In September, on a quiet night in a private room for important conversations
On September 17th, the midday sky is scattered with clouds. The temperature still hovers around 28.91°C, leaving a trace of summer on the skin as one walks outside. However, as night falls, the moment the restaurant door closes, the aroma of fire and dashi rises gently. When the sliding door of the private room is quietly drawn back, even the voices soften. On important dining occasions, one hopes that the dishes will not be overly assertive but will instead accompany the conversation gracefully. The night in the private room begins with the sound of tableware Many who seek "Kume Kappo" in Kume, Naha, are in search of the tranquility of a private room. There are two rooms accommodating up to four guests each. The lighting is soft, with only the luster of the tableware illuminated. The delicate sound of chopsticks touching the edge of the dish and the gentle waft of steam create a rhythm for the conversation. September marks the onset of autumn. With the lingering heat, if one leans too heavily on cold dishes, the night may feel light. Thus, the owanmono serves to settle the atmosphere. This dish, served in a warm broth, conceals the finest ingredients of the day. The fragrance that rises at the moment it is presented can ease the tension at the table. The ingredients arriving from the sea and mountains of Okinawa are skillfully prepared with the precision and cooking techniques learned in Kyoto, resulting in a flavor that leaves room for nuance. Even in a business meeting, there are things that can be conveyed before words are spoken. Choosing the chef's selection at 7,700 yen to create a peak in conversation On nights when important discussions are to be held, more guests opt for the chef's selection at 7,700 yen (nine courses). The abundance of dishes is not merely for opulence, but to harmonize the flow of conversation. A light dish relaxes the atmosphere, sashimi encourages the enjoyment of sake, and the grilled dish straightens the spine. As warm dishes are introduced towards the end, there are moments when the expressions of the guests soften. In the back of the private room, the sound of the chef placing his knife down can be faintly heard, followed by staff quietly bringing steaming bowls. When placed on the table, the lid of the lacquer bowl emits a slight sound. This brief pause can serve as a cue to shift the conversation. Sake is suggested from a selection of about 15 to 20 types, tailored to complement the dishes of the day. While some may find the idea of Okinawan sake surprising, there are crisp cold sakes that pair well with island fish sashimi, as well as sakes that match the temperature of the owanmono. For those who do not drink, fragrant teas and soft drinks are also available, ensuring that the evening aligns with the purpose of the gathering, even if it is not centered around drinking. In Naha, during business meetings in the private room, a subtle approach that matches the pace of dining and the rhythm of conversation proves effective. The dishes should neither rush nor linger. Ideally, one should find that nine courses have been completed without realizing it. From a back alley in Kume to a counter with six seats and two private rooms The restaurant is open only at night, from 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00). It is approximately a nine-minute walk from Asahibashi, just a short distance into Kume Street. For travelers, this distance is just right after the heat of daytime sightseeing has subsided. If you are searching for creative Japanese cuisine in Naha, you may find many lively establishments, making it difficult to choose. Here, with fewer seats, the temperature of the dishes and the temperature of the sake are never neglected. The counter has six seats. Some nights, one may come alone, while other nights may find two guests speaking little. The private rooms accommodate up to four guests each. It is also suitable for those wishing to enjoy a quiet meal on a special occasion in Naha. Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day through TableCheck. Depending on the time, a phone call may be quicker. Once your plans are firm, it is wise to secure your seats in advance. Addressing your inquiries Some may ask where is the best place to make a reservation. Generally, TableCheck is convenient. It offers multilingual displays and makes it easy to check for available seats. Of course, we also accept reservations by phone. Others may worry about whether the course content is fixed. The chef's selection is structured around three options: 5,500 yen (five courses), 6,600 yen (seven courses), and 7,700 yen (nine courses), tailored to the day's ingredients. If there are items you cannot eat or allergies, please inform us as much as possible at the time of reservation. We will make adjustments within reasonable limits. Many often inquire if they can drive. Unfortunately, we do not have a dedicated parking lot. However, there are several paid coin parking options within walking distance. If using public transport, it is about a nine-minute walk from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail. There has been an increase in inquiries about whether overseas guests can utilize our services. We offer an English menu and a Traditional Chinese menu. We can provide guidance in simple English, and overseas-issued cards are accepted. We aim to create an inviting atmosphere for those searching for a Japanese restaurant in Naha without excessive formality. On September nights, the remnants of summer and the onset of autumn coexist on the same plate. Whether for a business meeting or a special anniversary dinner, it is often preferable for the dishes not to assert themselves too much, allowing the words to flourish. Once you have decided on a date of interest, please add a note such as "request for a private room" or "for a business meal" in the remarks section on TableCheck. This will slightly adjust the arrangement of your seating. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Akamine Building 1F 102, Kume, Naha City, Okinawa (approximately a 9-minute walk from Yui Rail Asahibashi Station) 🕒 Opening hours: 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00) / Closed on Sundays and public holidays 🍶 Creative Japanese cuisine and sake / Chef's selection 5,500 yen (five courses)・6,600 yen (seven courses)・7,700 yen (nine courses) 🏮 Counter seating for 6 / 2 private rooms (each accommodating up to 4 guests) / Suitable for small business meetings, anniversaries, or a night during your travels 🌏 English / Traditional Chinese menus available / Overseas-issued cards accepted / 24-hour online reservations via TableCheck ✨ Inamine Seigo — After training in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, now in Okinawa For reservations, please contact TableCheck or call 098-975-5673.