Interview on the charm of chestnut sweets and the trigger for their creation
Newly released chestnut sweets from Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store. We asked the owner, Takeda Hironori, and the store manager, Kasahara Nozomi, about their charm and the trigger for their development.
The charm of chestnut sweets is the abundance of chestnuts
What is the charm of chestnut sweets?
Kasahara
The biggest charm is the abundance of chestnuts.
When you eat the pound cake, you will notice that chestnuts come out no matter where you bite. This chunky texture is a strength that only a specialty chestnut store can offer.
The roasted chestnuts for sale are only those that were roasted that day.
We do not reheat and sell them the next day, so any unsold ones inevitably become waste. By utilizing this waste, we are able to create sweets packed with plenty of chestnuts while reducing waste.
The story of the pound cake that started with a casual chat
What was the trigger for the creation of the "Amaguri Goro Goro Pound Cake"?
Takeda
Actually, the wife of the owner of "Patisserie La Biche" loves chestnuts and used to come to buy them as a customer. During a casual chat, she mentioned, "Actually, I run a cake shop," and... the conversation about collaboration products progressed rapidly.
After trying out several prototypes, we decided on a pound cake that would last as a souvenir. At first, it was a regular square shape, but I was surprised when they prepared a chestnut shape for us.
In December of last year (2025), I was shown the prototype, and finally, from March, we were able to deliver it to everyone.
Encounter with "Haremo Kemo," friends from the Bikan Historical Area
The cheesecake is a collaboration with "Haremo Kemo." What was the trigger for this?
Takeda
We received an offer from Haremo Kemo, and the product development began.
It is a wonderful thing for us, who have just opened, to be approached by a long-loved store.
It seems that Haremo Kemo had also made chestnut cheesecake before, but the one provided by Maruroku uses only Okayama chestnuts. I believe it has become a special flavor that can only be made here.
"What's next?" The growing expectations of customers
Since the release of the chestnut sweets, how has the customer response been?
Kasahara
When people hear about chestnut sweets, many show interest.
Since our store started with roasted chestnuts, we have many customers who love chestnuts. As a result, they become curious about the chestnut sweets and end up buying them... that's how it goes.
Many of our customers are regulars from the neighborhood, and some come to buy almost every week. Regarding the chestnut sweets, even before their release, they were eagerly asking, "When will they be available?"...
Once they were released, we received requests like, "What's next?" and "How about chestnut rice in autumn?" While we can't respond immediately, we can feel their anticipation.
It’s clear that you are loved by the local community.
Kasahara
Thank you. We want to continue being a store that lasts long in this place while connecting with the local community.
Conclusion
The sweets crafted by the chestnut specialty store Maruroku use rare Okayama chestnuts abundantly, offering a gentle sweetness that brings out the natural flavor of chestnuts.
Maruroku is expanding its relationships with local people and stores through chestnuts. When you stroll through the Bikan Historical Area, be sure to stop by the store and try the chestnut sweets that catch your interest.
Data on Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store
| Name | Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-23 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-8009-4505 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store |
