"Oh, so everyone was worried about this too" I tried it out

We spoke to Kinubari Ezomaru, owner of KINUBARI COFFEE ROASTERS, about the reaction to this event.

-What was the response after publishing the note?

I was surprised that the article I wrote to inform people about the change in business hours was read by more people than I expected, and that I received comments and reactions.

I have always wondered how people around me who run shops or businesses manage to do both while raising children, and why I can't do it.

However, when I saw the response to this article, I realized, "Oh, so everyone was worried about this too," and I felt a little relieved, or rather, I felt that it was okay to worry.

I have worried and hit a wall many times. Time spent doing activities is important, but time with my children and family is also important. I applaud the decision. By conveying their thoughts clearly in this way, I'm sure they will gain more supporters. I hope that important places in the town will become places where everyone can warm up together. That would be ideal. https://t.co/xZo70fqGfy

— Manami Sasaki Ma Shimashima (@conyum_imei) May 31, 2023

-What changes have you seen since shortening your business hours?

First, in terms of sales, store sales have fallen significantly. This was as expected, but it's still worrying when sales fall.

However, by shortening our business hours, we are now able to have more time to prepare bagels, which we previously sold irregularly, and are now able to sell them every day. We also have more time to devote to wholesale and e-commerce sales of coffee, so I think sales will gradually recover from now on.

In terms of changes in my lifestyle, I haven't really noticed any big changes. I still often work at the store after closing time. But I think I'm spending more time at home than before. In particular, we opened an hour later, so I have more free time in the mornings.

It has only been a month since we shortened our business hours, so to be honest, we have not been able to use the time we have saved effectively. We will continue to try and make improvements to make better use of the time we have saved, both as a store and as a family.

--Thank you very much, Kinubari-san. Any final words?

Kamikawa Town, where KINUBARI COFFEE ROASTERS is located, has seen a rapid increase in new shops over the past few years, and is becoming a town in Hokkaido that everyone can visit! Be sure to check out KAMIKAWA TRIP, which contains the latest tourist information for Kamikawa Town!

Conclusion

In the note, Kinubari says, "Good work is built on a good life." Kinubari values the happiness of his family, and the beans he grinds, the coffee he brews, and the space he runs may be sharing his happiness with the people around him.