Interview with the owner of Kuraza-an
About the commitment to soba
Please tell us about your recommendations and commitment.
Owner
I am committed to using 100% buckwheat flour sourced from Hokkaido, which I believe is the most delicious soba.
In fact, buckwheat flour is more expensive than wheat flour, and considering the cost, the current prices are tough.
I am grateful that people come all the way to my shop in Mabi, so I will do my best to keep the prices as reasonable as possible.
Situation and current feelings regarding the July 2018 heavy rain disaster
Please tell us about the situation and feelings during the July 2018 heavy rain disaster.
Owner
On the night of July 6, 2018, evacuation advisories were issued, and it took about three hours for a friend from Kawabe in Mabi to evacuate to Mabi General Park by car. There was a massive traffic jam that made it impossible to evacuate.
Fortunately, neither my home nor my shop suffered flood damage.
At that time, what I could do was to provide meals, as I had a fully equipped kitchen.
First, I provided meals to the nursing home where my mother is, and then to a nearby welfare support facility.
Once the kitchen facilities at each facility were restored, I then provided meals for friends in Mabi.
Immediately after the disaster, it was impossible to procure ingredients in Mabi, so friends living in Okayama City gathered ingredients and brought them to me.
I felt that having friends is invaluable.
I was truly helped by everyone. I am grateful for the connections between people.
The disaster situation varied among people in Mabi, but I hope that the entire town can cooperate.
Future business and what lies ahead
Before the heavy rain disaster, you were open on weekdays, and I have visited your shop many times since its opening in July 2017. Please tell us about your future business plans.
Owner
Basically, I would like to continue this soba shop on weekends and holidays, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
On weekdays, I will operate by reservation for groups of 8 or more with a course starting at 3,500 yen for lunch, and for dinner, I will operate by reservation for groups of 4 or more with a course starting at 3,500 yen, so please consult by phone.
After the heavy rain disaster, I have been helping friends who were affected during the weekdays, but I am preparing to start a ramen shop in a container in Ayada, Mabi, limited to Mondays to Thursdays during the day.
Is that so? That sounds interesting. But why are you starting a ramen shop as well?
Owner
As of November 2018, Mabi is not an environment where customers can easily come from outside.
Some people may feel that soba is a high hurdle, so I wanted to create a place where volunteers and people from outside Mabi, as well as those in the town, can gather and be served.
In October 2018, a supermarket in Mabi reopened, but I thought that the number of customers would not be the same as before July 2018.
However, in reality, many people gathered to the point where cars could not park in the parking lot.
I met an acquaintance's grandmother who is living in temporary housing, and when I asked her about it,
she said, "Right now, there is no one in the neighborhood to talk to, but I came here because I can meet and talk with people from Mabi."
I understood and agreed with that.
There are few places where everyone can gather and talk, so I felt a stronger need for a place where people from Mabi can come together, and I want to continue the shop.
And I want to invite friends and people from inside and outside the prefecture who have supported me, and give back to them in any way I can.
After the interview
The owner of Kuraza-an is acting with a strong will to contribute to the local recovery.
As of November 2018, about 40% of the people in Mabi are living in temporary housing outside of Mabi, and there is still a need for much support.
That is why I felt again the importance of conveying the "now" of Mabi and wanting more people to take an interest.
I also wanted many people to know that there is a soba shop run by an owner with a deep affection for the local area, and I hope they will visit.
Please stop by "Nam soba Chaya Kuraza-an" to enjoy soba in a retro atmosphere over 100 years old.
Data on Nam soba Chaya Kuraza-an
As of November 2020, currently closed.
| Name | Nam soba Chaya Kuraza-an |
|---|---|
| Address | 2591 Ayada, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-698-3551 |
| Parking | Available 10 cars |
| Business Hours | Weekends and holidays From 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM (until soba runs out) |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | Yes For lunch on weekdays, reservations for groups of 8 or more starting at 3,500 yen are accepted. For dinner, reservations for groups of 4 or more starting at 3,500 yen are accepted. Please contact us for more details. |
| Seating | 1st floor: 17 seats, Counter: 5, Number of tables: 5 2nd floor: 20 seats, Number of tables: 6 Terrace: 6 seats, Number of tables: 1 |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Bichu Shikisai Shokuka Gomaizasa |
