"Ramen shop in Kudoji" (Sakamoto Yamamoto, Hirosaki City) is currently looking for financial supporters to succeed the business.

The ramen shop at the entrance of Kudoji Temple. There were two shops along with the "Children's Forest Shop", but in November last year, the "Children's Forest Shop" closed its doors in 1991. The agricultural cooperative corporation "Shimizu" inherited the business from its predecessor and has been operating since 2019, but it was difficult to continue this season's business due to a shortage of bearers.

"Hodec" (Koguriyama), which manages the founding support and "Kaguya Farm" who received consultation from "Shimizu", appointed two people, Shoji Kamada and Okawa Ishiyama, as the third generation, toward business succession. I decided to start preparing.

Mr. Kamada is 22 years old who just graduated from Hirosaki University in March this year. Originally from Abashiri, Hokkaido, he participated in activities such as community activities and revitalization of shopping districts while attending school. "I got involved with adults in Hirosaki outside of school, and I got better for four years. I got a one-year grace period from the job offer and decided to help the people in Hirosaki to give back as much as possible." Kamada-san.

Mr. Ishiyama is now 24 years old and is from Hirosaki. It is said that he used to play around Kudoji Temple when he was a child. Although he was going on to school outside the prefecture, he made a U-turn last year and began to help local farmers sell their crops. He recalls that he became involved in the work of Hordec and was motivated to take on new challenges in the area where he has his roots. "I didn't want both stores in Kudoji to disappear," he said.

The two have no experience in making ramen and started from scratch. The recipe was taken over, but soup making and noodles were also arranged. It is said that it is still improving by developing a new menu and actively incorporating opinions from local customers who came to the pre-opening that started on April 18. "It is said that the taste has changed, but I want to be able to provide ramen that is more satisfying than before," says Kamada.

The target amount is 2 million yen. The use of the support money is mainly for equipment repair costs. Used for maintenance of water supply and air conditioning equipment to clear the HACCP examination. Return items include ramen tickets, Kudoji temple stamps, and local specialties. We will also prepare a plan to become a store manager for one day.

Mr. Kamada said, "I realized once again that the store was pre-opened and rooted in the local area. There are many worshipers, and there are plans to open a campsite in the future. While protecting it as a place where locals can gather, people from outside the area I want to make it a place where people can get together happily. "

"Kudoji Ramen Shop" will open on May 3rd. The deadline for crowdfunding is 23:59 on May 31st.