Nichinichisou in Naha – heartwarming handmade sweets

Keiko Shimoji owner of Nichinichisou in Urasoe City has been making cakes and custard puddings for over ten years. “My products may be tasty,” she said modestly. “But I am not certified pastry chef.”
 

 

Making sweets was just one of her hobbies. Although they may not be fancy, they are delicious—like what mom might make at home. “But, I wish I could make fancier treats like pro,” she said.

 

Keiko’s husband, Hideki praises her work. “Keiko does not need to compare herself to other people or professional chefs,” he said. “She should be proud of what she is doing now. Her many regular customers are proof of her skills.”
 

 

Hideki started helping out after he discovered some health issues and had to quit his job. He is in charge of selling her confections at local events and says that regular customers always wait for his arrival. The welcoming smiles encourage him to work harder every time.

 

Selections include, Gateau Chocolat, Beniimo (local purple potato Crumble Cake), Vivid Orange Ougonimo (local sweet potatoes ougonimo and kuganiimo) Cake, Rich Noukou Cheese Cake and more!

 

Keiko has no experience at any bakeries or pastry shops. This is the main reason she can create “mom’s taste”.
 

 

People in Okinawa are mostly familiar with German cake. The German Gateau Chocolat is a modified version of usual variety. You will love the coconut flavor and crunchy texture.

 

The Mulberry Leaf and Avocado Cheese Cake won second place at the Kuwacchii (mulberry) Festival, which was held in Urasoe City in November 2015. Mulberry is a specialty in Urasoe, and the food event was themed around mulberry.

 

Mulberry leaves contain Vitamins B1 & VE, carotene, iron and calcium. Avocado is highly nutritious as well. The two ingredients add nice depth to cheesecake. The superb, smooth texture is a joy in your mouth.

 

Custard Pudding and Pumpkin Pudding are popular items.

 

Previously available only at events, Keiko’s sweets may now be purchased at her Heiwa Dori Street shop in Naha City, which was opened in August 2016. Since their priority is still introducing Keiko’s creations at local events, they have no regular days off. You can almost always find them at fairs or festivals on weekends but be sure to stop by when taking a stroll around Makishi Kousetsu Ichiba on Kokusai Dori Street.

 

 

Tezukuriokashi Nichinichisou

Shop Info

Address: 3-5-1-1F Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa

Tel: 090-3792-8674

Hours: 12:00-19:00

 

 

*Their sweets will be at Itoman Kanko Nouen for the Illumination event

*The shop in Naha will be open again from January 9th

 

 

Workshop Info

Address: 1-16-3 Nakanishi, Urasoe City, Okinawa

Tel: 098-877-8001

Hours: 10:00-20:00

 

 

Okinawa CLIP photo writer: Sachiko