A Visit to A Beloved Local Bakery Connecting Hokkaido and the World

Today, we had the pleasure of visiting the newly renovated flagship store, a beloved local bakery that has long been a symbol of community pride and family warmth here in Hokkaido.

Thanks to a kind introduction by one of our precious networks during our time in Düsseldorf, we had the opportunity to meet the president of a company widely respected for delivering truly authentic Japanese cuisine in Germany.

We were delighted to bring together the president of the bakery, and the president of Japanese cuisine group from Düsseldorf for a meaningful and heartfelt conversation—connecting Hokkaido and Germany through a shared appreciation for Japanese food culture.

What makes this local panya (bakery) so special?

• Their signature chikuwa-pan (a bread roll filled with fish cake) is based on a homemade recipe passed down from the president’s mother and has remained unchanged for over 40 years.
• Freshly baked bread is paired with carefully prepared house-made dishes, creating a uniquely satisfying harmony of flavors.
• Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, theor mission is to be “the most beloved bakery by locals,” deeply rooted in the hearts of its community.
• Employees are referred to as “team members” and are encouraged to pursue what truly excites and motivates them.
• The president even encourages his team to travel the world, gain new perspectives, and grow freely through their experiences.

We feel genuinely fortunate to come from a place where such a bakery exists—one that conveys warmth, purpose, and heartfelt connection through food.

And who knows? Perhaps one day, the bakery will appear on a street corner somewhere beyond Hokkaido. Their thoughtfully designed food truck already suggests that any future is possible—a delicious symbol of connection, imagination, and hope, shared one loaf at a time.

If you ever find yourself in Sapporo, we highly recommend visiting the bakery. Every bite tells a story—and every story is made with heart.