A cute Nordic-style café that has newly opened in Mizushima.
In addition to the cuteness of the interior, we interviewed the owner of "Kissa Miyake," Maiko Miyake, who is also noted for her fun personality.
Background of starting the café
When did you start thinking about opening a café?
Miyake
I lived alone when I was a university student, and I loved inviting everyone over and serving them food.
I think my desire to run a restaurant started to grow at that time.
However, since I had been practicing kendo since I was little, I thought it was natural to become a teacher or a police officer.
You were dedicated to kendo, weren't you?
Miyake
I have 35 years of kendo experience.
I have participated in top national competitions like the All Japan Championships and the National Sports Festival, and I have won awards.
I practiced every day from morning till night to win.
After graduating from graduate school, I decided to work for a regular company to balance it with kendo.
However, the completely different environment and working in an organization did not suit me, so I resigned.
Then I lost in a major kendo competition.
Nothing was going well, and I experienced my first setback in life.
You went through a tough time, didn't you?
Miyake
Since I was out of the prefecture, I returned to my parents' home and thought about what I should do.
At that time, I started helping out at a restaurant in Kurashiki City.
Through my meeting with the master there, I remembered my desire to run a café.
However, since I had only done kendo, I was also anxious about entering the food and beverage industry.
I wanted to gain confidence in myself.
So I started attending cooking school.
After obtaining my chef's qualification, I began working at an Italian restaurant in Okayama.
At that restaurant, I learned all the basics of food and beverage and service.
Did you not find the work in the food and beverage industry tough?
Miyake
At first, it was tough, and it was difficult to think while moving.
It was a famous restaurant with a high lunch turnover, and since officials and company presidents came, I had to be careful not to be rude.
However, since I had been doing tough kendo practice, I was physically fine.
More than that, working while learning as an adult was very refreshing and grateful.
The chef at the restaurant also
encouraged me, saying, "You are someone who has seriously pursued one thing, so you can definitely do it," and I worked hard to realize my dream of opening a café.
Meeting with Ms. Yuko Arakawa of "A-nuts."
What happened next?
Miyake
While continuing to work at the café, I envisioned the kind of shop I wanted to create and gradually prepared and studied.
At the café, I met many people, including Yuko Arakawa, who currently runs a shop and atelier called A-nuts. on the same premises, and we met while working at the café.
Ms. Arakawa, while running her shop, also helps with "Kissa Miyake" during busy times and offers advice, becoming a source of support for me.
At that time, Ms. Arakawa was working at the café while selling handmade goods at events and planning workshops, having completely different areas of expertise from mine, and I held her in high regard.
Later, I found out we were the same age, and we hit it off, sharing our dreams with each other.
Ms. Arakawa's dream was to have a small shop.
When I was getting ready to open "Kissa Miyake," I consulted with her about opening a shop on the premises.
Ms. Arakawa also made the decision to fulfill her dream.
With many connections and miracles coming together, it was decided that the shop and atelier "A-nuts." would also open on the premises of "Kissa Miyake."
The story of Kissa Miyake
You started the Instagram account from the time before the shop was built, didn't you?
Miyake
I started it when I had a prospect for the opening of Kissa Miyake.
I wanted everyone to see the process of the shop being built and how "Kissa Miyake" was coming together.
There were even customers who had been following the account since it was created, and they congratulated me.
Since I started moving to open the café, I have received help from many people, and I feel a lot of connections and miracles, the bonds and connections between people.
In the shop, you display products from artists and collaborate with other stores, and you have various projects, right?
Miyake
I want to support the works and products of people my age who are working hard towards their dreams, as well as other local shops that are doing their best.
Among the shops I support, there are those who belong to a generation that does not use Instagram or those who do not yet have a store.
Currently, "Kissa Miyake" is fortunately being featured in Instagram, television, magazines, and newspapers.
I want to actively share what I think is good and spread the word that there are so many great shops in Mizushima.
Future of Kissa Miyake
Do you have anything you want to try in the future?
Miyake
It has already been four months since we opened.
Thanks to the people around me supporting me, the things I wanted to do are gradually taking shape.
Recently, I was able to hold the "small market," which was a dream of mine.
We are starting to provide one of the concepts of Kissa Miyake, which is "a place of relaxation where people connect."
We want to continue workshops and events that are enjoyable for us and satisfying for our customers.
As I was sharing with various people that I wanted to run a café, there were many people around me who helped, supported, and cooperated with me.
I believe that is why I have come this far.
I started late and had a hard time taking action.
Even so, my dream has come true.
From now on, I want to be in a position to support those who are trying to realize their dreams.
Conclusion
The owner, Miyake, brightens the atmosphere and makes everyone laugh.
Having endured strict training since childhood and experienced painful setbacks, she can empathize with people's feelings and provide a place where people feel comfortable.
And around her, there are many people who resonate with her and help her.
A café created from the thoughts and commitments of many people is evolving into a place of encounters that connects those who are realizing their dreams.
Whether you go alone or with a group, it is a café where you can have fun and gain energy.
Such a café has been established in Mizushima.
Why not visit it once?
You are sure to have a great time.
Data of Kissa Miyake
| Name | Kissa Miyake |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-6-26 Tsurajima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | None |
| Parking | Available 4 cars on the premises *Shared with the shop and atelier "A-nuts." *Please carpool |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Thursday, Sunday, irregular holidays Refer to the business day calendar on Instagram |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Not accepted |
| Seats | 12 seats Number of front counter seats: 4 Number of window-side counter seats: 3 Number of 2-person tables: 2 Number of 1-person tables: 1 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kissa Miyake: Instagram |
