Interview with shop manager Ozaki Katsunari
We spoke with Ozaki Katsunari, the manager of sweets milcrown (Milcrown).
Tell us how you came to open sweets milcrown (Milcrown).
Ozaki (surname only)
Actually, I’m the son of the owner of “Edion Tomiya Mizushima,” an electronics store next door to Milcrown, and I helped out at the store for about 10 years after graduating from university.
Even back then, I had a vague feeling that I wanted to “open my own shop.” At the time, I didn’t have any concrete ideas and was wondering what to do.
This location used to be a sports shop. When it closed, the owner was looking for someone to rent the space, and that led to the opening of Milcrown.
Although I’m the shop manager, I had no experience making sweets. The reason I opened a cake shop was that two cake shops in the shopping district closed, and my mother was saddened that there were no longer any cake shops nearby.
I knew someone who could make cakes and sweets, so I approached them. We also found someone else to run the shop with us, and were able to open Milcrown.
Do you have a concept for the shop or anything you particularly value?
Ozaki
We value offering “cakes the whole family can enjoy, cakes that make everyone smile.”
Since a cake shop isn’t somewhere people go every day, I put a strong feeling of “May this make you happy” into each and every cake and sweet we make here.
For example, one of our popular items, “Rururu Pudding,” has a face drawn on it. I carefully draw each one, putting the thought “May this bring a smile” into it for our customers.
Could you tell us about your goals or plans for the future?
Ozaki
I’d like to keep developing lots of new products. In fact, I’ve made many prototypes of new menu items, only to reject them.
What matters is whether customers will enjoy them, so if I’m not satisfied with a product, I can’t sell it.
Another new initiative we’re planning is to open a neighborhood library in the space at the back of the shop.
We used to operate a cafe alongside the cake shop, but we ended cafe operations in 2023, and I wanted to do something with the space that became available.
We’re hoping the neighborhood library will become a place for exchange and relaxation for local residents. We’ve already completed the application to the city office, and have put books from home on the shelves.
The desk by the window can also be used as a coworking space, with power outlets installed. (200 yen per hour) Bringing in food and drinks is OK.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Ozaki
We’re a small neighborhood cake shop, but we hope to provide a place where local residents can feel welcome to drop by.
Please come visit us!
From the Writer
I’ve bought cakes and pudding at Milcrown several times, but I only recently learned that the Shibukawa chestnut Mont Blanc is its most popular item. After trying it, I could see why it has been popular since the shop first opened—it was delicious.
During the interview, Ozaki repeatedly used the phrase “sweets that make the whole family happy,” and I could clearly feel how strongly he believes in it.
Since cake isn’t something you buy every day, it feels like a little treat, doesn’t it?
I realized how fortunate it is to have a neighborhood cake shop nearby that puts its heart into every cake and wishes for happiness, so that everyone who eats them can smile.
Personally, I especially love the tarts and cakes made with fruit. I hear the types of fruit used change with the seasons, so I’d like to keep stopping by regularly.
Sweets Milcrown details
| Name | Sweets Milcrown |
|---|---|
| Address | Miyake Building, 4-13 Mizushima Higashitokiwa-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086‐444‐1851 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Sunday |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | milcrown |
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