The Value of Living, Learned from the Charm of a Happy Clown Who Draws Many into Their Swamp.

My gaze was stolen in an instant.

But I felt like it was something I shouldn't look at, so I averted my eyes before we could make contact.

Why is it that we are always drawn to the things we shouldn't look at? Is it just 'morbid curiosity,' or am I just being pressured by the silent demand of 'you'd better look at me'?

I'm not sure, but I believe that 'it' I saw holds some kind of magical power.

And those who see it all have their hearts and stomachs captured by a certain 'masterpiece' it recommends.

Mid-May 2025.

My husband and I decided to go to Hakodate City, Hokkaido. We managed to get cheap Shinkansen tickets.

A whirlwind 3-day, 2-night trip. Since we were going all that way, we wanted to have unique local experiences, so we searched for recommendations for a 'Hakodate trip' and planned our itinerary together.

It was my husband's first time in Hakodate.
On the other hand, this was my third time visiting Hakodate in my life.
My previous two visits were for a school trip and a staff trip from a former workplace. This was my first time going on a completely private trip.

Moreover, since this was my first visit since the Hokkaido Shinkansen opened, there was the added excitement of being able to step off at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station for the first time.

While researching Hakodate, one presence stood out in particular.

A restaurant chain with stores in Hakodate City, Hokkaido.

'Lucky Pierrot'

Actually, even though this was my third time in Hakodate, while I had seen the buildings, I had never stepped inside one until now.

Looking back now, I think the reason I had walked past the shop without ever entering, despite having seen it around, was the unique atmosphere that felt overwhelming just from the look of the interior.

In addition, the impression I had of clowns played a large part.

Clown.

When I looked up the meaning, this explanation came up.

Perhaps due to the influence of a certain movie, the mysterious equation of "clown = creepy" had occupied my brain, and I had convinced myself that "this might be a shop I shouldn't enter."

That said, "Lucky Pierrot" was the first place my husband, who was visiting Hakodate for the first time, suggested we go.

In that case, there wasn't even an option to not go inside.

How many times had I been tempted by the dining scenes at "Lucky Pierrot" that almost always appeared whenever I looked up information about Hakodate?

I had no choice but to go.
I tried to do as much preparation as possible to ease my distrust of clowns.

Cutting short our viewing of the double cherry blossoms, which were in full bloom and at their peak, my husband and I, hungry after arriving in Hakodate, headed straight for the shop.

The shop we visited this time was Lucky Pierrot Marina Suehiro Branch.

A clown was already sitting at the entrance, which heightened my tension. Before I could lose my nerve, I entered the shop, carried by the momentum of my hunger.

The style is to order first and then secure a seat.

It seems that if you write your seat number on the paper you receive when ordering and place it in the designated spot, the staff will bring your food to your seat. Following the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," I decided to follow the staff's instructions.

Since it was lunchtime, there was a long line at the order register, and the shop was quite bustling.
Seeing so many people eating and drinking happily, I realized that the equation I had in my head was just a baseless assumption and a mistaken perception.

I headed to the end of the line to wait for my turn to order.

A shop that welcomes you with such flashy chairs is probably something you won't find at any other hamburger chain or family restaurant.

The line moved a bit slowly, enough for me to take photos inside the shop; perhaps it was because it was lunchtime, a time when tourists rather than locals visit.

I took turns with my husband waiting in line and wandered around the shop a bit.

Speaking of the Marina Suehiro branch, it seems there was a dining scene in the 2024 movie, 'Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram'.

No matter what time of day I went, there were always people enjoying their meals at this pilgrimage site seat.

Among those entering the shop, there were people holding plush keychains of Kaito Kid and Conan, so it must still be popular even though some time has passed since its release.

This shop has an interior that drifts with a somewhat antique feel. Its location in the bay area, lined with red brick warehouses, likely has an influence on that.

They say the decoration style and product prices vary depending on the shop.

By the way, although we couldn't visit this time, it seems like it would be fun to go to the main store if you can travel by car.

Well, let's get back to the story.

I selected the menu items I had researched and wanted to eat beforehand. Even though we were hungry, I placed the order while worrying if it was too much for two people to eat.

We waited for a window seat with a view of the sea as much as possible, and then sat down.

The items I ordered, feeling nervous about the system of a restaurant I was visiting for the first time, were all brought to us shortly after, piping hot and freshly made.

The overwhelmingly popular No. 1 set (Chinese Chicken Burger, Lucky Fries, Homemade Oolong Tea)

In addition to that, we ordered

Chinese Chicken Omelet Rice

Our table, lined with the items we ordered, was overflowing with "It looks so delicious...!" and was a masterpiece.

The dishes looked incredibly satisfying. It was time for the exciting, heart-pounding tasting.

First, the Chinese Chicken Burger.

This is a dish that could be called the number one signature item, loved and known as the Chai-Chiki Burger.

Three large pieces of sweet and savory fried chicken, crisp fresh lettuce, and mayonnaise are sandwiched in a bun generously sprinkled with sesame seeds.

The fried chicken is piping hot, enough to burn your mouth, but the seasoning is exquisite, making you want to keep taking bite after bite. The mayonnaise does a great job, creating a sinful, devilishly delicious taste.

Once you take a bite, you can never go back to the person you were before you knew it.

