Key Facts
• In August 2024, Kana Ishida, 31, opened “Nicon” in Noshiro City, Akita.
• The store is located 300 meters from a local elementary school.
• Ishida worked in restaurants for five years before opening her store.
• “Nicon” offers daily menus with seasonal ingredients and nostalgic home-style flavors.
• Popular dishes include winter-only pork offal stew and allergy-friendly fried chicken.
• September 2025: Heavy rain caused flooding, temporarily closing the store.
• Ishida balances running the store with raising three children.
• Future goal: Establish a “children’s cafeteria” to support local kids.
• “Nicon” has become a beloved spot for all generations in the community.
Summary
Kana Ishida, inspired by her love for cooking, opened “Nicon” in Noshiro City, Akita, in August 2024. Located near a school, the store aims to be a welcoming space for children and the community. “Nicon” serves daily-changing menus featuring seasonal ingredients, including popular dishes like pork offal stew and allergy-friendly fried chicken. Despite challenges like flooding in September 2025 and balancing work with raising three children, Ishida remains committed to her mission. She hopes to expand her efforts by creating a “children’s cafeteria” to support local families. Over a year since its opening, “Nicon” has become a cherished hub for people of all ages.
