Admittedly most of this restaurant’s cooking is done indoors. Where, I’m happy to say, it seems somewhat cleaner. But still, if health and safety had a peek at where some of the prep is done, they’d presumably be appalled to put it mildly.
Outdoor and incredibly dirty Tokyo kitchen
Nathaniel says
Do the people you take pictures of you ever talk/ask what your doing?
Nathaniel says
Also I wonder are the sanitation laws in Japan very different than in America?
Lee says
Now and again, although more often than not it’s either just a smile, nod or quizzical look. I always smile and say thanks if caught, and fortunately most people give a smile back, even the majority of those who didn’t exactly look best pleased when I pressed the shutter.
I can’t say for sure in regards to America (although from experience I’d say so), but compared to the UK they are very different. The vast majority of the little bars I go to in Japan would never be allowed to open, and the few not immediately closed down would have a lot of work to do to meet the necessary regulations.
Linda says
Eh, probably good for building up your immune system. Did you eat there?
Lee says
Quite possibly! Nah, there’s another Chinese restaurant round the corner that I go to if I’m in the area and need some lunch, but as I’ve taken this photo, I should really give it a try.
Hans ter Horst says
I think the Japanese have a strong believe that dirty restaurants have the tastiest food; at least that’s how it was explained to me and none of my Japanese friends would give a dirty restaurant too much thought.
Judging by the food stuff and pans he has out there, it looks like that the alley is really part of the kitchen. Bon appétit
Lee says
Considering the number and popularity of grubby places, I think you are right!
Definitely. Most times I go past there’s someone out there doing something. Always enjoy walking past.
cdilla says
In my teens I read Down and Out in Paris and London and learned of the correlation of filth to reputation of eateries. In my twenties I experienced London for my self from the perspective of those who rely on the filthtiest of kitchens for work and what they throw out back for sustinance. And now, many years later the health and safetly Lee mentons has transformed London. It no longer smells the same. The pavements are not as greasey. Much of its character has been leeched away. So I like photographs like these, and experiencing such scenes first hand. I like to feel that a little way back from, but parallel to, the bright clean, glass and metal fronts of big citiy streets there is still a hint of the backstreets of Orwells Paris or the Walled City in Kowloon. Which is one reason why Tokyo appeals to me. And one reason why I appreciate this site and the window it affords on the city.
Lee says
Thanks. Lovely to hear you get something out of my photos.
Yes, there really is a danger of places — and, as you say, cities as a whole — becoming terribly sterile. Nice, yes, but totally lacking in character. I do, however, appreciate that a lot of people wouldn’t set foot in an eatery like the one above. Completely understandable. At the same time though an awful lot of people would, and yet slowly but surely such opportunities are being taken away. And once they are gone, they are sadly gone forever…
Tom says
Yep, that’s pretty dirty!
Lee says
Yeah, could do with a bit of a scrub. Well, a lot of a scrub!