Place

Pass on old School Uniforms to Households in Need of Them “School Uniform Reuse Shop; Sakuraya Kawaguchi Shop”

Side by side with child’s body growth, school transfer, new school enrollment, etc., purchase of a new school uniform or replace it with a new one becomes inevitable. However, brand-new school uniforms and school materials cost too much, sometimes puts pressure on the family budget.

Sakuraya buys up unused school uniforms, etc. and sells them at reasonable prices to students needing them.

From school uniform to school bag, school essentials, etc., the shop stocks up with over 10,000 items.

In here, you will find school uniforms of municipal junior high schools in Kawaguchi City, of prefectural senior high schools and private senior high schools, also of private elementary schools and even of kindergartens. Also, coats and waist coats for winter season, Judo outfit for P.E. class at school, school cap (for elementary schoolers), municipal junior high school designated school bags and blue school bags, and a wide variety of learning essentials to be used at school are in stock there.

❑When you need to buy items

①Check the stock of items via phone or E-mail

【Information you need to provide】
・Name of school

・Student’s gender
・Student’s height
・Student’s waist measurement
※Give the size in figures as 70cm, 73cm, etc. Not by S/M/L size categorization.

②If the item you need is in their stock, visit the shop to try it on

You can try them on to check whether they fit you.

※In case you have a problem in speaking Japanese, bring someone who can supports you in the language.

【NOTE】Students’ school enrollment status or official admittance issued by school or kindergarten are always checked.

By Sakuraya’s principle to pass on school uniforms properly to those who are in desperate need of them, they always check school/kindergarten enrollment or admittance status before selling items.

【Students currently attending school】
・Attending school’s Correspondence App, etc. to prove the student’s school enrollment.

【Students scheduled to start school】
・Official Admittance issued by a school
・Application form for kindergarten enrollment, etc.

※Be sure to bring items to prove the student’s identity.

③Payment

・Cash
・PayPay

※Note that the shop is selling items at the lowest price possible. Price negotiation is not accepted.

❑When you want to pass on school uniforms.

You can bring school uniforms that are no longer needed from graduation, outgrow, etc. After quality check and valuation process, the shop decides whether they can buy the item or receive it as a donation.

Old school uniforms that you have been using with

great care will be passed on to the next students who are in desperate need of them.

【Before bring items to the shop】

・Items are not need to be dry-cleaned
・School uniform bringing-in time closes at an hour before the shop’s closing time.

❑Recommended season to search uniforms

School uniforms are in stock all year round. Here is the list of active periods when inquiries flood in.

Time of the year	Specifics
Around Dec.～Jan.	Public Junior High Schools
Around late Jan.～	Private Junior High Schools
Mar. (from the announcement of successful examinees to Public Senior High Schools～for 2 weeks)	Public Senior High Schools
From late Apr. to early May (“Golden week”) ～	Summer uniforms

The shop accepts inquiries on summer uniforms from after “Golden week” holiday.

Sakuraya is supporting child rearing households by delivering unneeded uniforms to the next generation. Make the best use of this shop when you try to find second-hand school uniforms, as well as wishing to pass old uniforms on to the next users.

School Uniform Reuse Shop Sakuraya; Kawaguchi Shop
e-mail:sakurayakawaguchi2018@gmail.com
Phone：090-9203-5381

Open： Mon/Thu/Fri（Weekdays）　16：00～19：00

　　　　 Sun 12：00～17：00

(Closes if it falls on National holiday)

The shop has occasional closing day/substitute open day.
Recommend you to check details on the shop’s website.

Editor’s Note

“School Uniform Reuse Shop Sakuraya; Kawaguchi Shop” acts as an intermediator to secure the route of items to be delivered to the next users. Try to open the door first. We would like you to know that there is another option to get items from here.　(Tomo）

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A heartwarming place where people connect, “Kawaguchi- Shiba, a canteen which connects people”

“A canteen which connects people”――A place where people comes across and can feel comfortable

There are places that welcome whoever come regardless of nationalities, ages and positions in Kawaguchi-city.

One of them is a Children’s cafeteria, “Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people”, aiming to create a heartwarming and relaxing place.

The canteen is a facility which doesn’t only serve meals but also holds events, which are Halloween in October and Christmas event in December. People from children to adults can enjoy them together.

People are gradually connected then expanded their circle little by little. We can feel it as a place of local community,” It’s okay to be here.”

　The beginning was from his wish, “I want to create activities which are rooted in the local community.”

It was Taguchi-san that started up “Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people.” He had been involved in the field of education and welfare for a long while so far.

He’s had been facing many children through his job on one hand. On the other hands he looked back, “I myself haven’t got involved in local community.”

He thought, “I wondered how to live my life from now on.” when he became 70 years old. He decided to start up Children’s cafeteria as he thought, “I want to start up activities which are rooted in local community.

He said there was a lot of things he couldn’t get done as it was the first time for him, for example, struggles in looking for members and places where they are taken place. During that time he found a brochure of Saitama Mirai University and applied for the course he can study “Creating places where children can belong to.” Based on what he learned and people he got acquainted there, he started “Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people” in May in 2022.

