Food and Drink

Now in her early 80s, this bar owner’s beauty queen days are little more than a distant memory, but the former Miss Fukushima is still far from ready to give up the profession that has ultimately consumed much more of her life.

Owning and running the tiny place below for the past 52 years, she shows no signs of slowing down. Even advancing years and a battle with cancer have thankfully proved incapable of dampening her enthusiasm. So 6 nights a week booze is still knocked back, the banter remains gloriously bawdy, and brief glimmers of the past abound.

In Tokyo, a night out can very easily roll round to the next day, but the need to sleep can just as effortlessly sneak up before night-time falls again.

Tsukiji fish market isn’t exactly the nicest of places. The sprawling complex is busy, noisy, and rather befittingly it doesn’t exactly smell the best. Yet none of these factors appeared to affect this fella, as despite the surroundings and his run-of-the-mill lunch box, he still somehow managed to look almost regal.

A tense, traditionally attired wait for opening time at Tokyo’s oldest western-style bar.

They definitely enjoyed the food. Presumably the short break too. But most of all, they simply enjoyed each other’s company.