Many of the little bars and eateries I like to visit are completely unknown quantities on the inside — their faded exteriors not always reflective of what lies behind the sliding doors. The contents of this ramshackle structure by the side of a road several hours north of Tokyo, on the other hand, were pretty much exactly as imagined, right down to the septuagenarian owner. A man who has been running the place for nearly half a decade, and at 78 years of age, has no intention of shutting up shop just yet. In fact he rarely even has holidays, opening seven nights a week and only taking time off to celebrate special occasions.
The one unexpected thing, however, was the complete lack of a toilet. A situation that’s not ideal when beers are being consumed. So it was either try and somehow gallantly hold on, or pop round the side and brave the elements. And so somewhat inevitably, several unceremonious sojourns into the bushes were added to the experience of the evening.
Richard says
The decor is like a walk back in time. Must not be any competition nearby for him to remain in business without a toilet. Or else his yaki tori and other snacks must be really delicious!
Happy New Year…..
Lee says
Happy New Year.
His yakitori was good it has to be said. As was the general vibe and the wonderfully dated surroundings. But yeah, not much else nearby!
Denise says
Oh my, to be a man and be able to just “pop round the side”!! 🙂
Lee says
Haha, yes, a much easier option it has to be said. And needless to say the only customers were male.
dzikie.miasto says
And… analog Olympus mju on the table.
Lee says
Yes, it was a genuinely old school affair. If only I’d shot these on film as well, then the experience truly would have been complete.
Günter says
I’m sure a bar 50 years ago with no toilet would have been unusual in many countries but in 2023? Your photos and stories give me many unexpected glimpses of Japan.
Lee says
Yes, there can’t be many like this that’s for sure. It was unexpected for me as well.
Poniatowskii-Korsakov says
Ciao,
The last year 2022 never failed to turn into the new year 2023 by itself.
I’m a member of this country and I’ve been living there since my birth for more than 40 years.
(nevertheless using a slavic pen name), but a bar without toilet will be rejected by myself.
On the 1st photo, the old señor is burning a skewered chicken by fire.
Behind him, there are some posters of pin-up girls.
In the bar such an atmosphere, enka songs may be often played on the radio, not Jazz or Rock.
From my idea, one proverb was born.
It says “Food is good, the old señor is a nice man, however music is not amazing.”
Lee says
The food was good, but even though I’m not a fan of enka, I would have preferred that rather than the television that was on in the background.
Poniatowskii-Korsakov says
Thank you for response you wrote!!
I think your comment is appropriate.
Because you never said as follows: “I adore Japanese enka.”
Enka is a lemon music, I’m never willing to listen to it.
Though I rarely go to a beer hall, preferring German Schlager to enka.
When I came across enka on the radio, as if I were tortured with no pains by enka singer’s voice.
(Especially when listening to it again and again in succession!!)
Shouji Masakatsu is just an unknown enka singer in Japan, who has disappeared in 90s. You’ve introduced him more than 10 years ago on the weblog.
He may be disappointed with enka and a poor environment it holds, so he has gone away from our world without taking guitar he loved.
Mauricio Castillo says
What’s the name of the place?