Japan’s many old school bars run by similarly aged owners are always a pleasure to spend time in. The trouble is, what makes them so special also means there’s the very obvious element of the clock ticking ever louder down to those final last orders. Of course some do carry on for a truly incredible number of years, but ultimately time can never be defeated. All of which rather sadly brings me to the little drinking spot below.
In business for over 50 years, and the owner well into her 80s, it’s amazing it kept going for as long as it did. Originally a ramen shop, the mama-san at some point made the sensible decision to switch to a simpler menu of yakitori and beer, then in the last few years, more or less just beer. Now, however, it’s simply closed.
After the enforced break due to Tokyo’s pandemic-related state of emergency, it’s entirely possible she thoroughly enjoyed the time off and decided to retire. That’s what I hope is the case anyway, as a bit of rest and relaxation is the very least she deserves. Yet whatever the reason, the memories of visits remain as full of warmth as the welcome always was.
ellen says
A sad story but you told it so beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing.
Lee says
You are very welcome, and thanks a lot, that’s really good to hear.
Richard says
Some people simply love to work. My Grandfather retired at age 65. He went back to work at age 70 because he was bored. He kept working until he was close to 80. I hope she can enjoy retirement.
cdilla says
It’s strange how different folk view retirement, even within the same family. My working class father retired at 50 and enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling subsequent 40 year retirement. My upper middle class mother on the other hand worked until poor eyesight stopped her from driving at the the age of 77. She still wants to be busy all the time. My brother took our fathers route whilst I appear to be taking our mothers route.
But like you I hope she has a good retirement.
Lee says
Yeah, very different approaches for different people. Money aside of course, I guess a big factor is how much people like what they do. With these bar owners it often seems like it’s what they enjoy doing, as well as simply what they do and have always done.
Richard says
Although my Grandfather was financially comfortable, he had no hobbies. He had worked hard his whole life. It was a major part of his self identity and self esteem. So he felt lost, and probably depressed, when he retired around age 65. For him, it was better to go back to work….at least a few hours a day where he felt useful and socialized with other people. He finally quit at 80 years old when he and my Grandmother moved to another city to be closer to their sons.
cdilla says
A lovely and precious collection.
I had expected it to be the lovely smile that would get the shout out as my favourite, but it turns out it’s the first one I keep lingering on.
It could be from a period drama, or a very well preserved 70s photograph. There is nothing in shot that says contemporary. (well not once I’ve photoshopped that TV remote I’ve just noticed on the blowup :-)). With it maxed out I can keep focussed on the flowers and really feel the era.
Kinda like recalling being sat in a cafe in the 70’s watching the folk around me living their lives while I made my coke, in a thick glass frosted around the rim with wear, last forever.
One of your best.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That’s interesting. Encouraging too that it wasn’t the more obvious photo that ultimately got your attention. Even better it brought back those memories, or at the very least conjured up a particular period in time. Always rewarding when a photo I’ve taken manages to achieve that.
femme_mal says
I loved all of these photos but I’m a sucker for the obvious one in which the proprietoress is laughing because it’s open, honest joy she expressed, no reservation in her expression. I hope wherever she is now she is still finding much to laugh about in the same way.
Thanks for sharing these photos again.
Lee says
You are welcome. Photographing these kinds of places is nothing but a pleasure.
Thank you very much. I have a real soft spot for that photo. And indeed the woman herself. So yes, let’s hope so.
scruffy says
Love these. Every time I see one of your photos of these small bars, I can almost taste the food. Delicious!
Happy Holidays to you and best wishes for the new year.
Lee says
Cheers. That’s very good to hear.
And thank you. I hope you have lovely holiday and that 2022 is a good one for you.
scruffy says
Thank you, Lee.
Never been to Japan. In the late 70’s to early 80’s I worked in the seafood industry in Alaska and in doing so made acquaintance with a lot of Japanese people who bought the product and monitored the quality. It was then that I first experienced the grilled food and the delight of eating raw tuna after dipping in soy sauce and ‘that green stuff’. I’d never heard of sushi, sashimi, wasabi back then.
Then there was the Suntory, Kirin and other beverages. Good times.
Packing brined salmon eggs in little wooden boxes and nailing the lids on. They had an interesting style of nail puller. Pinched my hand on that a number of times. Still have a couple of those old boxes around here somewhere, though gave most of them away.
Through your photos and narratives I’ve come to love so much more about Japanese culture.
Lee says
Ah, that’s a good story. A different time and in many ways a different world eh?
Very glad to hear that my photos have added a little to those interests formed all those years ago.