Tako no Ma’s takoyaki experience is held in a traditional Japanese house in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka.
Actually, this home belongs to TAKA-san, the owner of a sushi restaurant called “22 Kailua” in Kailua, Hawaii. It’s both his Japanese residence and restaurant space!
This page introduces TAKA-san and shares a bit about his restaurant “22 Kailua.”
What is 22 Kailua?｜22 Kailua とは
“22 Kailua” is a local-favorite sushi restaurant located in Kailua, Hawaii.
TAKA-san, the owner, spent 40 years in Hawaii and ran his restaurant there for many years.
Wishing to let his elderly mother spend her remaining years in Japan, he returned and opened a Hawaiian-style restaurant, “22 Kailua JAPAN,” in this traditional Japanese house.
He’s a sushi chef with roots in both Japan and Hawaii.
Connection with Tako no Ma
Thanks to a special connection, TAKA-san kindly lends his Japanese house and shop space for the Tako no Ma experience.
He’s been incredibly kind and supportive, and we’ve become close friends.
That’s why you get to enjoy authentic takoyaki in this beautiful 70-year-old home.
The restaurant’s Instagram says, “The key to life is having fun.”
That joyful, easygoing spirit of TAKA-san flows right into Tako no Ma, too.
Can I meet TAKA-san?
If you’re lucky, you might get to meet him!
But if it’s outside business hours or he’s with customers, he may be busy.
If you have time after your takoyaki experience, feel free to visit his restaurant “22 Kailua JAPAN” for a drink or a poke bowl!
※But please enjoy the takoyaki experience first!
I don’t have much wiggle room in my schedule, so experiences start right on time—thank you for understanding!
There Are Two Big Dogs at 22 Kailua JAPAN
There are two big dogs living at 22 Kailua JAPAN – Puu-chan and Mugi-chan.
They’re super friendly and just so cute! (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡
You won’t meet them during the cooking class (for safety reasons),
but if you visit the restaurant while it’s open, they might come say hi!
22 Kailua JAPAN
1-11-31 Nagainishi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka
Hours: 11:30–14:30 (L.O), 17:00–21:00 (L.O)
Closed: Tuesdays
Dog-friendly (two large dogs live here!)
22 Kailua in Hawaii
326 Kuulei Rd, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
The upper floors are used as a share house.
A cozy share house is also run on the upper floors of 22 Kailua JAPAN.
That means you can enjoy the takoyaki experience *and* stay overnight in the same charming house!
If you’re interested in staying, feel free to check it out and book through Airbnb.