Both tacos and Japanese cuisine have been longstanding hits with Vancouverites so it would make sense to combine the two.

Alas, the twain meeting didn't prove to be a lasting formula for one local eatery.

The owners of Japanese health-oriented restaurant Shizen Ya launched a sibling enterprise, Japanese taco shop Kurumucho, in May 2017 at 985 Hornby Street in the downtown core.

To make way for it, Shizen Ya relocated from that venue to a few doors down to a larger space at 965 Hornby Street.

With seating for about 22 people, Kurumucho served up a menu that combined Japanese and Latin American influences. Sushi tacos (made with sushi rice and tempura seaweed taco shells), Japanese tacos (with ingredients such as pork kakuni or salmon tataki), burritos (with options such as tempura, karaage, and teriyaki), salads, and more were on offer.

Like Shizen Ya, Kurumucho also incorporated a health-oriented approach, including organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.  

Unfortunately, on August 31, Kurumucho announced that its final day of operation would be on September 7.  

In the meantime, Shizen Ya has continued its expansion, opening its third location in Vancouver at 1059 Denman Street in the West End in July.

The Georgia Straight has contacted Shizen Ya for more information about the closure of Kurumucho.