MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- After traveling through five continents in search of the tastiest burger, entrepreneur Kazuyuki Kanechika landed
back in southern Japan — just off Route 188 in the small beach community of Hikari — the perfect setting, he says, to create a masterpiece all his own.
Kuti was too good to pass up, with its beach bungalow décor complete with the sounds of low-fi reggae hits of the 1970s. A closer inspection revealed the mobile sandwich shop’s original “company vehicle.”
Just eight years ago, Kanechika decided to begin what he calls his most important work. After returning from a tour that took him everywhere from China to Texas in search of the world’s most delicious burgers, he bought a kitchen the size of an ice cream truck and began cooking. Within a few months of opening “Kuti,” (translated as a place for dwelling and meditation) Kanechika’s dream was finally realized.
“Each day, I challenge myself to create a new, more fascinating sandwich recipe,” said Kanechika. “I have as much fun eating my burgers as I do making them. With enough practice, I think my skills can become ultimate.”
Nowadays, the mobile sandwich shop’s tires are almost flat. Two kitchens are in full operation at Kuti’s permanent location, drawing in about 200 customers each day, bumping Kanechika up to bigwig status in the small beach community’s dining scene.
The small shop offers eight signature burgers and six sandwiches. For those who like it their way, Kanechika also considers special a la carte orders. Also on the menu is a broad selection of cocktail drinks, natural juices, smoothies and soft drinks.
Kanechika said the shop is still mobile, somewhat. They do catering for large events or small get-togethers at reduced prices. Hikari’s own sandwich king chose to put the company vehicle up on blocks for the time being to allow him a chance to create a burger masterpiece.
If in Hikari, ask locals about Kuti to be pointed in the right direction.