I love the time when the wind moves through the sea and forest of Kunigami Village.
We visit the market, carefully sort through island vegetables, season the meat, and the aroma of soup begins to rise.
The sounds and smells of the kitchen mingle with the birdsong outside.
That has become the rhythm of our days.
Recently, that rhythm has been disturbed a little by a series of events.
Although we explain in many ways that we operate by reservation only, more people have come without reservations, making it difficult for us to serve them. After that, we have increasingly received comments such as “they are not open” or “it is expensive.”
When I see words written without the before and after of the experience, it hurts a little.
I think of the people who come because they trust us, our producers, and our business partners who support us.
I think of our staff as well. Their faces come to mind.
The Background
People sometimes ask, “Why do you require reservations?”
The answer is simple: because we want to serve each guest in front of us at the best possible moment, in the way that suits them best.
The gifts of the island are unpredictable, and careful preparation takes time and hands.
There is no magic in the kitchen of a small restaurant that lets us force everything to happen at once.
That is why we welcome guests after making a mutual promise.
For us, that is our form of sincerity.
Nearby, there are cheerful lunch spots that are quick and affordable.
It is a very good thing that such places exist, and there are restaurants like that which I personally love.
OkuMasa’s lunch, on the other hand, is something that lets you slowly layer “island time.”
The price reflects carefully selected ingredients, handwork, handmade tableware and seasonings, and a calm Okinawan setting.
It is not a question of which is right. I believe they simply offer different kinds of goodness.
When Misunderstandings Arise
Misunderstandings usually arise when people are in a hurry.
Sometimes we cannot prepare seats for guests who arrive without reservations, or opinions about the taste spread even though the meal has not been served.
Sometimes we are called “expensive” when compared with low-priced lunch options.
But I hope people will remember that the premise is different.
A sprint and a mountain walk.
Both can be wonderful, but you cannot measure the value of one by the timing of the other.
At the same time, there have been thoughtless acts of harassment based on simple jealousy or resentment since we first opened. A review may appear to cause a wound, but it does not change the reality of what we do. We choose not to take such things into our hearts, and instead return them to the person responsible.
Do not lie.
Do not act unfairly.
Keep promises.
Care for others.
When you make a mistake, apologize.
Reviews are meant to be a place where people share their experiences and impressions, deepening mutual understanding. One-sided emotional claims or false slander that ignore the premise and the promise are, quite simply, disgraceful behavior.
Because it is very important not to lose one’s dignity as a person, we will respond firmly to malicious actions.
Toward Healthier Exchanges of Words
A review can become a light for someone who visits in the future.
For us as well, it is one measure that helps us improve.
OkuMasa’s lunch is prepared with the same quality as dinner, with the composition and volume adjusted to suit the lunchtime setting. Even if something did not suit you, adding a little context about your own expectations, such as preferences, budget, or the kind of experience you wanted, makes your message much easier to understand.
If there is any misunderstanding, please feel free to tell us directly, either at the time or later. Direct words lead to the most careful resolution. We will sincerely receive your feedback and improve what we can.
From Here: An Important Notice
There has been hesitation and sadness, but in the end, I want to face straight toward the people who say they love this place.
For that reason, we are adjusting our policy as follows.
・Lunch will continue.
However, as before, it will remain fully reservation-based, and we will operate even more quietly than before.
・To reduce mismatches, we will adjust how our business hours and other information appear on Google.
Actual lunch reservations will still be accepted through the official reservation form or by email.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for guests using Google Maps when coming by car, and we appreciate your understanding.
A Slightly Personal Story
When I was living alone in an old Ryukyu house in the mountains, being away from people taught me the strength needed to live with people.
Because I was someone who could only live in a very straightforward way, I once withdrew into the mountains, far from human settlements.
At that time, I began a hosted guesthouse limited to one group per day. Many guests from Japan and abroad came, became friends, and helped me face the world again.
Back then, as an Airbnb Superhost, I was able to share wonderful time with my guests.
Still, the building was shabby, insects appeared as a matter of course, and I myself was simple and awkward. I do not think it was something that could be easily praised.
Even so, I believe the guests who visited valued the stay with me because our feelings connected, beyond words, and they looked only at sincerity.
The presence of friends from nearby countries and regions such as Korea, Taiwan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand was especially significant, and helped nurture my values in a healthy way.
Through the experience of enjoying the same meals together with them, I opened ShabuMasa, the predecessor of OkuMasa, and eventually came to have the food experience itself appreciated as well.
Now I have come to Kunigami Village so I can live comfortably with people who are also able to appreciate me.
OkuMasa has been challenging, and there have been many failures that did not need to happen. But since coming to Kunigami Village, I have received a great deal of support and learned the joy of living while connecting with wonderful people.
To our guests who come from far away overseas, and to everyone who visits us again and again:
Your words — “delicious” and “thank you” — keep the light in the kitchen burning today.
May these feelings reach those with whom our hearts can connect.
May there be fewer misunderstandings, even just a little.
And I sincerely look forward to the day we can meet again.
OkuMasa
Masataka Arasaki
P.S. About Reservations
・Reservations are accepted only through our official reservation form or by email.
・Because we need to prepare ingredients, please contact us by the day before whenever possible.
・We have a small kitchen.
There are many things we cannot do, but what we can do, we will deliver carefully.
Please feel free to consult us.
Continuing lunch is not simply a matter of continuing business hours.
For me, it is also one of the reasons to keep living here.
Right now, we are short-staffed. That is why I want to operate carefully by reservation.
Considering purchasing, preparation, and my physical strength, I cannot push myself too hard with lunch at this moment.
To be honest, the reality is that I have continued lunch service by forcing myself through it.
But welcoming those who make a promise with us in the best possible condition is something I can continue sincerely.
The reservation system is an important structure for that purpose.
“Next time, I’ll bring my family.” “I can’t forget that flavor.”
I cannot say how much words like these have encouraged me.
The farmers who bring us island vegetables, the artists who make our tableware, and the people who quietly lend a hand.
Each plate at OkuMasa carries the feelings of many people.
To make the lunch scene and future of Kunigami Village a little brighter: continuing itself is a form of gratitude.
There are also people who come here with new dreams, learn, and then light the flame of cooking in their next place.
The lunch setting is the best classroom for that.
That is why I will not stop lunch now.
Without overdoing it, while valuing each promise, I will continue carefully within what is possible.
