Maki Ishii _ age 30

Where were you born?

Tsurajima in Kurashiki-City. I still live in Tsurajima. I lived in Osaka a couple of years after graduating from junior college. Other than that, I've always lived in Tsurajima.

Why Osaka?

The special school I attended was in Osaka, but any place was fine as long as I could escape Kurashiki. The reason why Osaka came to mind is because of my longing for a big city.

How did you like it in Osaka?

I learned that life can't go on just having fun.

How would you describe Tsurajima?

It's countryside. The elementary school I went to is being shut down from lack of students soon. It's a nice place, though. Everyone knows each other. I used to hate it when I was in high school and left for Osaka, but I've grown to feel comfortable there.

What do you do for a living?

I run a curry shop, Botan, with my mother in Inari, Kurashiki-City.

What kind of curry?

Curry that can be enjoyed by anyone from children to elderly people. There is nothing unusual about our curry. We keep it simple and try not to be too original.

What do you do on your day off?

I often go out to eat curry. Out of prefecture sometimes, but mainly within Okayama. There are many curry stores in Okayama Prefecture.

How do you picture yourself 10 years from now?

I'd like to be living a self sufficient life. It would be nice if I were still running this store on top of that.

Is curry your favorite dish?

It's actually Korean barbeque. I go eat at Ishiyama-ya quite often.