Click-clack, click-clack, click-clack…

 

The sound of luxurious high heels echoes through the street.

There is only one person in this shopping street with such high heels.

 

Wearing an elegant smile on her face, Kako-san, the mama of next door’s snack bar*, appears at the end of the street.

Gazing through our reception’s front window, Kako-san examines the store with a shy face.

 

In her hands: a big plate full of Inari sushi.

Once everyone realizes that Kako-san is there holding a bunch of food, all the staff stop their work to run up and look at her with shining eyes.

“I don’t think there’s enough for everyone…” she says with an apologetic look. This kindness itself is enough to warm everyone’s hearts.

 

Today’s dinner is going to be Inari sushi.

・

One day during breaktime on my way to buy dinner, I met Kako-san.

“Where are you heading?”

“I wanted to get some food!”

“Oh poor you, you must be so hungry! Wait here. I’m going to make you some rice balls.”

And with this conversation, Kako-san started regularly taking care of our empty stomachs.

 

In summer it was soumen (fine wheat noodles that are usually enjoyed chilled) with okra, Japanese yam and tomatoes.

Recently, as it’s gotten a little colder, the menu has changed to inari sushi and hot miso soup with pork and vegetables.

A delicious, homemade taste that warms your heart and perfect nutritional balance. What more could you ask for.

Especially to me, living on my own in unfamiliar Osaka, Kako-san’s motherly love is a blessing.

・

After handing us the food, Kako-san heads back to her bar with the click-clack of her high heels sounding through the street.

A complete turn from her shy, cute smile, this time she just looks cool.

 

Nobody can tell from her charming and feminine impression that she used to work as a truck driver.

Born in Kagoshima, where great-drinkers live, Kako-san is a surprisingly strong drinker.

Apparently, her mum trained her by making her drink beer a lot.

That is why, sometimes when Kako-san visits our reception, she stays a little longer and tries out the different international beers we offer.

 

This unexpectedly manly side is part of her charm as well.

・

Click-clack, click-clack, click-clack…

 

Today as well, the sound of  Kako-san’s high heels echoes through the shopping street while she is on her way to bless us with food again.

Along with her motherly love and handsome elegance…

Written by Natsumi Hamato

*Japanese snack bars are drinking establishments that can be found all over Japan. They are often led by female staff, and are frequented by mainly male customers, who maybe feel lonely or just want someone they can talk to. Usually these bars also offer karaoke machines.