Japanese standing bars are wonderful. There’s the usual decent food and cheap booze, along with the added bonus of a really good vibe. The latter is perhaps due to their decidedly rough and ready nature, or maybe even the fairly frequent coming and going of customers, but either way, they are always very convivial. Places where it’s incredibly easy to chat, feel completely at home, and also have fun, unexpected interactions.
LAObserver says
The girl smiling at your camera seems to share your analysis of the place.
Lee says
Yes, most definitely. She was clearly having a thoroughly good time. Something that wasn’t the least bit difficult in that place.
Taki says
Yep, I really miss those bars. My liver may not though 🙂
Lee says
Sadly it’s the price that has to be paid. But all things considered, it’s probably worth it!
Hans ter Horst says
Wow, everybody seems to be really digging into the food as well as the drink. 🙂
The women at the back makes the shot work even better!
Lee says
Cheers. Unexpected to be honest when I raised the camera. But like you say, a real plus that she reacted the way she did.
Yes, beer was very much the order of the day, but so was a good amount of food. Clearly for most people it was dinner on the way home from work. A good dinner too, as it was all very nice.
cdilla says
The lady, and her wonderful exression, really are the centre of the scene. All the more so because in the instant of your photograph no-one seems to notice here but you/us.
Lee says
Yes, I got two frames. The first one she was smiling at the bloke to her right, and then she turned round and smiled at me. Everyone else utterly oblivious. Absolutely lovely when things work out like that!
willy says
hoya 350… this must be one of the strangest things i have ever tasted. Love it.
Lee says
Not a big fan to say the least of very chewy stuff, so always given it a miss. Is it a strangeness you’d recommend?
willy says
If strange is what you’re after…
Lee says
Strange does make it tempting, to a degree…
Al says
Loving the interaction between the woman and you. Works even better with all the other drinkers carrying on as normal. Great moment! 🙂
Lee says
Thanks! Yes, when I raised the camera I was hoping someone would interact with it. Getting that interaction, and from the only woman in the frame, was a real bonus.