Going on for 8 years ago, a friend and I, who both live on the same commuter line, decided to explore the area around each and every train station on the way into central Tokyo. A good walk and interesting exploration were guaranteed, but the main purpose was to find the oldest and/or dirtiest little bar in the neighbourhood, and then drink in it. A series of outings that produced more than their fair share of stand out memories, along with many more that are hazy and confused to say the least.
Evenings that as well as booze and good food, allowed us to meet a man who, in my mind at least, is Tokyo’s loveliest bar owner. A septuagenarian who is quite possibly the jolliest. Plus in the bar below, which was found on our inaugural outing, a fella who may well have been the laziest.
The old owner in the photos was shocked to say the least when a couple of foreigners walked into her bar. Amazingly we were the first, at least of the non-Asian variety, in the bar’s 23 years in business. That surprise, along with her naturally shy demeanour, meant she wasn’t exactly the most gregarious of hosts, but once she’d settled down a bit, she was happy to serve drinks and cook what she’d bought in that day. All done with no help whatsoever from her husband, as he spent the evening unmoved in every sense of the word watching television in the back room.
But the beginning of our journey was sadly the end for the bar. Not much more than a month after our visit, it closed down. A simple handwritten sign stuck outside announced the decision, which in many ways seemed like a suitably quiet and inconspicuous send off.
Only recently, however, did I finally get round to taking a post-closure picture. Having started to document the demise of other bars due to death, old age and demolition, I didn’t want to see it disappear and regret not having a photo. Even more so as for me at least there is added poignancy. It was a starting point of sorts — a start in some ways prompted by that simple red awning and the finality of those fading shutters.
Landon says
It looked an interesting place any idea why it closed?
Lee says
It was, but nah, no idea I’m afraid, although it was presumably down to their age.
Jenn says
This is another sad one………. 🙁 I hope she’s safe and doing OK.
Lee says
Yeah, lots of them unfortunately.
Likewise. And considering Japanese longevity, that’s happily a distinct possibility.
cdilla says
It feels such a shame that places like this have to close. But it is the natural order of things I guess. To its patrons it remains in their memories and for us it is preserved through the aspic of your lens.
Nice to have the links to some of the other bars too – not no mention the priceless personal memories of the one we visited together.
I’m actually getting to recognise the Yakitori and Ramen signs 🙂 And I woder if the owner of the salon next door was inspired by this 80’s band…
https://youtu.be/YrdA268trvI
Lee says
Yes, sadly it is. These places seem to slow down the passage of time, but there is absolutely no way of stopping it…
Cheers. Not something I thought of all those years ago, but now very glad I started photographing these places, and of course the people in them.
There’s certainly plenty to link to from that set of nights out, and the rat place very nearly made it. Not been there actually since we went. Hopefully French Chef might even be open next time you are here as well. Last time we checked, he still wasn’t open, but he hadn’t officially closed either, so there is still hope.
Haha, that really would be something if they were. And blimey, that was a blast from the past. Not heard that in a long long time. Made me feel young and old, although mostly the latter…
YTSL says
I like your photos a lot, Lee — but also often your accompanying words too. Thanks for the peek into so many character-filled parts and establishments of Tokyo I might not otherwise have known about.
Lee says
Thank you, that’s really good to hear. Not always sure if words, or in this case quite a few words, are necessary, so that’s very reassuring.
And my pleasure without a doubt. Drinking in these kinds of places is always a treat. Just sad when they disappear…