I'm glad to have reopened in Mabi. Interview with Nyuudou-gumo manager, Iwama Katsunori
Two years have passed since the disaster in July 2018.
Please tell us your feelings from the disaster to the reopening of the store.
Iwama
Thinking back to that time, considering everything that happened, I think it’s amazing that we’ve come this far in just two years. It feels almost miraculous that we are back.
I can only express my gratitude to the volunteers and the Self-Defense Forces who supported us.
Actually, right after the disaster, I was thinking about leaving Mabi. I was considering reopening somewhere else.
When I had my previous store, local people used to come in like it was an izakaya, so I thought it would be difficult to continue in Mabi if there were so few people at night.
So, what made you decide to reopen your store in Mabi?
Iwama
About a year after the disaster, while working at a construction company I knew, I was also looking for properties around Tamashima and JR Kurashiki Station.
In the meantime, the "Kawahara" udon shop, which I had been indebted to for a long time, quickly started reopening and they were concerned about us (Nyuudou-gumo).
Moreover, when I met regular customers at supermarkets in Mabi, they would ask me, "When are you reopening?" and say, "We’re waiting for you."
Since I had been well taken care of by "Kawahara," and knowing there were people waiting for me in Mabi, I decided to start again.
Since reopening, how has the response from customers been?
Iwama
Most of my previous regulars have come back.
They mention things like not having a tatami room or wanting to eat directly from the teppan (griddle) (laughs), but everyone seems to be happy.
Customers from the temporary housing in Mizushima and Tamashima also stop by on weekends, and I hear them say, "I’m so glad you reopened" and "I’ve been waiting for you," so I feel it was good to reopen in Mabi.
The new store has many restaurants opening around it.
Iwama
This was the only tenant in Mabi where a restaurant was allowed.
However, when restaurants are concentrated, it makes people think, "If I go there, there will be something," which is beneficial for us as well.
It’s better to have stores than to have shutters closed.
Most of the customers are from Mabi, so I think it would be nice if they could enjoy visiting each place in turn.
(In Mabi) everyone has become scattered, and there aren’t many places to talk slowly.
We are an okonomiyaki shop, but I hope we can become a place where everyone can talk about their recent situations and unwind.
Not just Nyuudou-gumo, but you hope this area can become a place of relaxation for Mabi Town, right?
Iwama
Some people have left Mabi, and temporary housing has been extended.
In that context, I think it’s a good thing that new shops and cafes like Cafe Bridge have opened.
After all, everyone is happy to see familiar faces and wants to meet.
I hope we can become a place where familiar neighbors gather, talk, see each other slowly, share feelings, and support each other.
A place to enjoy hot okonomiyaki and relaxing time
During the interview, what stood out to me was
the words of manager Iwama: "I think it doesn’t matter if it’s okonomiyaki or a cafe, as long as it provides a place for everyone to talk."
The store exists to confirm and maintain the connections and bonds of the people living in Mabi Town.
It may sound exaggerated, but I felt that reopening a store in Mabi might have such significance.
While enjoying hot okonomiyaki, people talk about their recent situations, encourage each other, and laugh together.
Nyuudou-gumo is a place filled with the manager's hopes for such a space.
I hope people will pay attention to the present of Mabi Town and come visit.
Data on Nyuudou-gumo
| Name | Nyuudou-gumo |
|---|---|
| Address | 94 Arii, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-441-5144 |
| Parking | Available Shared parking |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Tuesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 21 seats Table seats: 3 for 4 people, 1 for 2 people, Counter: 7 |
| Smoking | Smoking allowed |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