Welcome anybody. It doesn’t matter nationalities and reasons.

There used to be a few users at the beginning, though, each time they have 70 to 80 users. At the most,they have more than 90 users . About 50 of them are children.

Many of them are elementary and junior high school students. Some are families that parents and children come together to eat then go back home. Others are children who say due to various reasons, “Today I’ll go home bringing Bento".

At same time there are events, for example, Halloween. At that time everybody is in disguise on one hand. International students show their own culture on the other hand. Everybody has joyful time together.

There was a child who took part in an event who wrote his impression, “It’s fun. I’ll come here every time. I also love curry rice. Foods are yummy. I’m happy".

Today at “Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people,” they hold events once a month. In addition serve curry rice.

A place which is created with local people

Now “Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people” is created with many people.

They work in cooperation with local welfare and educational public institutions, groups and enterprises. In addition teachers and students of Saitama Gakuen University prepared for events. Farthermore international volunteer could participate in events through the connection with Saitama Prefecture International Association.

Through these activities voices from local people like “I want to take part in activities together.” and “I need something to talk.”, began to trickle in,they said. Circle of community is spreading steadily in the center of children.

Developments from now on

Taguchi-san told that in the future he wants to increase the number of places where regional people across generations can feel connected. He gave three examples. First is the places we can have a drink. Second is places we can talk in a relaxing mood. Third is places we can drop by.

“Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people” is one of the places when you think,” I want to be connected with someone else.” Even though they don’t have special purposes.

Please have a drop in us by all means if you think these things. For examples, “I want to be connected with regions.”, “I want to be connected with others.” and “I want to eat delicious curry rice.”

“Kawaguchi-Shiba, a canteen which connects people”

・He opens Children’s cafeteria irregularly once a month.

・Please have a look at HP for further information.

https://tsunagaru-shokudo.com/about/

Editor’s note
It is Taguchi-san that started new things when he was 70 and realized his dream which were “Activities rooted in local community one after another. He gave me a lot of heartwarming power through his talk! Seira

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Sri Lankan Curry Restaurant “KOTOBUKI CURRY” ～Dish packed with spices, carrying his sterling passion～

Wafting scent of spices greets you there; “Sri Lankan Curry Restaurant KOTOBUKI CURRY”

What you will find is layers of appetizing aroma of spices and a touch of sweetness of coconut milk.

This restaurant that gives strong tropical vibes the moment you open the door is in Naka-aoki, Kawaguchi, along the Chuo-Doro Avenue.

Inside, there are five counter seats and two tables for two.

How I appreciate this coziness of a smallish place with the warmth of wood that makes you feel at home whenever you visit on your own, with friends or families.

◆Meeting a Sri Lankan “Mum” ignited all

It was “Okasuba Curry” in Ohanajaya, Katsushika Ward, at which Mr. Otomo, the owner, first knew Sri Lankan curry.

He was touched by Sri Lankan “Mum’s” curry with full of hominess and love.

“That Mum’s curry had a taste of the plainest ‘Good old home cooking’”

He felt it was his mission to make this taste widely known. After spending apprenticing time at Okasuba Curry, he opened his own restaurant.

A dish touched with ‘The warmth of Mother’s love’ became the base of “KOTOBUKI CURRY”.

◆Mix everything together before savoring; this is Sri Lankan Style

The distinctive features of enjoying Sri Lankan curry is “Mix everything together before you eat”. A plate is colorfully served with several varieties of curries and side dishes.

I ordered “Five varieties’ platter for ladies” on the day I visited.

The platter is served with indispensable duo of Sri Lankan chicken and Dhal, added by a seasonal curry and two types of side dishes.

Bone-in section of chicken wings are used in this staple Sri Lankan chicken curry. Well-boiled meat is tender enough to come loose in the bowl, and the aroma of spices starts to waft in the air.

It is wonderful to discover that Umami-savory and bitter-sweetness of some dishes as Sardine and Mizuna salad, stir-fried Goya-bitter melon, etc., marks well-balanced accents to show different flavor as you eat.

Deliciously grilled light cracker “Papad” is garnished on top of Basmati, fragrant long-grain Sri Lankan rice. I crushed it to small pieces with my hand to enjoy with curry. Crispy texture brought another dimension to the feast.

Every single imported raw Papads are carefully grilled in his restaurant kitchen.

His enthusiasm is gathered on this one plate.

“You know, spices are ‘Herbal medicine’ that get you in good shape. I am giving attention to what I choose as ingredients and how I cook, also wishing every customer will get energized after enjoyed meal here”

Indeed, it is a dish that lightens your mind and body with every bite you take.

◆Beloved food culture in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a verdurous tropical island located in the southeast of India. It is gross area is about 80 % of that of Hokkaido.

The wind sways coconut trees to send tropical vibes to the street. Curries with plenty of spices are loved by people there as one of their national cuisines. Its distinctive feature is non-greasiness, and lots of cuisines are packed with “the Wisdom of Food” which supposed to get you in shape.

In the country where the world-renowned tea aroma and fragrant spices are harmonizing in daily life. For them, “Eating” is naturally linked with “Healing”.

