Kenshin Kurosawa, owner of what he calls the UK's number one takoyaki shop, has seen sales nearly double after relocating to Renshaw Street Food Market in Liverpool. The 26-year-old from Kyoto, Japan, moved his SHINTAKO (心蛸) stand after eJoy Asian Foods, its previous home on Myrtle Street, closed in May after 12 years.
New location boosts business
Kurosawa said: “My new location is very close to Liverpool city centre, so there are lots of tourists. It’s also the biggest food court in Liverpool, and it’s especially busy on weekends. Sales are now almost double what they were before.” However, he noted that running the stall alone has increased his workload significantly, with more preparation and customer service demands.
The former American Pizza Slice worker added: “The biggest thing people say is that they’re really happy I decided to continue. That means a lot to me. I’ve also had many new customers try my takoyaki for the first time, and hearing them say it’s delicious makes me really happy.”
From eJoy closure to new start
eJoy Asian Foods officially closed in May after 12 years. Owner Kent Gu said it was a difficult period for employees and food traders, including Kurosawa, and that lease renewal issues led to the decision to close. Kurosawa admitted being surprised by the closure but said it came at a good time for him.
“At first, I was really surprised for eJoy to be closing. But to be honest, after about six months, I felt I had reached a point where sales at my previous location had started to level off,” he said. “My goal was to become the number one takoyaki shop in the UK, and I felt I had achieved that. I was already thinking that it might be time to move on to the next chapter and eventually stop running a takoyaki business. So, looking back, I think it happened at the right time.”
Traditional Japanese street food
Takoyaki, meaning “grilled octopus,” consists of a wheat-flour batter filled with octopus pieces, green onion, and crunchy tempura bits. Cooked in a moulded pan, the balls have a crispy exterior and soft, gooey centre. They are traditionally served with a sweet-savoury sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Kurosawa emphasised his commitment to authenticity: “It’s really important for me to be traditional because I want people in the UK to feel the true taste and spirit of Japan, not just through the flavour, but also through the hospitality and attention to detail that define Japanese culture.”
Uncertain future
Kurosawa is unsure how long he will continue the business. “Right now, I’m just focused on doing my best every day. To be honest, I don’t know exactly how long I’ll continue. At the latest, I think I’ll stay until around next spring. But I might finish by the end of this year, or even earlier,” he said. “It really depends on how I feel. I’ve learned that it’s important to be honest with myself and follow what I truly want to do. So when the time feels right, I’ll move on to the next chapter of my life.”
He never imagined he would be in the UK making takoyaki, let alone running his own business. After working at numerous Liverpool restaurants and pizzerias, he realised he wanted to create something of his own. “That’s when I decided to share one of Japan’s most iconic comfort foods and spread the warmth and culture of Japan through it,” he said. “I’d love for my cooking to reach more people and maybe one day even open in another country. For now, I’ll keep giving my best right here in Liverpool, bringing smiles and happiness to people through my food.”
