Fateful location, with "Nepenthes" and "Eels" right next to each other.
Yohei Kato / Store Manager, NEPENTHES OSAKA
Born in 1983 in Hyogo Prefecture. After working at a select store, started working at "NEPENTHES OSAKA" as an opening staff in 2009. 2021 to present.
I understand that you have been working at "NEPENTHES OSAKA" since its opening.
Kato: I have been working at this store for 15 years since it opened.
Before "NEPENTHES OSAKA" opened, were there so many restaurants and stores in the area?
Kato: At the time, it was a typical office area. There were only a few stores and a few restaurants. I think the landscape of the city has changed a lot in the past 15 years.
Why did you open "NEPENTHES OSAKA" in a place so far removed from fashion?
Kato: Other Nepenthes stores have been located off the main street or away from the center of town. When we decided to open a store in Osaka, we were looking for such a location, but we could not find one that fit the bill. So I was looking at a map of Osaka City and found a large park in the middle of the city. When I visited there, I immediately liked the atmosphere, which was somehow different and calmer than other areas. I happened to find this property adjacent to one of the multiple entrances to the park and decided immediately. Coincidentally, the name of the park is Utsubo Park. Actually, "Nepenthes" comes from the name of an insectivorous plant, and its Japanese name is "utsubo kazura. I am told that it was because of such a curious coincidence that they decided to locate here.
I see that you have a view of a part of Utsubo Park from the restaurant.
Kato: Yes, I am. No other "Nepenthes" store has such a green view.
Does the scenery outside change with the changing of the seasons?
Kato: Utsubo Park is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, filled with cherry blossoms in spring. In summer, visitors can enjoy the fresh greenery, and in fall, the leaves turn beautiful red. May is just rose season, when the park is filled with colorful roses. Many visitors stop by on their way home from seeing the beautiful scenery.
The storefront at the end of the road is also unique, isn't it? Cars do not pass by, so you can relax in front of the store without worrying.
Kato: Usually, we also have tables outside so that anyone can sit down, including our customers. I often chat with customers there after they have finished shopping.
