Interview with Kimura Satoshi, representative of Soten Co., Ltd.
Maruroku is a member of the Okayama Sweet Chestnut Promotion Council (hereinafter referred to as "the Council"), which is working to establish Okayama sweet chestnuts as a local specialty.
I spoke with Kimura Satoshi, representative of Soten Co., Ltd., which serves as the Council's secretariat, about the background of opening the Bikan Historical Area store.
The origin is town revitalization. Aiming to establish Okayama sweet chestnuts as a local product
What was the trigger for focusing on Okayama sweet chestnuts?
Kimura
Actually, my encounter with Okayama sweet chestnuts was by chance.
I am from northern Okayama Prefecture, but I had been away from my hometown for a long time.
When I returned home, an elderly woman asked me to "make the town more exciting."
That phrase stuck with me, and I was looking for something.
Later, I happened to meet someone who was researching Okayama sweet chestnuts and learned about them. Okayama sweet chestnuts are sweeter than other Japanese chestnuts and can only be harvested here (northern Okayama).
By spreading this strength as value, I believe we can give back to the farmers and make the town thrive as a production area for Okayama sweet chestnuts.
What did you first work on?
Kimura
I established the Okayama Sweet Chestnut Promotion Council.
Currently, each farmer is cultivating Okayama sweet chestnuts individually. I thought we first needed a place for farmers to gather and exchange information.
I also invited people from the commercial sector who are involved in processing and sales, and we are working towards establishing a production area from both commercial and industrial perspectives.
It's about gathering friends and advancing as a team.
Did you face any difficulties?
Kimura
The mindsets of farmers and processing/sales people are completely different, so it has been challenging to bring them together.
Different fields use different terminology.
Now, we meet about once a month to exchange information and discuss the establishment of the production area.
As a regional trading company, Soten Co., Ltd. also serves as the secretariat for the Council, so I am working daily to ensure that everyone can smile and have good experiences in the future.
Opened a store as a point of contact between customers and Okayama sweet chestnuts
Is opening a store in the Bikan Historical Area also part of the effort to establish a production area?
Kimura
Yes, Maruroku was opened as a point of contact between customers and Okayama sweet chestnuts.
To establish a production area, it is essential for everyone to first know about it.
The store is located between a tourist area and a residential neighborhood.
I hope both tourists and locals can enjoy Okayama sweet chestnuts all year round.
The goal is to be told to buy Okayama sweet chestnuts
Finally, please share a message.
Kimura
Actually, there is no clear definition of establishing a production area.
So, my goal is for people to say, "Let's buy Okayama sweet chestnuts" when they come to the Bikan Historical Area in five years.
In the future, I plan to collaborate with Western-style pastry shops in northern Okayama to offer chestnut sweets. I will also create an eat-in space in the store and open a cafe where people can enjoy chestnuts.
That said, the sweetness of Okayama sweet chestnuts is something to be proud of. I hope people will first enjoy them as roasted chestnuts.
Conclusion
Maruroku, where you can enjoy Okayama sweet chestnuts harvested only in northern Okayama all year round.
The background of opening the Bikan Historical Area store was a challenge to establish Okayama sweet chestnuts as a production area.
In the small fruit lies the sweetness and the hopes of the townspeople for Okayama sweet chestnuts.
Please be sure to try them when you visit the Bikan Historical Area.
Data on Maruroku, Bikan Historical Area Store
| Name | Maruroku, Bikan Historical Area Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-23 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 09080094505 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays Please check Instagram for details on regular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | Yes Advance notice allows for product reservations |
| Seating | Additional: Eat-in space planned |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Additional: Available inside the store |
| Website | Maruroku, Bikan Historical Area Store |