That expression fits perfectly.

And when it comes to sides for a burger, it has to be fries. The specialty at "Lucky Pierrot" is apparently this Lucky Potato.

Thick, fluffy potatoes are luxuriously topped with plenty of meat sauce and cream sauce (cheese sauce).

Since the sauce is already poured over them, you can't eat them with your hands. A fork is essential, but this is also a flavor you get hooked on, so I understand why everyone wants to come back for more.

Next is the Chinese Chicken Omelet Rice, which looks happy just to look at.

I was surprised by the size of this omelet rice, and of course, the finish of the egg was outstanding.

Thinking it might be cooked firm, I scooped it with a spoon and found that it retained a wonderful fluffiness.

The ketchup rice inside had a slight Chinese flavor, so it might not be simple ketchup rice.

Whether it's the egg or the rice, it's very clear that they use plenty of oil (a compliment).

Topped with three more large pieces of sweet and savory fried chicken and a little bit of fukujinzuke pickles.

As for the sweet and savory fried chicken, I've already mentioned it, so I'll skip it.
Fukujinzuke is usually associated with curry rice, but eating it with omelet rice also added texture and acidity, deepening the flavor.

As the product introduction suggests, everything is very oily, and only the lettuce and fukujinzuke pickles are there to provide a refreshing balance.

What clears out your stomach, which has become completely heavy from being captivated by the sinful flavors, and invites you once again to the happiness of the next bite, is the homemade oolong tea.

This overwhelmingly popular number one set is truly well-crafted.

Even though I should already be feeling full, I find myself bringing the omurice and burger to my mouth, one bite after another.

Before I knew it, the table was covered in empty dishes.

One visit was not enough.

My husband and I realized that our instincts and our bodies were screaming, "I want that taste again!"

In the end, we became completely obsessed with "Lucky Pierrot." During our three-day, two-night stay in Hakodate, we visited the restaurant a total of three times to savor the charm of "Lucky Pierrot".

My husband even enjoyed playing with the gachapon machines inside the store.

Although a month has already passed since we returned from our trip, we still haven't forgotten the taste of the Chinese Chicken Burger, and we both mutter, "I want to go back to Hakodate just to eat this," that's how hooked we are.

Why is this |happy clown (Lucky Pierrot) so beloved?

Until now, I had just avoided it without ever trying it.

We are surely not the only couple who has been dyed by this charm.

During our stay, we visited at times other than lunch, and there were always people in the store, from early in the morning until late at night.

Of course, there were tourists and school trip students among the people in the store, but considering that at certain times of the day only locals would be able to come, it is clear that it is a restaurant, a flavor, and a character loved by many people.

Just by stepping inside once, we became this hooked.

And now, I find myself wanting to support them.

What was the charm of "Lucky Pierrot", which can only be found in the southern region of Hokkaido?

The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the "taste".

The taste of the products offered significantly impacts the customer's experience value. It is only when a positive experience accompanies it that one feels motivated to actively return.

However, the positive experience referred to here is not limited to taste alone.

The time spent eating.
The journey to the restaurant.
Who you spent it with.
What you ate, what you talked about, and how you spent your time.

Such elements surely also influence the experience value.

In addition, "Lucky Pierrot" had that branding power to take root in the region.

Actually, I think this might be the biggest factor.

Looking at reviews from people who visited Lucky Pierrot from all over the country, I often see comments saying, "I wish they would expand nationwide."

A taste you want to eat not only while traveling, but even after leaving that place.
I think that just goes to show how high the experience value and satisfaction at this restaurant are.

Pricing, interior decorations, and various campaigns.
As I researched "Lucky Pierrot," I learned that they are trying to give back to the region in ways that are only possible because they are locally rooted.

The way this company operates, in turn, spreads its overflowing charm beyond just the region.

Of course, I also sometimes think, "I wish this restaurant were nearby."

However, I don't know if that would work out positively when looking at the big picture.

I also think that the existence of "Lucky Pierrot" might be able to keep shining precisely because it is located in the southern part of Hokkaido, centered around Hakodate City.

Even if it were expected that profits would be higher than ever before,

if spreading too thin would dilute the happiness right in front of them,

rather than expanding the reach,

I want to deliver plenty of happiness and even richer joy to the people right in front of me whom I want to cherish.

I feel that thinking this way is a natural emotion, whether as a consumer or as a product provider.

Prioritizing the local area and continuing to deliver delicious food.
I sincerely respect this "Lucky Pierrot" for holding onto its locally-rooted beliefs.

The charm that overflows from "Lucky Pierrot," which could be called happiness, is difficult to express in words other than "culinary bliss."

Of course, the deliciousness on the surface is undeniable.

To know about "Lucky Pierrot," it must start with having the time to eat a meal.

I believe that it is not just the staff who create that deliciousness or the ingredients themselves, but the history and beliefs held by the restaurant that elevate the flavor.

Knowing the stimulation that cannot be tasted in other regions, and can only be encountered in the southern part of Hokkaido, is both a happiness and a sorrow.

Having realized that there is nothing in the dictionary of my experiences that overlaps with what I experienced at "Lucky Pierrot," I found myself wanting to cherish and deepen the things right in front of me that I hold dear, while eagerly awaiting the day I can relive that experience once more.