a place where each person who uses our facility can make the most of their strengths and individuality, and contribute in a way that feels manageable for them.
My wife, Naomi, a pastry chef, has been at the heart of making our sweets, and I’m truly grateful to her. Thanks to her, the character of this shop has really taken shape.
A place to enjoy all year round, and a place that inspires hope
What are your dreams and goals for the future?
Mimura
We want to make this a place people can enjoy throughout the year, not just during strawberry season. Menus featuring seasonal fruit and an evening cafe that makes the most of the rice-field scenery are among the things we hope to bring to life.
Although it’s not very far from JR Kurashiki Station, the peaceful rural landscape remains just as it is.
That is part of this place’s charm, so while cherishing the scenery, we want to make it a place where there’s something new to enjoy with every visit.
And we want this to continue to be a place where the hard work of people with disabilities is conveyed through “deliciousness” and “joy.” We hope to keep sharing our story so people can see that wonderful things and places like this can emerge from a welfare setting.
We would be delighted if what we do here could give hope and encouragement to people working hard in other welfare settings.
A gentle moment that makes you want to visit again
Time spent slowly savoring sweet strawberry treats amid peaceful scenery.
Before I knew it, I had forgotten the rush of everyday life for a little while and felt refreshed.
Not only during strawberry season, but also for Naomi’s sweets, this is a cafe I want to visit again.
At “Ichigo Biyori,” you can naturally feel the kindness of the people around you as you enjoy delicious treats.
Why not stop by and find your favorite sweet?
- For cafe hours and seasonal menus, visit “Ichigo Biyori” on Instagram
- For details on strawberry sales and strawberry picking, visit “Kurashiki Yume Ichigo” on Instagram
Ichigo Biyori Information
| Name | Ichigo Biyori |
|---|---|
| Address | 3281-7 Shinden, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 080-3871-1515 (during business hours only) |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (last order at 4:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 27 seats; 14 counter seats; 5 tables |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Families with children | 2 child seats; strollers welcome |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair available for loan |
| Website | Ichigo Biyori |
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