Koichi Suzuki×Chisako Takashima

2013.12.06

A talk series with the violinist Chisako Takashima and the Ginza people. Ginza holds many personal and professional memories for Takashima. In this talk series, she thoroughly explores various aspects of the Ginza culture with her guests. Today’s guest is Koichi Suzuki, president of Café de Ginza Miyuki-kan, one of the most well-known cafés in Ginza.

My experiences at the Ginza Merchant’s Association and the people I met there are my great treasures

Takashima: I hear you were the Planning Director of the Ginza Merchant’s Association.
Suzuki: I think it was around the second year of planning the Yukata de Gin-bura Festival. I was involved in setting up ice pillars on Ginza-dori and planning events that included figuring out what to do with the street from 1- to 8-Chome.
Takashima: Everything from planning to running the events must be a lot of work. It’s like a gigantic school festival!
Suzuki: I was involved in nothing else but its planning from February to August. I spent more time at the office than at the café (laughs). But I am glad I did it. At the Ginza Merchant’s Association, the shop presidents and owners come out themselves so you meet people that you don’t usually see. It was a great treasure to have everyone share common goals. We could establish relationships that surpassed age and were not simply work-related.
Takashima: There are many people in Ginza that are very unique and intriguing.
Suzuki: Yes, certainly. They are earnest about nurturing the younger generation. When there is something I am unsure of, I can talk to them about it, They taught me quite a lot.

I want to firmly carry on the sentiment of my seniors to create a safe Ginza that is free of worry

Takashima: Do you feel grateful to your father for opening a shop in Ginza?
Suzuki: Yes, I am very grateful. But it is very difficult to keep customers coming. In this day and age, if you want something to drink, you can easily buy it at a convenience store or vending machine. You have to have something that stands out.
Takashima: How about developing a new hit product? I would love for you to make cream puffs. I love them.
Suzuki: We actually do make them…..
Takashima: What’s in them?
Suzuki: Custard.
Takashima: I like them filled with half custard and half whipped cream. Please make some like that (laughs)!
Suzuki: I’ll do my best (laughs).
Takashima: Finally, can you tell me your thoughts on Ginza?
Suzuki: I learned the sincere desire to create a safe Ginza that is free of worry from my seniors that I met through the Ginza Merchant’s Association. They strive daily for that aim and love Ginza with all their heart…… I don’t think there is any other place like this. I want those of us in the younger generation to firmly carry on their sentiment.

The next guest will be…

Takashima: Could you tell us about the next guest?
Suzuki: Could you tIt’s Munehito Matsuzaki, the president of Ginza Matsuzaki Sembei. The shop has a long history going back to the Edo period. I am sure you will hear very interesting stories.

Chisako Takashima

Violinist. Started playing the violin at age 6. After playing abroad, she moved her home base to Japan, and gives concerts all over the country. Although her current focus is on performing music, she also appears on TV and radio programs. Thanks to her much-loved personality, she is appearing in more and more venues.

Chisako Takashima’s official website

Koichi Suzuki

Born in 1969. President of Café de Ginza Miyuki-kan. Joined Maruzen Co. after graduating university, then took over the café from his predecessor. Was the planning director of the Ginza Merchant’s Association. Enjoys golf. Loves sweets and is always present to try out new products himself.

Café de Ginza Miyuki-kan Website

Writer: Mikiko Okai　　Location: Café de Ginza Miyuki-kan Honten

1 2

All List