Bringing Okayama’s seasonal flavors to you: Interview with Motoya (MOTOYA) manager Rui Tsuruta
First, could you tell us how the idea for the shop came about and how it got started?
Tsuruta
Well, Okayama has always been famous for its fruit, and I wanted to help spread the word about it.
The company that operates Motoya (Motoya United Co., Ltd.) began as a fruit and vegetable shop founded in Kurashiki, so we also had a strong awareness of food.
The fruit and vegetable shop operated under the name “Motoya,” so the shop’s name also carries the spirit of its founding days.
Why did you choose a location so close to JR Kurashiki Station?
Tsuruta
When we were planning the shop, we considered two options: near JR Kurashiki Station or around the Bikan Historical Area.
Ultimately, we wanted to be loved by local people, so we chose the area around JR Kurashiki Station, which is more closely connected to the community.
Why did you decide to specialize in fruit sandwiches?
Tsuruta
I think fruit sandwiches are something that would delight everyone, from children to older people, if they had the chance to buy them.
They’re easy to eat and can be brought as gifts, and I thought they had the potential to become even more popular.
What makes Motoya’s fruit sandwiches special?
Tsuruta
We take care not only with the fruit, but also with the bread and whipped cream.
Fruit sandwiches are usually made with whipped cream that often contains vegetable oil, but Motoya uses cream made with 100% animal-based ingredients from Hokkaido.
It has a high fat content of 42%, but because it contains no vegetable oil, it leaves a light aftertaste.
We use bread made with 100% domestic wheat from Okayama Kimuraya. We prioritize a moist texture that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Above all, freshness is important when it comes to fruit.
We buy only what we need at the time from the market every day.
I’m looking forward to seeing what new products and fruits will appear in the coming season.
Tsuruta
As we head into winter (October 2019), it has to be strawberries!
Strawberries and whipped cream are a perfect match.
We can also pair mandarin oranges with almond jelly cream, and our “sweet potato” sandwich, featuring two varieties—Annou sweet potatoes and Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes—is also popular.
As winter approaches, we’re also planning to introduce an “Apple Rum Raisin Cream Cheese” sandwich, where you can enjoy the crisp texture of fresh apples. It was popular last year, too.
Developing fruit sandwiches sounds fun, too.
Tsuruta
It is.
We keep testing recipes with our staff so that the fruit’s deliciousness comes through just as it is.
We basically want to use the fruit fresh and as-is, so we had a particularly hard time cutting pears.
Fruit sandwiches let you enjoy the flavors of the season just as they are, so I hope people will enjoy them throughout the year.
A treat to bring as a gift or enjoy as a little luxury! Kurashiki fruit sandwiches worth visiting for each season
As a food lover, I naturally brought home fruit sandwiches for my family (and myself)!
“Delicious! I’ve never had anything like this!” My family was delighted by how good they were.
Surprisingly, the children’s favorite was the pink grapefruit in the middle.
Each piece is peeled by hand, and lemon peel is mixed into the cream.
“What else did they have? Are we going again? Let’s go together next time.”
Motoya’s fruit sandwiches make the whole family happy enough to have the children pepper me with questions.
Once you’ve tried them, you’ll find yourself wondering, “What should I try next?” and wanting to visit in every season.
It’s also just a short walk from JR Kurashiki Station, so be sure to give them a try.
About Motoya (MOTOYA)
| Name | Motoya (MOTOYA) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2nd Floor, Nishi Building, 1-7-2 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-476-5959 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m. until the fruit runs out |
| Closed | Wednesday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Available Items can be held |
| Seating | 4 seats; 2 tables |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Website | Kurashiki Fruit Sandwich Motoya: Instagram |
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