“Interestingly, many of the older okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima share the names of their matron founders who, during the war and its aftermath, opened their shops when their husbands went off to – or failed to return from – the war.”

Client: Setouchi Reflection Trip, the official travel guide to the Setouchi Region of Japan.

Project Description: Write a travel advertorial with photographs.

A Quote

“Interestingly, many of the older okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima share the names of their matron founders who, during the war and its aftermath, opened their shops when their husbands went off to – or failed to return from – the war.”

The Inside Scoop

This was my kinda project — delicious food at a high quality, casual establishment with a deep history and ample photo opportunities. Yes!

The cooks at Koshida were loads of fun to interview, too. Professional, but not afraid to horse around, and I like to think their flair found its way into my write up. They also clearly had a genuine love of their work and pride in their ability to do it well.

The history of okonomiyaki is fascinating in its own right, with direct links to the hardships of WWII in Japan and, in Hiroshima in particular, the atomic bombing. Some say Osaka’s okonomiyaki cropped up first, but I’ll let someone else settle that perennial debate. Either way, the styles are distinct, and Hiroshima’s version has become part of the city’s postwar identity.

It’s also delicious, and Koshida serves up some of the best in town. I was thrilled at the opportunity to eat there, and have visited on my own dime numerous times since.

My Favorite Part

Eating my photography subject. And the heart made of corn.

See the results: 
Okonomiyaki at Koshida Honten – Hiroshima’s Soul Food, Served with Heart