Chapter 3: The missing rabbit and Minazuki.
one
It was June and the rainy season was upon us.
This year's rainy season has seen clear, sunny days alternate with days of heavy rain, and although the weather has been extreme, Koharu felt that it was a good thing that the humid days didn't continue for long.
At this time of year, the best-selling item at Sakuraan is the vinyl Japanese umbrella.
With its classic red with floral patterns and chic black, it has a reputation for being elegant and stylish.
And Soujiro's new product "Mini Ayu," which went on sale for a limited time last month, has quickly become a popular menu item at Sakuraan.
The seasonal staple Japanese sweet "Ayu" in Kyoto is smaller than normal size, and there's nothing particularly special about it, but perhaps its convenience has been a big hit, as many customers have bought boxes of it. The little "Ayu" lined up in the box look very cute, and apparently they make a great gift.
It seems that Soujiro is good at business after all.
Although his methods may be unorthodox and sometimes a bit cunning, Koharu thought the Japanese sweets he made were actually delicious and it was easy to see why they were so popular.
However, recently, I've finally begun to realize that this isn't the only secret to its popularity.
"Um, are there any craftsmen here today?"
Two female college students came to the store and asked, fidgeting in front of the Japanese sweets display case. Both were wearing cute, stylish dresses and had slightly red cheeks.
"Oh, well, I'm working in the kitchen on the second floor... no, in the kitchen."
Koharu hesitantly pointed to the second floor.
"Oh, I see..."
"I'll call you if there's anything I can do."
When he immediately tried to call out to the second floor, she leaned forward in a panic.
"It's okay. I don't have anything to do. Ah, well, he's... aren't craftsmen usually at the store?"
"Yes, I basically work in the kitchen... no, I make Japanese sweets in the kitchen."
Sojiro only comes down to the first floor a few times a day to carry the products he has made.
It has recently been discovered that a female customer who happened to see Sojiro at that time became a fan and is now a repeat customer.
By the way, female customers are not just young women...
"I came to buy some sweets for Muneta."
"That's right. If you're going to buy sweets, it's better to buy them made by a handsome guy."
"Really? Muneta and Haru?"
It was also very popular among middle-aged women.
"--That's terrible. It was the same in Asakusa."
It was dinner time. Sojiro held his teacup like a wine glass, sighed, and looked sad.
Although it has an atmosphere like a hotel bar, this is a Japanese-style living room with a low table. Today's menu is mackerel stewed in miso, with freeze-dried tofu, simmered dishes, miso soup, and various pickles.
"Was it the same in Asakusa?"
"Yeah, all the female customers who wanted to see me were flocking to the store, calling out 'Munemitsu, Munemitsu.' It was overwhelming."
