Lease Deal Last Hope For Cultural Landmark

Newcastle Herald

Monday September 15, 2008

By IAN KIRKWOOD

SHINSUKE Ito liked the Kitami Japanese restaurant in Darby Street, Newcastle, so much he decided to buy it.

Unfortunately, the building's owners have apparently decided against extending its lease, and without an 11th-hour deal, the Kitami will shut in October after more than 20 years in the one spot.

Mr Ito, the Kitami's chef before agreeing to buy it a few months ago, said yesterday he was warning diners of the impending closure because the restaurant was a Newcastle institution, introducing a generation of diners to Japanese cuisine.

"If we have to close, then I will try to find another site but it will be difficult to find something like this," Mr Ito said.

"The restaurant began here. Japanese craftsmen came out here from Japan to install the interior.

"It has cultural significance.

"This is more than a fit-out. This is a part of Japan in Australia."

Mr Ito came to Australia more than two years ago from Niigata Prefecture, about 300 kilometres north of Tokyo.

Before moving to Newcastle, Mr Ito taught Japanese at Terrigal High School.

"I like it here, I want to become a permanent resident or a citizen," Mr Ito said.

"In Japan, life is very fast. Work all the time. Here, it is slower."

The Herald was unable to obtain comment yesterday from the building's owner.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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