Taku Owari

Originally from Shibecha, a Hokkaido town with more cows than people, Taku Owari discovered the charm of his local region, including its wetlands and agriculture, while attending the local Shibecha High School. To learn more about the area, he enrolled in Kushiro Public University of Economics. There, he encountered the "Kushiro Regional Cloud Exchange Meeting," an event supporting local entrepreneurs, which led him to join Joyzô Inc. in 2020.

Since 2020, he has been the organizer of the Kushiro Regional Cloud Exchange Meeting, having held it six times.
He also participated in the executive committee for NoMaps Kushiro-Nemuro when it launched in 2019 and has been working as part of its secretariat since 2025.

Kushiro's hub that will make you want to visit again!

A Special Place: Minato-machi Base 946BANYA

This is a community hub where people from both inside and outside Kushiro gather. You can enjoy soft-serve ice cream made with local milk while gazing at the Kushiro River and the sunset. With Wi-Fi and power outlets, it's also a great place to take a break or get some work done during your travels. They are also recruiting for a "challenge shop," where people who want to start something new can give it a try, making it a relaxing spot that supports the future of Kushiro.

A taste of Kushiro, both nostalgic and new

A Special Food (Part 1): Soba-dokoro Hoshino (formerly Azumaya Kawakita Branch)

Photo courtesy of Soba-dokoro Hoshino

When it comes to food, soba noodles are the soul food of Kushiro's citizens. This is a wonderful restaurant that has been loved by locals for many years. You must try the "Tanegomi" (soba with a savory egg drop topping), the "Muryoju" (soba tossed with sesame oil), and the "small shrimp tempura" topping. The restaurant reopened after a renovation in December, so be sure to stop by and savor this local flavor!

Enjoy gentle bread and soup at this hidden gem cafe

A Special Food (Part 2): neuk.cafe

Photo courtesy of neuk.cafe

If you're looking for a hidden gem cafe in Kushiro, this is it! In a relaxing space, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, including bread and soup from "Jimico," a popular bakery known for its naturally leavened bread. They also have morning hours starting at 7 AM, which is rare in the city, so be sure to check their social media for updates!

What Makes Kushiro City So Charming? by Taku Owari

Kushiro City is an area where nature and people are incredibly close. We live alongside all kinds of nature, including Japan's largest wetland, the Kushiro Wetland, a majestic ocean that boasts one of the largest fish catches in the country, and rare wildlife. This unparalleled environment has nurtured many people with unique initiatives and ways of thinking. Please come and visit at least once!

Domingo presents: That Person's Special Notebook

"That Person's Special Notebook" can also be found in "HAC MAGAZINE," the bimonthly in-flight magazine of Hokkaido Air System (HAC), the "Wings of the People of Hokkaido." We introduce the "special something"—be it food, places, or souvenirs—recommended by wonderful people from across Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Air System Official Website