西日本豪雨８年「復興　その先へ」３）豪雨、コロナ禍を克服…人が集う真備町うどん店主の８年間【岡山】 (26/07/06 18:20)

Series "Reconstruction: Beyond." The owner of "Saruya," a udon restaurant in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, has been working towards recovery since the disaster. Eight years later, the restaurant has become an indispensable part of the community. Handmade udon noodles and crispy shrimp tempura. This is "Saruya," an udon restaurant in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City. Many people visit the restaurant every day. (Customers say…) "It's delicious, the broth is especially good." "I like the meat udon. It's delicious and close by, so I come whenever I can." (Saruya owner, Yuki Shibata) "I work every day thinking that this isn't just my restaurant." [Immediately after the disaster] All the udon-making tools and dishes were unusable… Eight years ago… Saruya was hit hard by the West Japan floods just as owner Yuki Shibata was starting the restaurant and getting it on track. All the tools and dishes used to make udon noodles were unusable. (Yuki Shibata) "I've been helped by the people around me. I hope to reopen soon for the sake of my customers." [Three months after the heavy rains...] Three months after the heavy rains, Mr. Shibata postponed repairs to his damaged home and reopened his business in a temporary shop, beginning to provide udon to disaster victims and volunteers. [One year after the heavy rains...] (Yuki Shibata) "Since my shop is called 'Saruya,' I made a play on words with 'Tori' (chicken tempura) and 'Torisaru' (to remove disaster)." He continued to bring cheer by devising a stylish special menu. [One year and three months after the disaster] Mr. Shibata decided to rebuild his shop. [One year and nine months after the disaster] The shop reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic. He overcame the difficulties by implementing infection prevention measures and offering takeout options. (Yuki Shibata) "For the sake of people, society, and Mabi, I want to continue working with conviction." ◆Actress MEGUMI also learned about his existence…and it became the impetus for holding the event. 〇Udon kneading Since Mr. Shibata, starting the day by kneading udon dough has become a daily routine for him. (Yuki Shibata) "Eight years ago, I suddenly couldn't live a normal life anymore. I feel grateful that I can still knead (udon) today..." (Event staff) "Hello," "Here is this year's flyer." Eight years after the disaster… Saruya has become an important place in the community, serving as the venue for an event held every year around this time. (Yu Shibata, event organizer) "I learned about 'Saruya' while walking around town with my classmate, actress MEGUMI. We got to know them through a fortunate connection. They're working so hard, so I wanted to do something to help, and that's how this started." ◆Eight years after the disaster… A place indispensable to the community where people who left Mabi Town and local residents gather The event has been held for six years, with food provided by actress MEGUMI, originally from Kurashiki City, and her classmates. It's become a regular event, featuring festival stalls, live music, and more, attracting many people. In 2026, it will be held on the afternoon of July 7th, bringing together people who left Mabi Town and local residents. (Yuki Shibata) "I'd be happy if 'Saruya' becomes a hub for customers, local residents, children, the elderly, people of all ages." Eight years after the West Japan floods… Saruya now not only provides comfort through udon noodles, but has also become an indispensable place in the community, connecting people.