The first is Cafe Kian, which holds fond memories for Shimon of spending time with his friends when he was in junior high school. Last December, it reopened as Golf Cafe Gian, with a new private room equipped with an authentic golf simulation that allows guests to play the world's most famous courses while enjoying a meal.

The café boasts 10 kinds of specialty coffees, which he often visits when he returns to his hometown, saying, "I get a craving for them when I'm in Tokyo.

Shimon-san always orders the hashed beef omelette rice with a large portion. The hashd beef is filled with beef shigureni, and he eats it up with a happy expression on his face, saying, "Everywhere I scoop, meat comes out.

After finishing the omelette, I chose French toast for dessert. The dark egg, milk, and sugar soaked into the bread to create a fluffy mouthfeel.

Shimon-san's excitement was heightened when he added a special ice cream topping, saying, "Since it's a reward, it tastes like a Sunday theater (TBS) with a lot of top actors.

Next, we visited a ramen restaurant that Mr. Shimon has been giving his stamp of approval, saying, "All the kotekote ramen lovers in Japan will surely like it. Although it is located in the suburbs of Kyoto Prefecture, it is very popular, with a long line of customers waiting in line.

Mr. Akasako, the president of the company, who said he had always wanted to meet Mr. Akasako, sipped a cup of sake that he himself had prepared for him.

He is particular about how he eats his noodles. "I always ask for a double portion of noodles twice. After eating the medium-thick noodles, I add four cups of garlic soy sauce to the thick broth, add more flavor, and then add the thin noodles.

This was Shimon-san's first full marathon. How did you feel after running the "Kyoto Marathon 2024"?

Okura: It was fun. In the "Awaji Island Longitudinal Marathon" and "27-Hour TV Survival Marathon," which I have run in the past, I competed with other runners for rankings, but the full marathon was a battle against myself. I was energized by the voices of all the participants, including those cheering me on along the roadside and other runners.

I was impressed by the way you responded with a smile to the cheering from along the route. You completed the race in the target time, but how much training did you do?

Okura / In the three months before the marathon, I ran 20 km every two days. Even on the days I went home tired, I ran thinking that it would definitely be harder after running the 42.195 km of the main race.

ーーーーIt is truly a battle against yourself. In the preliminary questionnaire, you mentioned that you wanted to find out why marathon runners can say that running a full marathon is a hobby. Did you find out the reason?

Okura/ Yes, I understand. The appeal of this race is that you can run while sightseeing in that city. I slowed down the pace for the first 20 km and enjoyed the streets of Kyoto, running as if it were a stamp rally to visit tourist spots.

Did the streets of Kyoto look different from usual?

Okura: It looked different. I was reminded once again that Kyoto is an amazing place in the world, with historical sites everywhere you look. ［At Ninna-ji Temple, there were so many monks cheering me on that I felt like I had seen enough monks for a lifetime.

Mr. Okura has rediscovered the charms of Kyoto. Do you have any recommendations for how to spend your time?

Okura/Temple tour. There are many attractive places other than famous temples. ［At Suzumo-dera Temple, it is said that "any wish will be granted," and you can listen to a sermon that lasts from 30 minutes to an hour!

What are your goals and prospects for the future?
Okura: My goal is to have a regular program in Kansai. Kyoto is a place where I feel at home, so I would like to live in two locations, in Tokyo and Kyoto, and return to Kyoto once or twice a week (laugh).

And now I am still often referred to as Michyopa's (=Miyu Ikeda's) husband, but I want something more. From now on, I want to be remembered as an amazing marathoner. I think I will live with running and Kyoto.

Shimon Okura was born on March 16, 1993. Born in Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. He made his debut as a men's model for the fashion magazine "Popteen. He was a member of the track team in elementary, junior high, and high school, and is still an avid golfer. He is a hardworking person who is dedicated to the goals he has set while making "Michyopa's husband" a laughing matter. During our interview, we caught a glimpse of his kind side, as he was willing to have his picture taken and play with the staff's children, never forgetting to be considerate of those around him. We can't take our eyes off the big hearted Ms. Shimon in the future.