Interview with the owner of Cafe Restaurant wagen
We interviewed the owner of the long-established Cafe Restaurant wagen, which has been in business for over 50 years, and asked about their feelings for the restaurant and the local community.
The owner's love for the restaurant
You've been running the restaurant for about 50 years. Has anything been difficult?
Owner
I do this work because I love it, so I've never once found it difficult.
I want my customers to enjoy the things I love—food, cars, and jeans.
It's because I love it that I've been able to keep going.
The origin of the restaurant's name
Could you tell us how the restaurant got its name?
Owner
I've loved cars for as long as I can remember.
The name “wagen” comes from the German word for “car,” and that's where I got the name.
As an aside, parked behind the restaurant are a 1927 Fiat and a 1952 Alfa Romeo Jeep.
The owner's recommended menu items
Do you have any menu recommendations?
Owner
There are two: white curry and service steak.
I love these dishes, and I want my customers to try the food I love.
“Because I love them” is such a simple and lovely reason.
Owner
It's a restaurant filled with all the things I love (laughs).
The owner's feelings for the local community
What inspired you to open the Jeans Museum?
Owner
It started because I love jeans and had been collecting them.
I've worn jeans every day for 60 years.
Kojima's jeans are wonderful.
I feel strongly about supporting the local industry that makes these jeans.
By the way, many people come to the Jeans Museum from all over Japan, but it seems that many local residents don't know about it, so I hope they'll come visit at least once.
From the Writer
wagen is a traditional old-fashioned cafe restaurant, beloved by regulars and local residents.
You can really feel the owner's passion for jeans and deep affection for the restaurant, and it was clear that they really love running the place.
The 1962 Mitsubishi 500 Super DX parked in front of the restaurant—the first mass-produced model—is apparently still the owner's beloved car, and is still driven today!
If you'd like to talk passionately about cars, or enjoy a meal while admiring rare jeans after visiting Kojima Jeans Street, why not stop by wagen?
wagen details
| Name | wagen |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-3-8 Kojima Ogawa, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-472-1480 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. onward (reservation required) |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Reservations only after 6:00 p.m. |
| Seating | 60 seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Western-style and Japanese-style toilets |
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