In the first part, chocolatier/pâtissier Susumu Koyama revealed his mission to be 'born to convey.' In this second part, we delve deeper into his surprising past life, which has remained consistent throughout, and his mission in this life.

The Five Senses Are for Feeling Happiness

ItoIn a word, he is a born star. Whether he's talking, painting, or singing, it doesn't matter what form of expression he chooses. He extracts messages or keywords from what he perceives and receives, and continuously outputs them in a way that resonates most with people. That is his mission.

Conveying messages like 'How happy are you?' and 'Do you appreciate your life?' is also part of Susumu Koyama's mission. With the force to blow away everyone's problems, worries, and circumstances, he continues to communicate in various ways that 'life itself is happiness. The five senses are for feeling happiness.' He is also skilled at conveying this through writing.



KoyamaI do feel a certain sense of mission, a drive to convey things.

ItoYou yourself always have your five senses fully open (laughs). You live while fully embracing the joy of being alive. It's the ultimate spirituality, isn't it? From there, it's only natural to want to 'convey this to everyone.' You're also very good at expressing yourself through writing. You'll even be writing poetry from now on.

KoyamaPoetry! I have written it before, but I might not be very good at it. However, I do enjoy writing.

ItoWhen I say poetry, it's less like being a poet and more like providing lyrics to a musician. Perhaps it's more accurate to say it becomes a form of creation as you express it. Above all, your expressive power is wonderful. This is because you can sensitively perceive the energy that those around you emit. You can instantly sense and respond to what the people here are seeking.

Start by Becoming the 'Most Popular Person Next Door'

KoyamaThat's true. When I'm interviewed for TV or magazines, I tell the staff to approach the conversation from the position of 'knowing more about Escoyama than they do.' Producers and reporters each have their own angles and perspectives, but if we know more, we can propose ideas like, 'How about this?'

While I believe I have depth in research, sensitivity, and sense, the other party doesn't always have the correct perspective. In terms of 'correctly conveying Escoyama,' in a sense, we must guide things in the right direction, or they won't be properly understood by the world. Also, about 'becoming popular.' There are many kinds of popularity, aren't there? You don't have to be popular like Takuya Kimura; starting by becoming the most popular person next door might be a good approach.

ItoThat's wonderful.

KoyamaAfter all, if you want to run a business, open a shop, or choose a profession where you express what you want to convey, you need to be popular to some extent, or customers won't come.

ItoYou need the power to capture the hearts of the masses to that extent.

KoyamaBut self-indulgence is not good. With comedians, there are those who are funny without needing any explanation, right?

ItoThose who try too hard are often not that funny.

KoyamaExactly. And the same applies to confectioneries. I feel it's not enough unless it reaches the level of 'I just love it, no explanation needed.' Whether it's for lovers of fresh pastries or baked goods, from children to grandparents, if you want everyone to say, 'I'm a fan of your sweets,' they have to be exceptional.

To achieve that, what should you do? First, know yourself. I believe that only after going through that process can you see what you truly want to express.

What All Past Lives Have in Common

ItoThere are various ways to say it, like reincarnation, but the soul is reborn many times, continuing an eternal journey. Modern lifespans are around 80 years, but not long ago, due to factors like war, many people died in their 20s or 30s before fulfilling their potential, meaning there was overwhelmingly more left undone in a single lifetime.

As a result, that consciousness takes on a physical body again, and from a state of no memory, they repeat a journey of spiritual growth, like climbing stairs, thinking, 'This time, I'll live like this.' The beings that most influence the present moment and location appear overlapping from various eras – three, four different lives – as I listen to the conversation. Sometimes a past life from very recently appears, and other times, a past life from about 300 years ago.

In Susumu Koyama's case, throughout his long journey of lives, he has often walked a path of religious service. At one time, he was involved with churches as an organist playing the pipe organ, and at another, as a craftsman creating stained glass. There were also times when he supplied traditional copper crafts and mirrors to Buddhist temples.

KoyamaI like all of those things.



In doing so, he naturally became popular, but it's a bit different from simply 'saving those who cling to him.' He carefully advises them on 'what is important to them and what constitutes happiness.' He teaches based on the reality that people must stand on their own two feet; otherwise, even with outstretched hands, it's difficult.

KoyamaOh, really.

Show Yourself as an Example

ItoIn his past lives, he was active in somewhat secluded places like churches or temples, or in a sense, in protected positions. But this time, it's a world where he says, 'I'm no different from anyone else. Look, I'm just making sweets' (laughs).

