Owner of local Japanese grocery store honored by NY community
HARRISON, N.Y. (PIX11) — Nestled in the heart of Harrison, New York is a beloved Japanese grocery store that has been serving the community for more than 20 years.
Hidenori Takada opened Oishinbo with the hope of sharing his culture with the community.
“How to make sushi,” Takada said. “How to make Japanese food. So I want to help them. It’s very healthy food.”
On the shelves of Oishinbo you can find a wide array of goods imported all the way from Japan that you may not find at your average supermarket. The shelves are stocked with toys along with cultural foods.
“This is a yam noodle,” Takada said, showing off a product in his store. “This is very healthy from the yam and then some people say [it’s a] miracle noodle because this one [has] no calorie.”
Those unique offerings have built a loyal customer base over the years with longtime patrons like Wendy Moger-Bross coming back for more.
“I like the friendliness of the people,” said Moger-Bross. “I like the interest for young children. If I’m with someone we can come and there’s always colorful things. They have great stuff honestly.”
Enriching the local community with his Japanese heritage extends beyond the aisles of the store. Takada shows his commitment to preserving his Japanese culture by offering hands on workshops on sushi-making and inviting patrons to delve into the rich traditions of his homeland.
For Takada, the gourmet store is not just a business venture but a labor of love aimed at nurturing a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture in his community. He’s hoping the spirit of Japan will continue to thrive through his store, enriching the lives of customers one cultural dish at a time.
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