Interview with Masami Tsukiyama, the representative of Tsukiyama Bakery
Since 1912, Tsukiyama Bakery has been producing various breads, including the popular poppy seed bread.
In the local area of Tamashima, it is loved by residents to the extent that it can be called soul food.
We interviewed the representative of Tsukiyama Bakery, Masami Tsukiyama.
We talked about the history of the business, the commitment to products, and future prospects.
Founded in Osaka in 1912, restarted in Tamashima after the war
Can you tell us about the history of the business?
Tsukiyama
The business was founded in 1912.
This year (at the time of the interview in 2020), it marks 108 years since its founding.
It was founded by my husband's grandfather.
After that, my husband's father took over, and then my husband, and now I am the representative.
Unfortunately, I haven't heard much about the early days of the business.
However, I heard that the first generation (my husband's grandfather) was from Tamashima but went to Osaka to train in baking and worked at a bakery called Maruki-gō Bakery.
The "Maruki" is written with the "ki" enclosed in a circle.
He then met an American and opened a bakery in Osaka together in 1912.
This marks the founding of our store.
At that time, they were already selling our store's most popular product, poppy seed bread.
The reason "Former Osaka Maruki-gō Bread" is written on the current poppy seed bread bag is because of that.
This phrase was insisted upon by the first generation.
So I have kept it as it is.
Why did you decide to run a bakery in Tamashima?
Tsukiyama
During the war, Osaka was bombed, and our store was also affected.
I heard that the store was completely destroyed. Therefore, I don't know where the first generation's store was located in Osaka anymore.
After the war, the first generation returned to his hometown of Tamashima and revived the bakery.
That is the current Tsukiyama Bakery.
The location is the same as it is now.
Took over the store due to husband's health issues
How did you come to take over the store?
Tsukiyama
About ten years ago (from 2020), my husband became ill and could no longer work. After that, he asked me to take over the store, so I started managing it instead.
I had originally helped at the store, but I had no involvement in management, so I was quite confused.
I managed to get by with my husband teaching me little by little verbally while he was in bed. However, a few years later, my husband passed away.
At one point, I considered closing the business, but I received many voices from our clients saying, "Customers are asking us not to stop, so please continue."
Also, my husband had said he wanted me to continue as much as possible. So I thought I would continue the store within a manageable range.
Currently, my daughter is also helping out.
Wholesales bread mainly to supermarkets in Tamashima
I heard that wholesaling is your main business. Where do you wholesale to?
Tsukiyama
It is mainly in the Tamashima area (formerly Tamashima City).
Most of our wholesale clients are supermarkets.
If you go to supermarkets in the Tamashima area, I think there are many that carry our products, although not all of them.
We also wholesale to some individual stores.
Recently, we have also started wholesaling to the Sanyo Expressway's Michiguchi Parking Area.
There have been customers who bought our bread at the parking area and liked it so much that they came all the way to our store on another day to buy it.
Additionally, there are a few stores in the Kurashiki area and Mabi area that we also wholesale to.
The red bean paste has been a signature flavor since the founding
Can you tell us about the commitments you have regarding your products and store management?
Tsukiyama
The most important thing I want to protect is the flavor of the red bean paste.
The red bean paste is homemade and has been preserved since the founding.
It is the red bean paste used in our most popular product, the poppy seed bread.
The poppy seed bread has been around since the founding, and of course, we have been making the red bean paste since then.
Customers say it is a flavor that can only be enjoyed at Tsukiyama Bakery.
In addition to poppy seed bread, we also use the same red bean paste in our "fried bread" and "red bean paste bread."
The key points are that we spend about three hours cooking it every day and our unique sweetness adjustment.
What are your aspirations and future plans? What would you like to try?
Tsukiyama
Honestly, I don't know what the future holds (laughs).
So I think it’s about doing what’s in front of me year by year.
And doing what I can do.
Nostalgic bread from Tsukiyama Bakery, both in taste and appearance
The bread from Tsukiyama Bakery has a very nostalgic atmosphere, from the exterior of the store to the packaging and the taste of the bread.
Simple yet makes you want another, the bread makes you want to come back for more.
I also love poppy seed bread and sometimes buy several bags when I see it at the store.
Tsukiyama's bread can be called the soul food of Tamashima.
It is surprising that it has a history of over 100 years since its founding in 1912.
I hope they continue to provide their long history and nostalgic flavors for a long time.
Data on Tsukiyama Bakery
| Name | Tsukiyama Bakery |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-5-8 Chuo-cho, Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-522-3608 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Wednesday, Sunday, Public Holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Available Products can be reserved by phone |
| Seating | None |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
