To everyone who has cared about OkuMasa this year:
As the year comes to a close, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and share a brief update.
This year, and the time since OkuMasa opened the year before last, brought many events that made it clear reality is not so simple, even when all I wanted was to focus on cooking.
Thanks to the many people who have supported us, however, I myself have changed greatly on the inside.
As a result, OkuMasa’s food and space are becoming more refined and beautiful day by day.
They are not flashy, but they are pure, steady, and deeply fulfilling.
When trust between people breaks down, a restaurant and everyone involved are hurt more deeply than one might imagine.
It is unfortunate that there are still matters to settle and feelings to sort through, but that is the honest truth.
I cannot go into detail, but for the sake of the staff we must protect and everyone who supports OkuMasa, we may consider legal action against those who have caused discomfort or disadvantage through their words or actions. Dignity belongs to everyone, but trust should be judged by actions and facts. Last year, I tried to be understanding even toward people who acted with malice, and as a result I was hurt unfairly and carried the feeling that my heart had been trampled on. But because of that, I was able to face reality with clear eyes. I have now resolved to draw a firm, unmistakable line where I cannot compromise.
From now on, I will not overlook the first sense of discomfort. When I see words or actions lacking sincerity or responsibility, I will distance myself at an early stage. I will become stronger not only in cooking, but also in legal and financial matters. I will make sure that OkuMasa’s vision and our actions are aligned, without being overly hesitant toward others or misjudging situations by trying too hard to read the room.
★ Mission: “To maximize the value of island ingredients as a dining experience.”
★ Values: “To be sincere and open, to challenge and create, and to collaborate with humility.”
★ Restaurant Promise: “We respect a comfortable distance with one another. Disrespectful behavior is not welcome.”
What matters should be made clear from the beginning, carefully but without ambiguity. And what cannot be compromised should not be compromised.
This is our promise so that the same mistakes are not allowed again and are not repeated.
At the same time, as mentioned at the beginning, OkuMasa has been able to keep moving forward this year only because of those who have supported us.
The staff who help us.
Our regular guests who continue to visit.
Family members and related people who support us quietly from behind the scenes.
Thank you, truly.
Things that I could never have done alone have been carried to this day by your hands, words, and hearts.
I also feel that the way we face our guests has changed a little from the days of ShabuMasa.
OkuMasa is no longer simply a place where only people who naturally get along as human beings gather.
For me, and perhaps for those who were attached to ShabuMasa, that feels a little lonely. But OkuMasa is OkuMasa: a different personality, with a different place, background, and team.
I believe that people from all over Japan and around the world, with many different purposes and backgrounds, have begun coming to Kunigami Village.
We will receive that change honestly as something to be glad about, while carefully communicating the distance, rules, and manners that allow everyone to spend time comfortably together.
We will nurture, protect, and enjoy creating a place where people feel, “I want to come back here again.”
Next year, I sense there will be more moments when many expectations are placed on us through food.
That is sobering, but at the same time I feel a clear sense that it will be a year of growth.
We will not forget our original spirit. We will refine our skills, body, and heart, build sincerity step by step, and deepen trust with every plate.
Thank you very much for this year.
We wish you a peaceful year-end and New Year holiday.
We look forward to your continued patronage next year.
OkuMasa
Masataka Arasaki
