Old school Japanese lunch spots rarely disappoint, and this lovely little eatery most definitely did not. It has been in business since 1968, with the same couple running it the whole time — a husband and wife team who are now 83 and 79 years old respectively. The man, as is common in such places, does the bulk of the cooking, while the woman serves and helps out with some dishes.
Situated in an area of southern Japan that has started to experience more overseas visitors, we talked to the lady about the changes that has brought, along with some of the challenges. A Japanese only menu not surprisingly makes things tricky at times, although increasingly accurate smartphone translations, along with food replicas on display outside, mean making and taking orders has been relatively stress free.
Those language barriers somewhat surprisingly made us the first foreign customers she’s actually had a conversation with, and being the only ones left as closing time approached, we had time to chat about all manner of things, including her having never visited Tokyo, and the ongoing unknown of how long they will stay open for.
A truly wonderful encounter that will live long in the memory, and all being well, the restaurant will continue to live on for as long as they want it to.
Denise says
Oh my this is just delightful! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. It really was very special.
Craig Tobey says
In Kyushu? People told me, “You need a passport for Kyushu” when I moved there….always the Chuka soba!
Lee says
Haha, nah, it was in Ehime. First time there and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jen in NZ says
What a wonderful experience! How did you cope with whatever ‘ben’ they speak?
Also two minor observations: the bar soap in a net bag! Natsukashii! Great way to never waste a sliver. And, I have never seen the tani Kanji written like that (on the awning). Very cool.
Jen in NZ says
Oops. Not tani. You really were off the beaten track there!
Lee says
Yeah, it was a truly memorable lunch. Chatting was actually very easy. No problems at all. And yes, the soap in a net bag was a lovely little extra!
Richard says
There were places like that in Tokyo when I lived there in 1969-71. Agreed about the bar soap. VERY natsukashi!!
Did they speak standard, Tokyo dialect?
What a great experience, thanks!
Lee says
Thankfully there are still. good few left, and yes, the soap was a real blast from the past!
To be honest I’m no good at picking up on different dialects here, but there were no problems at all understanding her. A very easy and enjoyable conversation.