Interview with Naokimu, the owner of 774
774 serves curry in a shared style at the Japanese restaurant Amamine.
I spoke with Naokimu, the owner of 774, about the background of opening the business, his commitments, and future prospects.
The recommendation from the manager of Amamine that led to starting a shared business
What was the background for opening 774?
Naokimu
774 is a store operating in a shared business style at the Japanese restaurant Amamine.
Actually, I work at Amamine.
Amamine only operates at night, but one day the manager suggested that I try operating during the daytime.
I had always wanted to have my own store someday, so I thought I would give it a try.
I conducted trial operations in November 2019 and officially opened in December.
By the way, the name "774 (Nanashi)" comes from "Nanashi" (meaning "nameless").
I assigned numbers to the sounds of "Nanashi".
Since it is a shared business, it represents an inexperienced person without a name.
It carries the meaning of starting from a nameless zero point and growing steadily.
Why did you decide to make it a curry, coffee, and dessert shop?
Naokimu
Considering that I would be operating alone, the number of seats, and my areas of expertise, I thought that making curry the main dish would be the best option.
Also, I was studying coffee at the time, so I thought I could do coffee as well.
Additionally, since I can make desserts, I thought I could offer one item as a daily special.
Now, I have staff who help me, so I occasionally experiment with set meals.
Developing an interest in cooking as a child and attending a culinary school
When did you become interested in cooking?
Naokimu
My father's hobby is cooking, and since I often saw him cooking and eating his dishes from a young age, I naturally developed an interest in cooking.
Eventually, I started cooking for my family.
Seeing them enjoy the food made me realize the joy of cooking.
However, I still didn't think about making cooking my profession.
Later, when I was considering high school, I happened to hear about a school with a culinary program, which sparked my interest in the culinary world.
I then enrolled in the culinary program at that school and entered the culinary field after graduation.
During school, I specialized in Chinese cuisine, where I was introduced to spices.
After graduation, I worked in Western sweets and school lunches before working at a cafe.
At the cafe, I started making curry and became interested in dishes using spices other than those from Chinese cuisine.
A menu considering the total balance of meals
What are the commitments and points of 774's shop and menu?
Naokimu
My commitment is to emphasize "total balance".
I consider the balance of rice, curry, ingredients, and side dishes.
I also pay attention to the balance when combining two types of curry.
Furthermore, I adjust the menu with the premise that customers can enjoy coffee and desserts alongside the curry, so I am careful about the overall balance of the meal.
Additionally, I am committed to using homemade ingredients, including side dishes.
The pickled eggs are homemade, and I also make the chicken ham myself.
The desserts are all handmade by me each time.
Moreover, I use local and nearby ingredients.
By the way, the rice is harvested from my family home.
774 is the culmination of my experiences in Chinese cuisine, Western sweets, school lunches, and cafes
Naokimu
When I think about it, this store 774 is the culmination of what I have experienced in the culinary world.
The desserts are based on what I learned at the first Western sweets shop I worked at.
The use of curry and spices comes from my experience working at a cafe.
I mentioned that I consider the total balance of meals, and I believe that experience from my time working in school lunches has been beneficial.
Additionally, I actually work at a cafe alongside Amamine, and that job has led me to study coffee.
This became the reason for serving coffee at 774.
Furthermore, I learned Chinese cuisine in high school, and the Chinese wok I used back then is still useful today.
The Chinese wok is versatile and easy to use.
It is still very helpful for making curry.
Aiming for an independent store that is loved by the community
What are your future prospects and things you want to try?
Naokimu
I definitely want to have an independent store, not a shared one.
I also want to be a store that is loved by the community.
Of course, I want many people to enjoy my cooking, but I believe that I need to be loved by my customers for that to happen.
Although my store is located in the Bikan Historical Area, which is a tourist spot, I have more local customers.
Therefore, I strive to provide attentive service so that local people can come and relax.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, 774 is the culmination of my experiences, but I am still in the process of research.
So, there is a possibility that many changes will occur in the future.
I find it enjoyable to experiment every day, and I have a nature that seeks constant change (laughs).
▼Since July 2021, it has been operating as a physical store
Conclusion
I think one interesting aspect of 774's curry is that not only can you enjoy different curries each week, but also various side dishes and accompaniments.
Furthermore, you can enjoy not only curry but also a variety of coffee and desserts.
The menu is introduced on 774's official Instagram, so please take a look at it.
It becomes enjoyable to check the menu on Instagram every time.
And if you find a curry that piques your interest, why not visit 774?
While the curry is highly recommended, the pickled eggs served as a side dish were also very delicious, so I hope you try them at least once.
Data on 774 (Nanashi)
| Name | 774 (Nanashi) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-6-3 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 1st floor of Eguchi Mansion (inside Amamine) |
| Contact | None |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - Last order at 2:00 PM (Ends when sold out) |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays ※Basic business days are Wednesday and Thursday. For other business days, please check the official Instagram. |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes Accepting via direct message on the official Instagram |
| Seating | 27 seats total ・Counter seats: 7 ・4-person table seats: 5 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | ・Strollers allowed ・Children's utensils available (no children's chairs) |
| Barrier-Free | Wheelchair accessible (toilet is not wheelchair accessible) |
| Website | 774 Official Instagram |
