A cute new Nordic-style cafe has opened in Mizushima.
We interviewed Maiko Miyake, owner of Kissa Miyake, who is attracting attention not only for the cuteness of her cafe, but also for her fun-loving personality.
What led her to start a cafe
When did you decide you wanted to start a cafe?
Miyake (surname only)
When I was a university student living on my own, I loved inviting everyone over and cooking for them.
I think that was when the desire to run a food business first took root.
But I had practiced kendo since I was little, so I assumed I would naturally become a teacher or police officer.
You were devoted to kendo, then.
Miyake
I have practiced kendo for 35 years.
I competed in top-level national tournaments such as the All Japan Kendo Championship and the National Sports Festival, and even placed in some of them.
I practiced every day, from morning until night, to win.
After graduating from graduate school, I got a job at a regular company so I could continue practicing kendo alongside work.
But the completely different environment and working within an organization did not suit me, so I quit.
Then I also lost an important kendo match.
Nothing was going right, and for the first time, I experienced a major setback in life.
You went through a difficult time.
Miyake
I had been living outside the prefecture, so I returned to my family home and tried to figure out what to do.
Around then, I started helping out at a restaurant in Kurashiki City.
Meeting the owner there reminded me of my desire to run a cafe.
But since all I had ever done was kendo, I was anxious about working in the food service industry.
I wanted to gain confidence in myself.
So I started attending culinary school.
After earning my cooking qualification, I began working at an Italian restaurant in Okayama.
At that restaurant, I was taught all the basics of food service and hospitality.
Did you find working in the food service industry tough?
Miyake
At first it was tough, and it was difficult to think on my feet while working.
It was a well-known restaurant with a high lunch turnover, and government officials and company presidents came in, so I had to be careful not to be rude.
But because I had spent so long doing tough kendo training, I was fine physically.
More than that, working while being taught as an adult felt very refreshing, and I was grateful for it.
The restaurant chef also encouraged me, saying,
“You’re someone who has devoted yourself seriously to one thing, so you can definitely do this.”
That encouragement helped me work hard to make my dream of opening a cafe come true.
Meeting Arakawa of “A-nuts.”
What happened after that?
Miyake
After that, while continuing to work at cafes, I pictured the kind of shop I wanted to create and gradually made preparations and studied.
I met many people through cafe work. Yuko Arakawa, who now runs the general store and atelier on the same property, “A-nuts.,” was also someone I met while working at a cafe.
Alongside running her general store, Arakawa helps out at Kissa Miyake when things get busy and listens when I need advice. She is someone I can always rely on.
At the time, while working at the cafe, Arakawa also sold handmade goods at events and organized workshops. She had strengths completely different from mine, and I admired her.
Later, we found out we were the same age, hit it off, and talked about our dreams.
Arakawa dreamed of having a small shop.
When preparations to open Kissa Miyake were beginning to come together, I asked Arakawa if she would consider opening a shop on the property.
Arakawa also made the decision to pursue her dream.
Thanks to many connections and a series of miracles, it was decided that the general store and atelier “A-nuts.” would also open on the grounds of Kissa Miyake.
The story of Kissa Miyake
You started your Instagram account when the site was still vacant, before the cafe was built.
Miyake
I started it when the opening of Kissa Miyake was in sight.
I wanted everyone to see the construction of the cafe and the process of Kissa Miyake taking shape.
Some customers had been following us since the account first opened, and they came up to me to say, “Congratulations.”
Since I started working toward opening the cafe, many people have helped me, and encounters and miracles have come together. I have really felt the bonds and connections between people.
You display products by artists and collaborate with other businesses, and have all kinds of projects going on.
Miyake
I want to support the work and products of people my age who are working hard toward their dreams, as well as other local businesses doing their best.
Some of the businesses I support are run by people from a generation that does not use Instagram, or have yet to open a physical store.
Thankfully, Kissa Miyake is now being featured on Instagram, television, in magazines, and in newspapers.
I want to share more and more of the things I think are good and spread the word that there are so many great shops in Mizushima, too.
The future of Kissa Miyake
Is there anything you would like to try in the future?
Miyake
It has already been four months since we opened.
Thanks in part to the people around us helping to build excitement, the things I wanted to do are steadily taking shape.
The other day, we held a “petit marche,” something I had dreamed of doing.
We are beginning to provide one of Kissa Miyake’s core concepts: a “welcoming place where people can connect.”
We enjoy ourselves, and our customers are happy, too.
I want to keep holding workshops and events like that.
When I told lots of people, “I want to run a cafe,” there were many people around me who offered to help, support me, and work with me.
I think that is how I have made it this far.
I got a late start and found it hard to take action.
Even so, my dream came true.
From now on, I want to be in a position to encourage people who are trying to make their dreams come true.
From the Writer
At the cafe, owner Miyake brightens the atmosphere and makes everyone laugh.
Having endured rigorous training from a young age and experienced painful setbacks, she is able to understand how others feel and create a place where people feel comfortable.
And the people around her, who relate to Miyake and support her.
This cafe, created from the hopes of many people and their dedication, is evolving into a place where people pursuing their dreams can meet and connect.
A cafe where you can have fun and feel uplifted, whether you go alone or with a group.
A cafe like that has opened in Mizushima.
Why not stop by?
You’re sure to have a lovely time.
Cafe Miyake Information
| Name | Cafe Miyake |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-6-26 Tsurajima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | None |
| Parking | Available 4 spaces on the premises, shared with the general store and atelier “A-nuts.” ※Please carpool |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday, Thursday, Sunday, and irregular days Check the business-day calendar on Instagram |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 12 seats Front counter seats: 4 Window counter seats: 3 Tables for two: 2 Tables for one: 1 |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Cafe Miyake: Instagram |
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