Interview with Ryo Kawahara of Sanuki Udon Kawahara
Sanuki Udon Kawahara was originally opened by its owner, Yukio Kawahara, and his wife, Tsuyako.
In April 2019, their son, Ryo Kawahara, who had decided to take over the shop, joined the business.
We spoke with Ryo Kawahara of Sanuki Udon Kawahara.
The path from being affected by the July 2018 heavy rains to reopening for business
Kawahara was affected by the July 2018 heavy rains, but reopened for business quite early among companies in Mabi. Could you tell us why and how you were able to reopen so quickly?
Kawahara
When the disaster happened, not only the shop but also our home in the Okada area was affected.
So we evacuated, and our evacuation shelter was a company in the mountains in northern Mabi.
The employees of that company often came to our shop as customers.
While my father, Yukio, was evacuated, the employees all told him, “We really hope you’ll reopen.”
After hearing that, my father apparently decided to reopen the shop while he was still evacuated.
Actually, since our family and relatives live in other areas, such as Tokyo, my father had also considered moving near them and running the shop there.
However, his desire to “contribute to the local community affected by the disaster” and “support its recovery” grew stronger, and he decided to continue running the shop in Mabi.
Then, two or three days after the floodwaters receded, we finished clearing out the damaged shop.
To reopen quickly, immediately after the cleanup we arranged for renovation work and consulted about ordering equipment.
It was hard to work on reopening the shop and restoring our home at the same time, but we did our best because we wanted to support our local community as it worked toward recovery.
Why he decided to take over the shop
Ryo, you decided to take over the shop, left your previous job, and began helping out. What led you to make that decision?
Kawahara
I’m glad that the shop was able to reopen safely.
However, reopening this time left my parents with a significant financial burden.
My parents seemed to think they would let the shop end with their generation, but given their age, the financial burden would be quite difficult for them.
So I thought, I would take over the shop and support them.
Also, after we reopened, customers came to the shop and said through tears, “I’m so glad you reopened,” or showed how happy they were with smiles. Seeing that made me feel even more strongly that I wanted to keep this shop going, and that was another reason I decided to take over.
His impressions since starting work at the shop
Ryo, this is your first time working in the food service industry. What has been good, and what has been difficult?
Kawahara
My previous job was in sales at an insurance agency, so this is my first time in the food service industry.
But since I was little, I’d watched my parents working nearby and helped out at the shop, so it hasn’t been as hard as I expected.
In fact, I enjoy my work every day.
That said, making udon noodles and dashi broth was new to me.
But thanks to my father’s recipes, I’ve been able to learn smoothly.
Still, it takes time to master the knack of making noodles, so I have a lot more training ahead of me.
Also, through this disaster and my exchange with customers, I’ve realized at a young age how important connections with people are.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Kawahara
If I start early, I begin preparing around 6:30 a.m.
As soon as I get up, I drive about five minutes from home to the shop and start preparing.
Preparation winds down around 9 or 10 a.m.
I go home for a while, take a break and take care of things at home, then return to the shop before it opens at 11 a.m. to get ready for business.
At lunchtime, we stay open continuously until the evening.
After business hours, if it’s a long day, closing up can take about an hour after we close at 8 p.m.
Future plans
Could you tell us about the shop’s future plans and anything you’d like to try, Ryo?
Kawahara
Since I started working at the shop, it’s been busier than I expected, so honestly, I’m completely occupied with work right now.
So first, I want to quickly learn all of my parents’ work and become able to handle it.
From the Writer
Kawahara has been cherished by the local community for more than 25 years since it was founded, but it was affected by the heavy rains.
However, it reopened in just 3 months.
I remember how happy I was to hear that a shop I’m personally attached to had reopened.
Through the interview, I learned about Kawahara’s commitment to its local community and how it managed to reopen so quickly.
With the added energy of young Ryo, who decided to take over the shop, I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for Kawahara, which is loved by the local community.
▼Relocated and rebuilt in May 2021 for a fresh start!
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