Food and Drink

In the downtime between each race, the trusty comforts of Tokyo’s committed gamblers are the same, simple staples enjoyed the world over, namely cheap booze.

And a steady supply of tobacco.

Reflecting on life, or perhaps just where all the fruit and vegetables went?

When kitchen space is at a premium, then a bit of rough and ready outdoor preparation is clearly called for.

Behind the scenes, or at least the back door, of a busy Tokyo kitchen.

A little over a year ago I posted a photo of this wonderfully ramshackle and incredibly faded old sushi restaurant.

At the time, the old man standing by the door led me to believe it was still a going concern. Subsequent walks past, however, appeared to suggest otherwise. There was sometimes a light on which seemed like a good sign, but there was never a telltale noren outside indicating it was actually open.

Until, that is, I passed by during a photowalk tour over the weekend.

The old man was there as expected. It is, after all, his shop — one he started 60 years ago. But these days he only serves tea and helps out a bit with preparation. Instead, his son is now in charge. A man who may lack the experience of his father, but most definitely none of the skills, as the food was as delicious as the restaurant is dilapidated.

Modern delivery motorbikes or more old-school Honda Super Cubs are the standard method these days for quickly, and efficiently, transporting meals around the capital. Now and again, however, it is still possible to see how things used to be done.