Interview with Tanō Hideki, Director and Sales Manager of Kikkodō
We spoke with Tanō Hideki, Director and Sales Manager of Kikkodō, about the history and commitment of Kikkodō and Murazume, as well as his thoughts on Kurashiki.
This interview is based on the content from the initial interview conducted in February 2020.
Murazume was born from the first generation's desire to create a local specialty in Kurashiki
What was the trigger for the creation of the Kurashiki specialty "Murazume"?
Tanō
Murazume was conceived by Yoshimoto Daikichi, the founder of Kikkodō.
In the early years of the Meiji period, he began making sweets with the desire to create a local specialty in Kurashiki!
After much trial and error, Murazume was born from the colors of the woven hats and rice ears worn by people dancing for a good harvest, which inspired him.
In fact, the person who named "Murazume" was not the first generation. The naming was done by the then mayor of Kurashiki, Hayashi Fuiichi.
When he established the confectionery store in 1877, he was already an accomplished businessman, having managed Hayashi Pharmaceuticals (now Ebarus).
Mayor Hayashi named the sweet "Murazume" because the woven hats worn during the harvest dance resembled sparrows.
At that time, I believe it was a unique and new sweet that was not found elsewhere.
The name Kikkodō is derived from Tachibana, the origin of Japanese sweets
What is the origin of the name Kikkodō?
Tanō
In fact, the name Kikkodō was also named by Mayor Hayashi Fuiichi of Kurashiki.
In ancient Japan, sweets were fruits.
In particular, Tachibana (橘) had a very fragrant aroma and could be obtained in the form of fruit, flowers, or leaves throughout the seasons, so it was used in sweets.
Tachibana can be considered the origin of sweets.
Thus, it was named "Kikkodō," meaning "a store with the fragrance of Tachibana, the origin of sweets."
Kikkodō's Murazume's greatest commitment is to "tsubuan"
What are the commitments and points of Kikkodō's Murazume?
Tanō
Of course, the dough is important, but the most important aspect is the tsubuan. The adzuki beans are from Hokkaido.
We also value the harmony of the texture of the "an" (sweet bean paste) and the skin of the adzuki beans inside. It has a unique flavor with just the right texture of the beans.
The sweetness is not too sweet, and it has been well received as just the right sweetness.
As for the dough, there are the characteristic small bubbles on the surface of Murazume.
This was, of course, conceived by the first generation of Kikkodō.
This creates a unique fluffy texture. The dough is also carefully crafted to produce these bubbles.
Additionally, Kikkodō's Murazume is said to have the most beautiful shape.
Baumkuchen was manufactured early in Kurashiki for wedding gifts
About Kikkodō being the first to sell Baumkuchen in Kurashiki
Tanō
Kikkodō started making Western sweets around 1963.
At that time, there were still very few Western confectionery shops nationwide, and only a few in Okayama Prefecture.
Baumkuchen had also been introduced to Japan, but it was quite rare to find shops that handled it.
Then, in 1965, we started the manufacturing and sale of Baumkuchen for the first time in Kurashiki.
Baumkuchen was initially sold for wedding gifts. Eventually, its popularity spread through word of mouth.
Now, it has become a representative Western sweet of Kikkodō.
The hand-baking experience is very popular among children and visitors to Japan
About the hand-baking experience of Murazume
Tanō
Originally, at the Bikan Historical Area Store, craftsmen were hand-baking by the window for passersby to see. Eventually, customers and employees suggested that it would be interesting to have a hand-baking experience.
So, we started the hand-baking experience around the late 2000s.
It is very popular among children, and during long holidays like spring break and summer vacation, it gets quite busy with kids.
Additionally, there is a lot of interest from overseas customers, and it is quite popular.
Of course, adult customers also enjoy it.
About the relationship with the Kurashiki region and future prospects?
Tanō
The first generation of Kikkodō conceived Murazume with the desire to create a local specialty in Kurashiki.
Since then, Murazume has become a beloved local specialty and a representative product of Kurashiki.
We want to continue to preserve the traditional flavors that are loved by the local people and those who visit Kurashiki.
Additionally, we hope to leverage the characteristics of the Bikan Historical Area as a tourist destination to let many people know about the traditional flavors of Kurashiki.
In fact, we are very grateful that there are customers who specifically order from Kikkodō even from far away.
Conclusion
The first generation's desire to create a local specialty in Kurashiki has been passed down, and Murazume has grown to become a representative sweet of Kurashiki and a standard souvenir.
I did not know that there was a story behind a sweet that has become commonplace in the local area.
Murazume is not just a tourist souvenir; it is a sweet that is firmly loved by the Kurashiki region.
I would be happy if more people could learn about it.
Also, I was not very familiar with Kikkodō's other products, but I was surprised to hear that Kikkodō was the first to make Baumkuchen in Kurashiki.
The Kurashiki Baumkuchen "Pyrénées" has an irresistible sweet and fragrant butter aroma.
Please be sure to try the Kurashiki Baumkuchen as well.
Data on Kikkodō Co., Ltd. (Bikan Historical Area Store)
| Name | Kikkodō Co., Ltd. (Bikan Historical Area Store) |
|---|---|
| Address | 22-13 Achi 2-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-5725 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM ・Tea corner: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, last order at 5:00 PM ・Hand-baking experience: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | New Year's Day |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Kikkodō |
