38 Mitsubachi launches new menu in grand opening

Japanese soufflé pancake restaurant 38 Mitsubachi held its long-anticipated grand opening last Thursday with local and business leaders and members of the Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands gracing the occasion.

Guests enjoyed a veritable feast that included 38 Mitsubachi’s new pasta menu that includes cold tomato spaghetti with fresh vegetables and carbonara as well as various sushi, titiyas, and barbecue chicken and barbecue ribs.

To top it all off, 38 Mitsubachi also offered their freshly made soufflé pancakes and their newest creation—strawberry shaved ice, which are literally shaved frozen strawberries.

Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho thanked 38 Mitsubachi for inviting him to the grand opening.

“I heard it’s owned by a Japanese businessman. That’s why I’m here as I want to support this thing. The economy is not that good, yet they opened a new business. I want to send a strong message to our businessmen—’let’s work together and support each other because we’re all facing this economic hardship,’” he said.

TanHoldings president and CEO Jerry Tan said 38 Mitsubachi is doing everyone in the CNMI a favor by opening a new business despite the tough economic times.

“This is a great plus for our community in these difficult economic times. [I want to thank] 38 Mitsubachi for taking the risk and opening such a beautiful restaurant. I wish them all the success and especially since we all want more Japanese tourists to come back. We also don’t want to lose our existing Japanese investors. We want to welcome more Japanese investors so this opening really comes at a very, very good time. There’s an encouraging message coming out from this opening,” he said, while commending the food, “I just finished the food and it’s absolutely delicious.”

Like Camacho and Tan, Pacifica Underwriters Insurance Inc. president and CEO Shirley Sablan also gave kudos to 38 Mitsubachi for investing in the CNMI.

“It’s exciting to see new business open up these days. It gives us hope that better days are ahead. I extend my congratulations to the owners and staff of 38 Mitsubachi! Their pancakes were scrumptious and strawberry shave ice is a must try. Two thumbs up!” she said.

Yuko Togawa, who is a member of the aforementioned Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands, said at last 38 Mitsubachi has brought soufflé pancakes to the island.

“I’m so happy that I can now eat fluffy Japanese pancakes on Saipan. I want everyone to experience that fluffy texture. Also, 38 Mitsubachi uses a variety of sauces and honey, which is a natural product from Japan,” she said.

Togawa added that those dining at 38 Mitsubachi shouldn’t miss the shave strawberries. “Shaved ice with fresh crushed strawberries and Japanese condensed milk for an authentic taste are the best,” she said.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) also attended the grand opening with his wife Andrea. While the couple skipped the buffet, they did indulge on the soufflé pancakes and shaved strawberries.

AMEC, LLC CEO Takatoshi Asada, which owns 38 Mitsubachi, said he always had an eye on investing in the CNMI.

He first came to the islands as a tourist 20 years ago and his trip left such an impression that he thought of investing someday in the CNMI.

Asada said he sees the potential of the CNMI as Micronesia’s version of Hawaii or Okinawa—a tropical tourist destination for Japanese tourists.

Ever since a couple of years ago he was already planning to invest on Saipan to revitalize Japanese investments because the connection between the two islands is very strong due to Saipan—together with Tinian and Rota—being former territories of Japan.

His master plan is to dip his toes first in the CNMI then use his success as an example so he can encourage other Japanese companies to invest.

Aside from 38 Mitsubachi and other food businesses, Asada also has businesses in the medical field in Japan.

38 Mitsubachi, located along Bougainvillea Avenue in Garapan, is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm, with last order at 5:15pm. It can accommodate 95 dine-in customers that includes indoor and terrace seating. For more information or for reservations, call (670) 233-3281.