Rediscovering Japanese Culture and Education Through Unique Radio Shows

In a dynamic pursuit to learn from diverse guest backgrounds, the radio program "Nippori Seminar" has quickly established itself as a notable platform. The 30th episode features the husband-and-wife team, Kunio and Kanako Shibata, who are owners of the popular eatery, "fuwari no himitsukichi." This episode, a first for the program in terms of remote recordings, was recorded at their location in Tokyo's Yoga district, showcasing the unique concept of the restaurant and its creative undertakings.

"Nippori Seminar," operated by LAMM Co., Ltd. under the leadership of Kanta Nimura, emphasizes the notion of living one’s life to the fullest through sustained engagement with passion and work. The latest episode, available on various podcast platforms, offers listeners intimate insights into the lives and careers of the Shibatas, and derives its name from the idea of a seminar: a place for shared learning and growth.

Guests: Kunio and Kanako Shibata

Kunio and Kanako's meeting traces back to when they were both staff members at Tomorrowland, a notable fashion retail store. The contrast in their personalities stands out; Kunio aspired to be seen as unique, while Kanako preferred to fit in. Their contrasting personalities are highlighted through their upbringing stories that shaped their paths leading up to their eventual union both as partners in life and business.

Kunio, born in Tokyo, pursued a degree at Tokyo University of the Arts not due to a passionate desire for art but simply to explore routes that diverted from mainstream paths. Rather than following the trending choice of pursuing postgraduate studies, he decided to step into the working world instead. During his job search, he was mesmerized by the curated display and ambiance of Tomorrowland and decided to join the company.

Kanako hails from Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. Being raised by busy public servant parents often led her to spend time with her grandmother, a kintsugi artisan, which inspired her to take an interest in crafts and sewing. A pivotal moment during her elementary school years, where she experienced teasing from boys about her physique, motivated her to embrace fashion as a way to hide her insecurities. After studying customer service at a fashion school, she moved to Tokyo to take on the retail world, propelled by encouragement from her manager.

These distinct yet complementary backgrounds set the stage for a partnership that was tested by the catastrophic events of the Great East Japan Earthquake. As Kanako grappled with her survival guilt and a strong desire to contribute to her homeland's recovery, Kunio was simultaneously searching for his own direction. A turning point arrived when Kunio assisted Kanako with her side projects, realizing their shared creative synergy. This eventually transformed into a business partnership and a romantic relationship.

A New Culinary Adventure

In 2017, driven by a passion to share the charm of Ishinomaki, they launched a food truck named "fuwari" under the banner of “going anywhere with ease.” The following year, they established "fuwari no himitsukichi" in Tokyo's Yoga, strategically providing seasonal delicacies like shaved ice in summer and crepes in winter. Their culinary creations quickly gained popularity, prompting patrons to make reservations weeks in advance.

During the chat on "Nippori Seminar," the Shibatas shared the earlier challenges they faced, including the experiment of stretching their finances thin to test the hypothesis of how frugality could foster family happiness. While early success at "fuwari no himitsukichi" signaled financial stability, they recognized dwindling family time, leading them to reevaluate their work-life balance. They struck a compromise that allowed them to maintain more control over their lives and enjoyed support from a loyal customer base drawn to their lifestyle philosophy. The duo now relishes a fulfilling life where they define what happiness means to them.

The full exploration of the Shibatas' journey contains heartwarming stories and invaluable lessons, reflecting not only on their past experiences but also on their aspirations. As they embark on new challenges, including sourcing unique fashion items while traveling abroad, anticipation grows for what innovative projects the duo will undertake next.

Don’t forget to tune in to "Nippori Seminar" to enjoy the latest episode and immerse yourself in the world of inspiring figures like Kunio and Kanako Shibata!

Related Information

The Shibatas' episode streams on various platforms, setting a perfect stage for listeners interested in understanding the intersection of culture, creativity, and personal growth.