The decor of this old bar in Tokyo’s western suburbs clearly hasn’t changed for decades — if indeed it has ever changed at all.
But then that’s really what gives it such charm.
Along with its friendly regulars, who similarly haven’t changed for some time.
Martin says
Nice and it actually looks like they are welcoming you.
Lee says
Yeah, they were very friendly. We were made to feel totally at home. A genuinely lovely place.
The fella with the hat on is a big photography fan, so he was especially keen to talk.
Hans ter Horst says
Lovely place, how was the food?
Lee says
Very basic. Some tofu and yakitori mostly on that particular evening. But all nice and tasty.
jen says
Please tell me that phone is for real and not just an ornament?!
Lee says
It is. Sadly it didn’t ring when I was there — it’d have been great to photograph the owner using it — but the mate who I was with confirmed it does.
Theresa says
It’s so color-coordinated with the old dial up phone, towels and vase, etc.
Lee says
Yes. Old it may be. Incredibly dated too. But it’s definitely well looked after.
Jeffrey says
I don’t know what your long term plans are, but I hope you stay in Tokyo at least through the Olympics. I love your eye and imagine you would do a great job chronicling whatever transition occurs.
Lee says
Cheers, Jeffrey.
I have no plans to leave. Very settled here. A home. A wife. Regular employment. So unless something very unexpected happens, I’ll be here for the Olympics and beyond.
WP says
The place looks lovely… so homey.
Lee says
Yeah, it really was. Homey is the perfect description.
LAObserver says
I like the hairstyle on the woman in the foreground of photo #2. She appears a bit preoccupied with other thoughts than her hair at the moment.
Lee says
She was interesting. Obviously a regular from the warm welcome she received, she was very quiet and seemingly preoccupied. Barely said a word during the time we were there. Instead, she just sat in the corner, quietly minding her own business.