Interview with Asuka Mizoguchi, the owner of Yori-michi
With a homey atmosphere and homestyle cooking, Yori-michi is loved by customers as a place of relaxation in the community.
I interviewed the owner, Asuka Mizoguchi, about the background of opening the shop, her commitment to the shop and cooking, and her future aspirations.
Both my grandparents and parents worked in cooking-related jobs
What was the background for starting the shop?
Mizoguchi
After graduating from school, I worked in cooking jobs at various restaurants.
I worked at various restaurants, but at first, I didn't have the desire to own my own shop.
However, before I knew it, I started to feel that I wanted to have my own shop.
If I were to do it, I wanted to do it on my own, in a small way, at my own pace, doing what I wanted.
I thought that a style like an obanzai shop would suit me.
Just when I was thinking about that, I heard about the property for my current shop, and when I saw it, it was just the right property, so I decided to open it.
I opened the shop in July 2019 (the first year of Reiwa).
Why did you enter the world of cooking?
Mizoguchi
Actually, both my grandparents and parents worked in the world of cooking.
My grandparents ran a small diner.
My grandfather was in charge of cooking, and my grandmother handled the service.
By the time I became aware of things, they had already closed the shop, but I had heard stories about it.
Also, my parents didn't have their own shop, but they had been working in cooking jobs for a long time.
Given that environment, I think it was natural for me to choose the world of cooking when I entered society.
I didn't strongly think, "I'm going to enter the world of cooking."
Before I knew it, I was working in cooking (laughs).
I didn't actively promote when I opened the shop, but...
What was difficult when you opened the shop?
Mizoguchi
Actually, I haven't had many difficulties so far.
It's a small shop, and I wanted to run it at my own pace, so I intentionally avoided over-promoting.
I only placed a simple advertisement at a friend's shop.
To be honest, I was worried about whether customers would come, but after opening, customers started coming steadily.
I'm very grateful that customers have been coming steadily even months after opening.
This is because the shop is located just a little outside the center.
This location has been good.
Many people who work in the center live around here.
So, it was a perfect place for them to stop by on their way home from work.
Also, there are many people on single assignments.
When on a single assignment, people tend to eat out more.
At such times, they often feel like eating homestyle cooking.
I have heard that the cozy atmosphere of a small shop makes them feel like they are at home.
So, do you have many older male customers?
Mizoguchi
Yes, indeed.
There are certainly many middle-aged and older male customers.
However, recently, word of mouth has spread, and I have seen an increase in young people and female customers as well.
I think it's easier for women to enter since the owner is a woman.
I decide the menu for the obanzai based on my mood the day before or on the day, but I pay attention to balance
The "Today's Obanzai" on the signboard changes daily, but how do you decide the menu?
Mizoguchi
It's completely based on my mood and intuition (laughs).
I usually decide the daily obanzai menu the day before or on the day.
It's based on my mood and inspiration at that time.
However, what I pay attention to is balance.
I make sure that the menu does not lean too much towards vegetables, meat, or fish, and I pay attention to having a well-rounded selection.
In addition to the balance of ingredients, I also pay attention to the balance of types of dishes.
I ensure that there are Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, so it doesn't lean too much towards one type.
I make sure that there are Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes represented in the obanzai menu.
I actively use local and domestic ingredients
What do you focus on at Yori-michi?
Mizoguchi
I try to use ingredients that are sourced locally as much as possible.
I use ingredients sourced in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and neighboring prefectures.
Especially for vegetables, I focus on local produce.
For meat and fish, I also try to use those caught in Japanese coastal waters.
What are your operational focuses for the shop?
Mizoguchi
Since many customers come seeking a homestyle taste and atmosphere, I want both the cooking and the shop's atmosphere to make them feel at home.
I want customers to relax as if they are in their own living room or kitchen, enjoying meals while conversing with family or with me and other customers.
My goal is to continue this shop in the future
What are your future aspirations or things you want to try?
Mizoguchi
Actually, I don't have many aspirations or goals.
Fortunately, I am already able to do what I want.
So if I had to say, my goal is to continue the current shop "Yori-michi" with the same atmosphere.
I want to continue it for a long time at my own pace, enjoying it with customers.
Conclusion
At Yori-michi, you can enjoy homestyle obanzai.
When eating out, you tend to have luxurious or stylish dishes that you can't have at home.
However, when you eat dishes that you would have at home, it brings a great sense of comfort.
Moreover, all the dishes are delicious homestyle cooking.
Additionally, the close distance between the owner and customers naturally leads to lively conversations.
It truly feels like being at home.
Therefore, I think it's a place that naturally makes you want to "stop by."
It's also fun to check the daily changing obanzai on the official Instagram.
Data on Yori-michi
| Name | Yori-michi |
|---|---|
| Address | 1st Floor, Umeda Corp, 15-6 Kawanishi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-427-4178 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday to Thursday: 6 PM to 11 PM Friday, Saturday: 6 PM to 1 AM the next day (Last order is one hour before closing) |
| Regular Holidays | Tuesday Other holidays will be announced on the official Instagram |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | Yes ・Reservations are accepted by phone only (reservations via Instagram are not accepted) ・Private bookings are available |
| Seating | 11 seats ・Counter: 7 seats ・Table for 4: 1 table |
| Smoking | Smoking allowed |
| Childcare | Due to the small size of the shop, children under elementary school age are not allowed |
| Website | Official Instagram of Yori-michi |