In this way, he shows himself as an example. Rather than preaching, he creates together, eats together, and everyone savors what they've made together. Then, they discuss the differences in taste perceived by their five senses... and from that, he gains new insights and refines them into new forms.




KoyamaHmm, I don't really feel like I'm doing things I want to do. Every day, as time progresses, new things come up that I have to do, so I just tackle them. People often say, 'It's great you can do what you want,' but I don't really have the consciousness of doing what I want. But perhaps that is what is called 'doing what I want.' I do it because I have to, but it's not like I'm doing it reluctantly, and I can still enjoy it immensely.

ItoYou seem driven, don't you? Like you can't help but move forward.

KoyamaYes. But if I were told I could do whatever I wanted, I might just do nothing and stay still. When asked, 'What do you want to do?' or 'What are your dreams?', I don't really have dreams.

ItoYou fulfill them in your daily life.

KoyamaRight. In that sense, I have many goals. I think it's better to talk about goals rather than dreams when speaking to young people. It's pointless to say, 'I have a dream, but I didn't do anything specific today. But this is my dream,' isn't it?

Instead, what you do in the next hour is important. What you'll eat tonight, or appointments with people – these are closer to achieving goals. Deciding to go out for a meal with someone, making a reservation – that's what's important. I think it's about continuing to do that. Specificity is better. There's nothing as vague as 'doing your best.'

Actually, a Lone Wolf

ItoYou always coordinate harmony with people, acting as a mood maker, but managing young apprentices and staff is also a mission inherited from your past lives. You can respond instantly by thinking, 'This is probably what they want to hear' or 'This is what they need right now.' On the other hand, you also possess a very lone wolf side.

KoyamaYes, I like being alone the most. I'm rather uncomfortable in large groups.

ItoOnce the switch is flipped, you concentrate intensely and stoically.

KoyamaThat's right. Being surrounded by people all the time is incredibly tiring. I absolutely need time alone.

ItoYou receive too much energy. Receiving energy from one person in front of you can be channeled into creative activities, making things, and various other pursuits. However, when you're in a crowd, people admire you, making it difficult. You receive too much energy from everyone. In such cases, it's important to reset somewhere. It's good to receive energy from nature, from trees and mountains.



KoyamaI probably go to Mita (where the shop is) to receive energy too.

ItoYou are guided there. I believe your feet unconsciously turn towards that place to recharge your mind and body. It's become a habit.

A Person Like a Priest with a Strong 'Spirit of Compassion'

KoyamaAh, excuse me. I drink water often, don't I? (laughs)

ItoYou should drink more. The energy of trees and water are complementary. Tree energy has a strong upward force, so energy tends to accumulate in the upper body. To maintain balance, metabolism is important. I believe you naturally desire the energy of water to improve your own metabolism.




ItoYou love making people happy and responding to their needs. You have a strong, service-oriented 'spirit of compassion.' You are like a priest.

KoyamaI don't think I'm that great (laughs).

The Spirit of an 'Outsider' Inherited from Past Lives!?

ItoI see a small church in the forest. I believe you intentionally moved it there. You belong to a major denomination, but you are somewhat of an outsider, or rather...

KoyamaThere too!? (laughs)

ItoYes. It was an era when religious wars had been going on for centuries, with surroundings turning to ashes and blood flowing from killings. You stood up and said, 'I've had enough of such an unreasonable world.' You renovated a house in the mountains into a church and served as a priest there.



ItoYou unconsciously find a good balance. It's not something you consciously strive for; the teachings from your long past lives naturally guide you, both now and in the future.

Susumu KOYAMA
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1964. After graduating from Osaka Abeno Tsuji Culinary Institute, he joined 'Swiss Confectionery Heidi' in Kobe in 1983. He became the head pastry chef and head of product development at the main store. He won numerous confectionery competitions (including TV Champion and many others) and became independent in 2000. He established Patissier Escoyama Co., Ltd., and has been involved in product development and technical guidance for over a dozen companies nationwide. In 2003, he opened 'Patissier Escoyama' in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture. Without opening branches, his 'Koyama Roll,' which sells 1,600 units per day through direct sales alone, pioneered the concept of selling roll cakes by the unit. In 2011 and 2012, he received the highest rating from 'C.C.C. (Club des Croquers de Chocolat)' for two consecutive years, garnering significant attention both domestically and internationally. In November 2012, he published the technical guide 'chocolat japonais' (Shibata Shoten) and his first general book 'Teinei o Buki ni Suru' (To Use Politeness as a Weapon) (祥伝社).