◆A dish of sincerity with a living courtesy and passion

Once entered the place, I was welcomed with smiles of the owner and staff. Sincerity came out through their well-mannered service.

The owner used to be an athlete who played on baseball fields as a high school baseball player. The courtesy and persistence learned from that experience are clearly shown on every sublimated dish and gentle atmosphere of this restaurant.

◆“Wish to grow in step with this restaurant”; Realizing long-cherished vision

“My wish is that I can grow in step with this restaurant”

True to the oath, his countless efforts began to produce fruits. The restaurant has become that popular with long waiting lines appear on each weekend.

Each dish made by the owner who keeps going forward not only stimulates you with spices, but impresses you with unfeigned warmth that is true to his visions. A tale of KOTOBUKI CURRY has just begun.

KOTOBUKI CURRY

Open　11：30～15：30（Last orders 15：00）

18：00～21：30（Last orders 21:00）

Closed on 　Sun・Mon・Tue

Editor’s NOTE

Wrapped in the aroma of spices, I know I will come back here.

It satisfies your stomach as well as your mind.　

“KOTOBUKI CURRY” is a place you will find such fantastic dish. Even now, having finished this interview, that aroma still comes back to me sometimes. “Human touch” behind spices must be the quintessence of this restaurant. 　（TOMO）

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Okinawan Cuisine Restaurant “Simajouri”

Haisai! Today, I am going to introduce you an Okinawan cuisine restaurant “Simajouri”, 2 minutes of walk from Nishi-kawaguchi Station. “Haisai!” means “Hello” in Okinawan language.

Okinawa, located in the south part of Japan and consists of small islands, have long been forming a distinguished culture as playing a role of a bridge connecting Asian countries. Cuisines developed there which I am going to show you are also a bit different from the ordinary Japanese cuisine.

Took over from the previous owner, Mr. Nakama, the current owner, reopened this restaurant in September 2025. The name “Simajouri” came from Okinawan beloved flip flops. You will see many such Okinawan language and local place-names in food and drink menus of this restaurant.

Well, let us give a toast to the occasion. How about ordering a widely renowned Okinawan beer or ‘Awamori-distilled Thai-rice liquor’? This restaurant always has a dozen or so stock of Awamoris and one of the perks here is that you can enjoy them with colorfully tinted Ryukyu-glass tumblers.

Have some local delicacies to go with your drink. Salty tastes of “Suku karasu- black rabbitfish fry (Suku means black rabbitfish fry, karasu means food preserved with salt)” or “Wata karasu-salted and fermented bonito gut called Shuto or Shiokara (Wata means entrails) on top of bite-sized Shima-tofu” go perfectly with your drinks.

Before you interrupt me by saying ‘Do not spend too much time on drinking, show me some dishes there’, I am going to show you an Okinawan Tempura. Unique deep-fried “Mozuku-seaweed Tempura” has chewy texture and is served with Okinawan Worcestershire sauce or rock salt.

Most of the dishes here have names straight from Okinawan language. I think it would be better for us to learn some of them on this page.

“Fu Champuru”・・・Stir-fried Fu-wheat gluten bread. Champru means ‘to mix together’. Combination of springy texture of egg-absorbed Fu and richly flavored dried bonito stock brings an exquisite savory.

“Nakami Irichii”・・・Nakami means ‘pork entrails’. Irichii means ‘to stir-fry’. This stir-fried entrails and vegetables goes perfectly well with rice and drinks.

“Hirajachii”・・・Savory pancake dish with chives. Close to Jeon of Korea. In Okinawa, this served with sauce and red pickled ginger.

“Rafte Chahan”・・・Rafte means braised pork belly. One of the luxurious dishes with a chunk of soft Rafte stewed with Awamori and half-cooked egg on top of fried rice.

Aside from the dishes I enjoyed, there are too many Okinawan dishes in this restaurant that I can not show you with a single visit. Each recipe reflects Mr. Nakama’s pride and joy as a long-experienced cook. Nondrinkers can also have fun with trying Okinawa’s local soft drinks such as ‘Root beer’, ‘Shikwasa-flat lemon juice’ and ‘Ucchin-turmeric tea’. The restaurant has both Tatami space which allows you to make yourself at home and counter space. I assure you can steep into the merry Okinawan atmosphere by visiting this restaurant in a group or on your own.

　　On the day I visited, Sadip from Nepal and THI from Vietnam waited on me. Highly international lineup of crew looked very Nishi-kawaguchish. This is exactly a ‘Champuru’ styled Okinawan cuisine restaurant. There is a saying “Ichari ba chodei” (whoever you met is your brothers & sisters) in Okinawa, teaching us to have a mind of building no border in communication. This cordial atmosphere satisfies your stomach and mind at the same time. Why do not you visit Nishi-kawaguchi to feel this tropical ambience?

“Simajouri”

Address:3-14, Nishikawaguchi 1-chome, Kawaguchi City.

Open: 5:00PM ～ 0:00AM

Irregular closing days

Editor’s Note

I secretly planning to keep my own Awamori bottle to become a regular customer here.

By　SPRING the durian lover

Editor SPRING

I am on an endless diet throughout the year.

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