Ms. Maika Nakamoto owns a restaurant in Saijo Oka-machi.

She has been serving customers at nightclubs since teenager. She started out as a way to make some extra money, but now she loves her job.
She says, "We are not entertainers, but there are still customers who come to see us."

It's a job where we can directly feel that our customers think we are “special," says Maika.
Originally from Kure, Maika came to Saijo when she was 20 years old.

It was the first time for her to come to Saijo, and no friends here, but the kindness of senior staff and customers, which she could not have imagined in any other town, made her decide to do her best in this town.

Seven years ago, she became independent as a co-owner.
I have been aiming to create a shop where all the cast members can work with smiles.
"In order to entertain customers, the cast members themselves have to enjoy themselves."

As it grew larger and larger, Maika found that she was no longer able to serve customers she loved as envisioned.

In preparation for a new challenge, she stepped down from management of one of her stores at the end of March 2020.

She wants to provide proper customer service for the customers who have supported her for the past 10 years.
To do so, she wants to serve customers directly and create a situation which allows her to express myself.

In Saijo Okamachi, the relationship between the stores and the customers is very close, but the stores/restaurants are not, she feels in this COVID-19 situation.
”I would like to have more communication among shops, restaurants whenever necessary", she said.