Amin Abbas 

Sakura Japan Sweets and Restaurant, uses localized ingredients from the UAE,  prioritizing catering to the audience seeking to experience the ‘real’ taste of Japan. 

In an exclusive interview with Arab News Japan, Miycho Chiba, founder and owner of the shop, recalled her journey of starting the business. She arrived in Ras Al Khaimah city (RAK City) in the UAE in 2001, to practice experimental agriculture. This experience gave her an idea of making processed food items using raw materials. 

Before exploring this venture, Chiba established a Japanese green tea trading company in 2016, named Agrak Food and Beverages Trading LLC.  However, the business proved to be difficult, leading to her opening a kitchen for miscellaneous catering. “For the time being, I would make Japanese sweets using green tea such as Matcha Roll cake, Houjicha cake and so on,” she said. 

Sakura Japan sweets and Restaurant came to life in November 2018. “I started the kitchen as my friends requested not only sweets but also some Japanese dishes. This is why I added casual food such as ramen noodles, sushi rolls and other things that are now on the menu.” 

However, the establishment was not all smooth sailing. “The most severe challenges were obtaining approval of the company and whether our Japanese food made with limited ingredients was accepted by the people in UAE,” Chiba said. 

“I made a menu while listening to each person’s opinions and feedback,” she added.

The food and the concept was “well received,” according to Chiba. Additionally, she wishes for visitors to distinguish her cafe from the others on the basis of an authentic and affordable Japanese dining experience. 

Furthermore, Chiba discussed Sakura Japan’s plans in the near future, including the upcoming opening of an Abu Dhabi branch as well as a ‘Zen Ramen’ making project for ramen lovers among young women.