"Kimuraya," which mainly serves Chinese and ethnic cuisine, is located along Kurashiki Chuo Street. We spoke with the manager, Naokimu.
"Kimuraya" Born from Connections
"Kimuraya" opened in November 2023, but when did you start thinking about opening a second location?
Kimura
It was around spring 2023 or maybe a little earlier. It was the timing when my successor was growing. There was someone who transitioned from part-time to full-time after working for two years. That employee can make sweets, so I had the expectation that I could leave the store in their hands even if I wasn't there.
Also, during the time I was operating at 774 in the evenings, I felt that the capacity of the kitchen and storage space was being exceeded. The thought of having a second location crossed my mind.
I started looking for a property around spring 2023.
The previous store before Kimuraya was Fujishokudo, but it had closed down. I thought this place looked good when I happened to pass by, but the property wasn't available.
While discussing properties with a representative from the local credit union I was working with, it turned out they knew the owner.
They said, "It seems you can see the property," and I replied, "I'll go." I have always valued connections, so when the opportunity arose, I decided on the spot. I went to see it that same day and signed the contract.
The building next to Fujishokudo (which used to be an oden shop) was a different property, but it was also known to the credit union representative. When I was asked whether to rent one store or both, I thought it would be better to go for the larger one, so I chose the current layout. They said it was fine to break down the wall, so I connected the two stores.
I heard you did crowdfunding before the opening.
Kimura
I was feeling down both financially and mentally at that time. I did crowdfunding.
Usually, when starting a store, it's enough to just receive support from people around you, right? But they provided financial support and expressed their feelings of encouragement in writing. There were so many people who supported me to that extent. I was really grateful for that.
I usually have a negative personality. But at that time, I thought, "I have so much support, but I'm not worthy of it," and I realized that would be disrespectful to everyone. I expressed my gratitude and joy immensely.
I Want to Establish a Store Rooted in Kurashiki
What kind of store do you want Kimuraya to be?
Kimura
Since the opening, I have been fortunate to have many people come, but I think there are still many who haven't visited from within Okayama Prefecture. First, I want the local people who haven't visited yet to come.
If we want to contribute to the community, we also want tourists to come. Even with 774, we aim to be rooted in the community, but we are still halfway there. I want both 774 and Kimuraya to become places that people visit when they come to Kurashiki.
If there aren't more individual shops that people want to visit in Kurashiki, the city won't become interesting. For that, we need influence, we need to develop human resources, and we need to secure sales—those three elements are necessary.
I have many things I want to do, but for the next step, I think I need to increase my ability to communicate outwardly. I want to make the first year of Kimuraya a year to gradually work on communication.
As the first step to becoming a store rooted in the community, I need to gain influence so that the people around me know of our existence.
I Want to Pass My Dreams to the Next Generation
Kimura
Since I am already 30 years old, I want to create an environment where young people in their 20s can work. Whether that means increasing the number of stores or operating Kimuraya during the day, there are various methods.
I hope to be in a position to teach the younger generation the know-how of store creation based on my experiences. I want to convey what I wished I had learned, such as how to find contractors, how to create a store, and how to borrow money.
I want to teach the order of store creation and hope to see new stores increase. I would be happy if they could think that business is interesting.
I have entrusted 774 to my successor because I want them to enjoy thinking and working while dining in Kurashiki. Therefore, I don't want them to have a hard time regarding working hours, holidays, long vacations, or salary.
Since the restaurant industry has been treated poorly for a long time, I don't want the younger generation, especially the staff I have, to have a tough time.
I want them to take as many breaks as possible, create time to go out and play, and have creative thinking within the set hours. And I would be happy if the staff who inherit my thoughts would want to do the same when they nurture the next generation.
I hope that more and more people with the same thoughts will emerge in Kurashiki, connecting to the next generation.
For example, regardless of whether I hand over the store in business expansion, my thoughts will always remain. I haven't handed over 774; I have entrusted it to the staff who understand my feelings, and I trust them.
I was lucky to meet staff I can trust.
Conclusion
The author has interviewed Naokimu for the introduction of 774 on Kurashiki Tocotoco. It was impressive that during both the 774 and Kimuraya interviews, he spoke not only about his own store but also about the entire Kurashiki area. Naokimu does not let his dreams remain ideals; it was conveyed through the interview that he is taking action toward realization.
Starting as a one-person operation, Naokimu now has staff. He is working hard to ensure they can enjoy their work, and about two and a half years after 774 was established, the second store, Kimuraya, was born. The speed is surprising, but Naokimu laughs and replies, "But it's all momentum."
I look forward to the future evolution of Kimuraya and Naokimu.
Kimuraya's Data
| Name | Kimuraya |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-7-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-697-6397 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 6 PM to 12 AM (Last Order 11 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 24 seats: 6 counter seats, 3 tables (for 4, 4, and 6 people), 4 window counter seats |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kimuraya |
