Several years ago, a friend and I spent an interesting few hours in the bar below.
To be honest, it wasn’t at all what we expected. The exterior suggested something more old school, and much more in the way of basic food and beers rather than belting out banging anthems. But a change is as good as a rest as they say, and good times, along with dubious tunes, were most definitely had.
The change in focus, it turned out, came about due to a change of owner, with the fella in the photo taking over from his father. That was a full ten years before we turned up — a career switch at the age sixty that saw him swap a life in a business suit for one behind a bar.
But only months after the photos were taken, the karaoke machine was fired up one last time before the lights were turned off for good. Then, for reasons unknown, the building, just like so many others, was unceremoniously demolished.
Jenn says
I’m sorry but I can only focus on how small that vacant lot is! 😮
Testing comment in 3,2,1……….
Lee says
Cheers for the test.
Yeah, it’s pretty small. I don’t recall thinking the bar was particularly Tardis-like, but at the same time it didn’t seem especially tiny either. Suppose I’m just used to such places.
cdilla says
The plot does look small. You would never think there was once a thriving multi-generation community-serving business there.
Those small windows must have had a pretty poor view – unless they used to be serving hatches for the bar owner to pass through sake and snacks.
I wonder if that then abandoned incrediby thin bar you took us to see last year has been pulled down yet. It’s footprint would never hint that there was a home and business once there.
Lee says
I know eh? Now that it has gone, it’s hard to imagine there was ever something there, especially something so interesting looking.
Small windows were clearly a regular design element back in the day, as when you see older public housing blocks in particular, one of the most striking thinks is how small the windows are.
Ah, good point. Not been past for a while. I’d like to think it is still there, but that’s probably more wishful thinking than the reality. But yeah, it wouldn’t offer up even the slightest suggestion of a building once being there, let alone a truly fantastic looking building.
Greg Lindenbach says
Have enjoyed your posts for some time… in fact they were a part of my motivation for visiting Tokyo and Kyoto last year. Apart from the sheer sensory overload, it was fascinating to observe businesses and residences such as the one you’ve featured here. Incredible that lives and businesses could operate within such minuscule restrictions. Exhausted after two weeks, was glad to return home, and no need to come back.
And yet… assuming the world hasn’t changed forever, there is an odd urge to return someday.
Lee says
Thanks, that’s good to hear, especially so your eventual trip here. I know exactly what you mean about places like this too. They still amaze me after all this time.
Japan can certainly be full on, even more so on a trip when time is limited. It does seem to get under people’s skin though (in a good way), so I’m not at all surprised that the urge to return is now there.
Dawn says
These are very sad but thank you for sharing them. I saw them and others on your IG feed and IMO what you are doing is important. Keep it up.
Lee says
You are very welcome. And thank you very much, that’s really nice to hear.