Interview with Sakiko Nagano of Ippondo Okayama Soja Store
We spoke with Sakiko, the wife of the owner of Ippondo Okayama Soja Store, Yuichiro Nagano and Sakiko.
This interview features content from the initial coverage conducted in April 2019.
The price tags reflected in the background are from the time of the shoot.
The inspiration for opening the store came from being moved by Ippondo's bread
Please tell us about the background of opening the store.
Nagano (no honorifics)
There was an Ippondo store in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where I was transferred, and that’s where I first learned about Ippondo.
My husband (Yuichiro) had hardly eaten bread until then, but when he tried Ippondo's bread, he found it very delicious.
So, I researched Ippondo on the internet and found out that they were expanding through franchising and were looking for franchise owners.
We originally had a dream of wanting to have our own store independently, so we decided to take the plunge and leave our jobs.
Ippondo was also attractive because they provide thorough training on bread making and store management know-how.
Additionally, Ippondo allows for a high degree of freedom, enabling each store to showcase its individuality, which was another reason for deciding to open the store.
Each store can choose the types of bread to sell within certain limits.
Being able to choose the area for opening was also one reason.
At that time, Ippondo had not yet opened a store in Okayama Prefecture.
Moreover, Soja is my hometown.
I thought it would be easier for me both in terms of running a business and in my personal life.
Healthy bread made with carefully selected ingredients, additive-free, and never gets boring
What are the characteristics of Ippondo?
Nagano
The characteristic of Ippondo is that it specializes in bread.
Moreover, our bread is made with carefully selected ingredients and does not use additives, making it healthy.
It never gets boring, even if you eat it every day.
Our customers are mostly from the generation that has finished raising children or seniors.
Nowadays, you can get cheap bread at convenience stores and supermarkets, but I feel that many people want to spend money on good products.
On the other hand, there are also parents who want to give good products to their children.
About the July 2018 heavy rain disaster
The July 2018 heavy rain disaster caused significant damage in the Soja area. How did it affect your store?
Nagano
At that time, we had staff living in Mabi.
Additionally, Mabi is located just west of Soja City across the Takahashi River, so many of our customers were from Mabi.
The Shimobara area of Soja City was also affected by flooding and factory explosions along with Mabi.
I have classmates in the Shimobara area who were affected.
Therefore, the heavy rain disaster was not someone else's problem.
I also went to help clean up the homes of my classmates who were affected and distributed bread to those who suffered.
Furthermore, to contribute to the recovery efforts, I have been cooperating with events held regularly in the Shimobara area and conducting fundraising activities.
Flexible management to continue for a long time for regular customers
Please tell us about your future prospects and challenges.
Nagano
More than six years have passed since we opened, and we have many regular customers who say, "It has to be this bread."
For those regular customers, I want to continue the store for a long time.
I aim to review our management methods from time to time and adapt flexibly to the situation, continuing the store for a long time.
A specialty store for bread that never gets boring, Ippondo
Ippondo is a specialty store for bread, which is why you can feel a strong commitment to bread.
The carefully selected ingredients and health-conscious products like low-carb bread are appealing.
When I actually tried the bread, I enjoyed the flavor of the bread itself, and it was delicious even without anything added.
My family also loved it, and I truly feel it is "never gets boring, even if you eat it every day."
It is recommended not only for those who usually prefer bread for breakfast but also for those who prefer white rice.
Data on Ippondo Okayama Soja Store
| Name | Ippondo Okayama Soja Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-7-20 Chuo, Soja City |
| Contact | 0866-37-6248 |
| Parking | Available 5 cars |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (until sold out) |
| Regular Holidays | Tuesday, irregular holidays First Wednesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes Phone reservations for bread are possible |
| Seating | None |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Website | Freshly Baked Bread Specialty Store Ippondo Okayama Soja Store (Official X) |
