Interview with Representative Akiha Yuichi and Manager Tamaoka Ayata
The appealing Cafe & Bar KAG offers voluminous hamburgers, carefully crafted espresso coffee, and a variety of events.
We interviewed the Representative Director of KURABIZ, Akiha Yuichi, and KAG Manager Tamaoka Ayata.
I want to create a place for visitors to Kurashiki and locals to interact
Please tell us about the background of the opening.
Akiha (no honorifics)
Originally, the building where KAG is located was an old inn called Okuma Ryokan.
However, it went out of business and had been an empty store for a long time.
The Okuma Ryokan was in a prime location in front of JR Kurashiki Station and was located in the shopping street called Kurashiki Ichibangai.
Ichibangai is a place where the local life of Kurashiki remains strong.
On the other hand, Kurashiki is a tourist town.
It is a place where various people visit for tourism and work.
Thus, the thought arose to create a place where visitors to Kurashiki can touch the traditional local life, learn about local culture, and interact with locals.
In this way, KAG opened in April 2018.
The first floor operates as a café during the day and a bar at night.
The second and third floors began operating as accommodation (hostel).
However, in 2020, with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the number of guests drastically decreased.
I originally prepare a backup plan when starting a new business.
As a countermeasure against the pandemic, I decided to suspend the accommodation business and implement the relocation of the headquarters, which I had prepared as a backup plan.
The second and third floors of KAG were used as the headquarters of KURABIZ.
I then focused on the operation of the café and bar on the first floor, and that brings us to the present.
KAG challenges new initiatives in Kurashiki
What is the origin of the name KAG?
Tamaoka (no honorifics)
KAG stands for Kurashiki Avant-Garde.
Avant-Garde means avant-garde.
It was named with the meaning of challenging new initiatives in Kurashiki.
What are the features of KAG?
Tamaoka
One feature is its location in front of Kurashiki Station and in Ichibangai.
It is easy to stop by and is located in a place that retains the old-fashioned atmosphere.
Another feature is the events held.
The regular events we hold seem to have become established.
We are grateful for inquiries like, “I want to do something like this, can we?”
A base to make Kurashiki a city to be proud of in the world
Please tell us your thoughts on the city of Kurashiki.
Akiha
The establishment of this KAG was triggered by our feelings towards the city of Kurashiki.
We want to engage in urban development not by building structures or improving roads, but by updating the thoughts of the people who live and are involved in Kurashiki.
For example, companies and individuals recognizing local issues, taking action, and generating profits while circulating those activities for the betterment of society.
If that happens, the city will be revitalized and surely become a better place.
I believe this is also a way of thinking connected to the roots of Kurashiki.
This is our vision for urban development, and we operate KAG as one of the bases for that initiative.
In the future, I want to make Kurashiki a city to be proud of in the world.
Future prospects and challenges
I would like to know about future prospects and challenges.
Tamaoka
As the pandemic has calmed down, the number of evening customers has significantly increased.
I think the recognition of us as a "night café" has grown.
Additionally, there are many tourists, including those from overseas.
On the other hand, I feel that the number of daytime customers is still lacking.
Therefore, I believe we need measures to increase daytime customers.
For example, making it easier for local customers who are walking their dogs to stop by.
Or making it easier for people on their way to work or during lunch breaks to take out drinks and light meals.
During the day, I want to try creating a convenient and accessible store.
A place for locals and visitors to Kurashiki to connect: KAG
In the center of Kurashiki, Ichibangai has a less prominent impression compared to the large shopping centers on the north side of Kurashiki Station, the large shopping streets on the southeast side, and the tourist spot Bikan Historical Area.
However, Ichibangai retains the traditional life of Kurashiki.
KAG is located in this unpretentious place called Ichibangai.
KAG is a place where locals can casually drop by.
Moreover, there are not many places in Kurashiki where locals can interact with tourists and business visitors.
Please visit and enjoy the carefully crafted hamburgers, coffee made with an espresso machine, and alcoholic beverages.
It is also recommended for tourists who want to experience the deeper aspects of the city of Kurashiki during their travels.
Why not experience the deep Kurashiki that can only be tasted at KAG?
Data on Cafe & Bar KAG
| Name | Cafe & Bar KAG |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2 Achi 3-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-441-8817 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Regular Holiday | Monday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | Total 35 seats 35 seats ・4-person tables: 3 ・2-person tables: 3 (can be connected) ・Counter by the window: 5 ・Counter in front of the register: 5 ・Counter on the terrace: 5 ・Terrace tables (round): 2 |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Strollers allowed Dishes available |
| Barrier-free | Ramp Wheelchair accessible |
