The Japan Marketplace in Columbus, Ohio, is a one-stop shop for an authentic Japanese cultural experience. Housed in the Kenny Centre Mall, it includes six uniquely different businesses, each showcasing a slice of Japan.
Among them is the family-run bakery Belle’s Bread, famous for blending French flair with Japanese traditions. Next door is Akai Hana, a restaurant offering gourmet sushi and other Japanese delights. J Avenue offers trendy Japanese goods, while Kinokuniya Bookstore houses Japanese books and stationery.
Meanwhile, Maru Cleaner ensures optimum laundry services, and Tensuke Market brings a top-notch grocery shopping experience providing Japanese food essentials. These businesses collectively create a holistic Japanese experience under one roof.
The individual behind these successful establishments is immigrant entrepreneur Takashi Takenaka, who moved to the US in 1972. His drive spurred the creation of multiple businesses, including the wildly popular Akai Hana, J Avenue Japanese Collections, Sushi Ten, Tensuke Market, and Tensuke Ramen. With these accomplishments, he has significantly contributed to the local economy while representing the richness of Japanese culture.
Recently, Takenaka’s daughter, Mika Lecklider, took over Belle’s Bread.
Columbus’s Japanese Hub: Family-owned Businesses
Inspired by her father’s innovative entrepreneurship, she continues to catapult the family business toward success. Established in 2011, Belle’s Bread has earned a reputation beyond commercial boundaries and has become a local staple.
Thanks to a dedicated team of twenty bakers, Belle’s Bread provides various unique pastries, bread, and cakes. Their usage of fresh ingredients and artistic flair has earned them recognition and admiration in the baking industry. This unique fusion of quality, tradition, and innovation constitutes the bakery’s recipe for success, having a major positive impact on the local economy.
Lecklider acknowledges and embraces the diversity in her team to cater to customers with varied tastes, delivering the best from both European and Asian baking styles. She believes this diverse approach adds a unique touch to their offerings, attracting more customers.
The family’s influence is evident throughout the business, fostering trust, aligned goals, and strong relationships. Regular family discussions promote transparency and facilitate decision-making. Their aspiration to carry on the family legacy encourages unity and resilience, which are vital factors for navigating the business landscape.
