This place has been in business for over 50 years. Originally it was a ramen shop, but for a long time now it’s just been a basic little bar. And yet despite all those years behind that wonderfully retro counter, the owner somehow manages to remain as warm and welcoming as ever.
Jerry Joest says
What a great picture! Makes me homesick for my home in Japan. I lived there for two years while in the Navy and loved every minute of it. Friendly, genuine people! Even though I know it would not be the same I hope to return for a visit before I die.
Lee says
Thank you! I can imagine, especially as you clearly had such a good time.
You should definitely make a return visit. There’d be a lot of changes, but I’m sure it’d be fun to see the differences.
Linda says
Another role model.
Lee says
I know eh? A really nice woman, and the bar reflects her personality perfectly.
YTSL says
Lovely really is the word. Homey is another — I could see myself going there for a drink and then wanting to just move in! ;b
Lee says
Yeah, the minute you walk in you feel right at home. Even if not home, it could very easily become a second home!
Denton says
This is such a cool shot. So much to enjoy. Definitely my kind of place! 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, totally agree. Tons of great little details. And my thoughts exactly, very much my kind of place too!
Mareva says
Thank you for this lovely photo.
Seems that this big smile is not fake (not pretending).. Much joy.
Lee says
You are very welcome. I’m happy I got the chance to take it. And definitely, nothing fake about it at all.
Ken Caldicott says
Looks a lot cleaner than most!
Lee says
Yes, that’s my only complaint!
JVH says
For as much as you love to shoot the gritty and hardbitten side of Japan this woman’s smile is what touches me. I want to go to the shop because of her – not the shop. Keep giving us smiles from time to time.
Lee says
I can totally understand that. She really does make the place what it is. A genuinely lovely lady.
Yeah, real smiles like this are very nice. There’ll definitely be more.
cdilla says
I love the way that you have her smile at the exact centre of the photograph. The joy spirals out and engulfs everything making it happier.
I bet that 70’s phone was black when installed, but bathed in the atmosphere of the bar has become that most excellent pastel turquiose 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. That’s really good to hear. Means that what I felt has come through in the photo, which is very encouraging.
Haha, that’s a nice thought!
kikuhouse (Joanna) says
I cannot tell you how much I love this photo – you have captured something absolutely priceless here…