Kimuraya, located along Kurashiki Chuodori, mainly serves Chinese and ethnic cuisine. We spoke with its manager, Naokimu.
Kimuraya, born from a connection
Kimuraya opened in November 2023. When did you start thinking about opening a second location?
Kimura (surname)
It was in the spring of 2023, or a little before that, I think. It was when my successor was coming along. Someone who had started as a part-timer became a full-time employee, and had been working for two years. That employee can make sweets, so I hoped I might be able to entrust the shop to them even when I wasn't there.
Also, during the period when 774 was open at night, I constantly felt that we were exceeding the capacity of the kitchen and storage space. The idea of having a second location crossed my mind.
I started looking for a property around spring 2023.
The business before Kimuraya was Fuji Shokudo, but it had closed. I happened to pass by and thought this would be a good place, but it wasn't listed for rent.
I was talking about properties with the representative from the local credit union I've been working with, and it turned out they knew the owner.
They said, “It looks like you can view the property,” and I replied, “I'll go.” I value connections, so I had already made up my mind as soon as the opportunity came along. I went to see it that same day and signed the contract.
The building next to Fuji Shokudo (which used to be an oden shop) was a separate property, but the credit union representative knew the owner of that one too. When I was signing the contract, they asked whether I wanted one location or to rent both spaces. I thought bigger would be better, so I went with the setup we have now. They said I could knock through the wall, so I connected the two spaces.
I heard you held a crowdfunding campaign before opening.
Kimura
It was a time when I was feeling down, both financially and emotionally. We ran a crowdfunding campaign.
Normally, when you start a business, it's wonderful just to have people around you support you, isn't it? But people also contributed money and put their feelings of support into words. There were so many people who went that far to support us. I was truly grateful.
I'm usually the type of person who is hard on myself. But at that time, I thought it would be rude to everyone if I said, “So many people are supporting me, but I'm not worthy of it.” I expressed my gratitude and joy with all my heart.
Aiming to become part of the Kurashiki community
What kind of place would you like Kimuraya to become?
Kimura
Thankfully, many people have been coming since we first opened, but I think there are still many people in Okayama Prefecture who haven't visited. First, I'd like local people who haven't been here yet to come.
If we want to contribute to the community, we'd also like tourists to visit. With 774, too, we're aiming to become rooted in the community, but we're still partway there. I want both 774 and Kimuraya to become places people make a point of visiting when they come to Kurashiki.
I don't think the city will become more interesting unless Kurashiki has more and more independent businesses that people want to visit. To make that happen, we need three things: influence, developing talent, and securing sales.
There are lots of things I want to do, but I think the next step is to build our ability to share what we do with a wider audience. I want to make Kimuraya's first year one of gradually getting the word out.
The first step toward becoming part of the community is to build enough influence for people around us to know we exist.
Passing dreams on to the next generation
Kimura
I'm already 30, so I want to create an environment where young people in their twenties can work. There are various ways to do that, whether it's opening more locations or having Kimuraya serve lunch.
I'd like to use my experience to help younger generations, and hopefully teach them the know-how of setting up a business. I want to be in a position to pass on things I wish someone had taught me, such as how to find contractors, set up a shop, and borrow money.
I'd like to teach them the steps involved in setting up a business and see more new shops open. I'd be happy if they came to think that running a business is fun.
I entrusted 774 to my successor because I want people to enjoy thinking for themselves and working in the food-service industry in Kurashiki. That's why I don't want them to have a hard time because of their working hours, days off, long vacations, or pay.
The food-service industry has long been a tough place to work, so I don't want young people today—especially the staff I employ—to have a hard time.
I want them to have as many days off as possible, make time to go out and enjoy themselves, and think creatively within their set working hours. And I'd be happy if the staff who carry on my vision want to do the same when it's their turn to mentor the next generation.
I hope this continues with the next generation, and that more and more people who share the same vision emerge in Kurashiki.
For example, regardless of whether I eventually give up a business as part of expanding into other ventures, that vision of mine will remain. I haven't given up 774; I've entrusted it to staff who understand my vision, and I trust them.
I was lucky to meet staff I could entrust it to.
From the Writer
I also interviewed Naokimu for Kurashiki Tocotoco's feature on 774. What stood out to me in both that interview and this one about Kimuraya was how he spoke about his dreams with the whole Kurashiki community in mind, not just his own businesses. Naokimu doesn't let those dreams remain ideals. Through the interview, I could see that he is taking action to make them a reality.
Naokimu started out running a business on his own, and now he has staff. He works hard to make sure they enjoy their jobs, and about two and a half years after opening 774, he opened his second location, Kimuraya. The speed of it is surprising, but Naokimu laughs and says, “Still, it was all momentum.”
I'm looking forward to seeing how Kimuraya and Naokimu continue to grow.
Kimuraya details
| Name | Kimuraya |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-7-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-697-6397 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 6:00 p.m.–midnight (last order 11:00 p.m.) |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 24 seats: 6 counter seats, 3 tables (seating 4, 4, and 6), and 4 window counter seats |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kimuraya |
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