[Meito-ku, Nagoya] Life with Spices, a Calm Cafe "nichibo"

Fun things, good things

Mr. Naohiro Hori, the owner of nichibo

Mr. Hori is the owner of “nichibo” and the representative of “Kinoka no Ie” and “NAon”, a construction company in Nagakute. "Kinoka no Ie" specializes in housing, and "NAon" specializes in shops, from buying and selling land to design and construction.

Mr. Hori used to be a hairdresser in Nagoya for 10 years.

We asked him about how he decided to take over the construction business, which was his family business, and about his future prospects.

-You used to be a hairdresser, right? What inspired you to take over the family construction business?

Ms. Hori: "After working as a beautician for about 10 years, I wanted to learn about other industries.

At that time, I saw my father happily working and asked him about it. "Do you enjoy your work?" Then the answer came back, "Of course."

My father was referring to "manufacturing," which he said was fun, and since I had gone into the beauty industry myself, and I had always liked being creative, I entered the family business with the intention of "learning from" him.

-Why did the construction company “Kinoka no Ie” launch the restaurant “nichibo”?

Mr. Hori: “Actually, when my father, the founder of Konoka no Ie, passed away from cancer, I started to feel that “health” plays a big role in people’s lives. So I decided to start a vegetable garden.

I started it because I thought it would be nice if I could eat with my family, but "family" here includes not only blood relatives but also customers. At Kinoka no Ie, we refer to our customers as "family".

We brought vegetables to about 450 homes and four times a year when we visited "families" and also to visitors to our office.

Also, I have 3 "family members" participate in the process of growing vegetables, and I grow vegetables together with 4 people. Garland chrysanthemums, spinach, okra, green peppers, eggplants, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are the main ingredients.

Now we grow 15 kinds of vegetables in 300 tsubo area. ”

Mr. Hori: “At that time, the amount of vegetables started to increase, and when I started to think that people would be unable to keep up with the amount of vegetables, I found a connection with a friend who wanted to open a restaurant, which led to the opening of “nichibo.” .

Based on the concept of "meals that are close to your daily life," we use spices and reduce salt content to provide foods that are good for your health.

In addition, I try to serve meals where you can see the face of the person who made it, so you can clearly see who made what.

All of our food is homemade, including vegetables harvested from our own vegetable garden. In Japanese kitchens, we see cases where prepackaged ingredients and prepared foods are used for convenience.

Hand-made food is expensive, but the food you eat with peace of mind and for your health is irreplaceable. ”

Seasonal Vegetable Vegan Curry ¥1,300 (tax included), which Mr. Hori often orders. The abundance of vegetables used in this dish makes it very satisfying, and it is hard to believe that only vegetables are used.

-Hori-san, do you ever come to nichibo to eat curry?

Mr. Hori: Of course. I always come here twice a week. I often order "seasonal vegetable vegan curry".

-Tell us about a moment when you feel glad that you are working.

Mr. Hori: "It's when the building looks good, and when the customers (family) are happy with it.

The company's philosophy is "creation of ki-iki-ki (lively spirit, stylish and joy)". It's a new idea for me.

The first Ki (Ki) is to work one step ahead of the other person, as my father always used to say.

The second iki is to make good and stylish things.

The third joy is how and what the aforementioned spirit will change. After all, it is the joy of our customers, business partners, staff, and ourselves.

The first and the second are because I wanted to cherish my father's initial thoughts when he founded the company, so I adopted them as a philosophy. I would like many people to know about the mission of "Kinoka no Ie" from now on.

-Do you have any tips for enjoying your work?

Mr. Hori: "First of all, enjoy yourself.

I am the type of person who goes out to the field with guns blazing, and I think my employees think I am not like a boss and should just let them do what they want to do. I had another meeting outside this morning before coming here.

Within the company, we divide roles and give discretion. There's no such thing as being great just because you're the president.

People have their strengths and weaknesses, and for example, I did the furniture, interior design, and other aspects of "nichibo". On the other hand, there are people in the company who are more like the president than myself.

When I received a job request from a friend, I was surprised, saying, "What, is the president going to do it?"

However, I have a business that I want to do in the future, so it's time to leave the front line to someone else... "

About the future

-How do you plan to develop your business in the future?

Mr. Hori: "I'm thinking of running a beauty salon where freelance hairdressers work.

By providing a place where hairdressers who want to have their own beauty salon can work, they may become customers of "NAon" and "Kinoka no Ie" in the future.

In general, not a few companies spend a lot of money on advertising in order to make their activities known to many people.

By creating a place called a beauty salon, I would like to create a new virtuous circle that goes beyond the framework of mere advertising activities. ”

Mr. Hori: “I believe that work is a contribution to society.

Through “Kinoka no Ie”, “NAon” and “nichibo”, I want to make not only myself financially prosperous but also the happiness of many people involved. ”

-How do you switch on and off?

Mr. Hori: "If I only work, that's all I think about all day long, so I enjoy working in the fields or surfing in my off time. It's a time when I don't have to think about anything, or it's a kind of meditation.

Surfing 1-3 times a week, fields about 2 times a week. I can do surfing and fields for half a day in the morning and work in the afternoon, so it's efficient.

I like spending time in nature.

Even though I say nature, I like untouched nature, so when I go surfing, I always pick up trash when I go home.

I hope that everyone will be able to work toward the SDGs as a matter of course, without daring to say it out loud, whether it is in the form of building materials or detailed rules in the office (such as sorting and going paperless)."

While listening to Mr. Hori's story, I felt the ideas and execution ability that came out of Mr. Hori, and I felt like I was given power.

In particular, provide a meal where people's faces can be seen.

I felt the positive attitude and thought "Let's live happily"!

Mr. Hori, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.