When putting together the previous post’s selection of Showa era shops and businesses, I was constantly reminded of the similarly dated bars and restaurants I’ve visited over the years, so this set of photographs nicely compliments the last one.
Each and every establishment was special in its own way, both in looks and ambience, but while there are a few I’ve visited several times, for regulars, they are a part of life rather than just a memorable experience. An element that makes the demise of at least six of them all the more disappointing. Little enclaves of comfort and escape, along with the decades long commitment of the owners, that means when they do inevitably disappear, way more than simply a building is lost.
That said, happily a good few remain, so for now at least they can be enjoyed to the fullest, with these photos providing merely a brief record of a much richer past.
Sean says
So many awesome shots. Man would I love to drink in these bars!
Lee says
Thank you very much. They are special places for sure, and I definitely feel lucky to have experienced them.
Denise says
All those smiles!! 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, always nice to be able to include some of them now and again.
Richard says
Heartwarming to see many smiling faces! These are like going into a Time Machine and coming out into the 1950’s. Thanks!!
Lee says
Yeah, happy I got so many lovely expressions. And totally agree. So often like stepping back into the past.
Ted T says
The prominence of calendars marking the passage of time. Fantastic…
Lee says
Thanks a lot, and that’s a very good call. Calendars really are a big thing in Japan. Never far away from one.
scruffy says
These are all beyond fantastic. Right away upon seeing the first image, I felt hungry for whatever they’re cooking!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. So many nice memories here, although it has to be said that some are a bit hazy as more beer and not enough of that food was consumed in some!
Damien says
Fabulous vignettes of Showa nomitomos. The lampshade cooking grease stalactites in the third shot are spectacular, probably reflected in the lungs of some of the long-term grille cooks and chain-smoking customers of these fine establishments. Thanks for sharing.
Lee says
Thanks a lot and you are very welcome. Some lovely memories from these places. And yeah, that lampshade is something.else and then some.
Randy Lesniak says
Some tremendous shots of expressive people, great work. I’d love to drop in one with my wife and especially my daughter so she can get a glimpse of a different era, and not think of Japan as exclusively either the traditional history of shrines or the ultra-modern; maybe to feel something else that existed in between. I’m the nostalgic type, so even if it’s not my personal experience, I still relate it to how I remember my grandparents when I was young, and the lingering epoch of the adult 60s that always seemed to hang around them, refusing to advance in time. If you feel comfortable passing a recommendation for Tokyo, I’d appreciate it.
I may need to buy a print – they’re lovely.