Food and Drink

Like many residents of Tokyo, this young fella wasn’t born in the capital. Instead, he came here to make a living out of what he loves most — music.

Up to now, however, that hasn’t worked out, and instead he’s delivering leaflets for a pizza company; spending what little money he has on booze and a bit of light relief. But hopefully one day he’ll make it, or if not, at least more money.

And reassuringly, a bar for all kinds of couples.

The title tells you everything, but the photograph itself explains nothing.

Japan’s so-called ‘family restaurants‘ are, as their name suggests, popular with families. Bright and child-friendly places that offer a reasonable variety of food at equally reasonable prices.

But what they don’t offer is character or an interesting experience, which is something that this family got by the bucket load.

There are many good things about Tokyo, and the city’s old-style, independently owned little bars and eateries are up there with the best of them. Places where it’s possible to peer into the past, and yet at the same time, also the future.

Another photograph of this bar, taken on the same day but from a completely different angle, can be seen here.