KYOTO -- A branch of Gyoza no Osho in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, will close its doors in late October after offering free meals to financially struggling students for nearly four decades.
Sadahiro Inoue, owner of the Demachi branch of the gyoza dumpling restaurant chain, made the decision as he turned 70 this year. About 30,000 students have accepted the offer free food in exchange for washing dishes over the nearly 40 years, with many expressing words of gratitude and disappointment at the restaurant's imminent closure.
Because the restaurant is located on a street corner where there is much student housing for those attending Kyoto University and Doshisha University, it becomes filled with young customers in the afternoons.
"It's not a matter of loss or gain. I just wanted to help people in need," Inoue said as he cooked using a large wok in his kitchen.
Born in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Inoue ran off with his wife to Osaka at the age of 20. They lived humbly in small one room apartment. One day as he was making every effort to cut down on food expenses, a senior colleague of his treated him to sukiyaki for dinner. He thought at the time, "No matter how poor I am, I can be happy as long as I'm full." This experience was what drove him to want to help those who are hungry.
After joining the company that operates the Osho restaurant chain, Inoue began to offer meals in exchange for washing dishes back in 1982 when he became the manager of different location, out of a desire to "give back to society." Since becoming the Demachi outlet's owner in 1995, he has continued this service that has become well-known among students in the area, who turn to it for a variety of reasons such as not receiving financial support from their families or being unable to work part-time as they are busy studying for exams.
Notebooks kept at the restaurant have been filled with messages of gratitude, and many people have visited the restaurant in person to express their gratitude after graduating and finding work. Among them was a man who brought his girlfriend and announced to Inoue their intention to marry.
For reasons related to hygiene, Inoue stopped offering his free meal service two years ago. However, he now offers free meals to those who claim to have not eaten since the previous day, without asking for anything in return.
"I hate to close the restaurant while students are having a such difficult time during the novel coronavirus crisis, but I'll treasure the people I've met here for the rest of my life," Inoue said.
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