Cafe Geek’s bright, airy layout and relaxed feel make it instantly endearing to any coffee shop buff. A varied decor of plants, assorted artwork, trinkets and reading material lend it its character. The mood is set by a steady flow of mellow, Western rock classics streaming unobtrusively in the background. But like any good cafe, it’s the staff that put it over the top. Cafe Geek is run by affable husband-wife team Yu Akimoto and Ji-hyoung Yu. They serve every order with a pleasant profusion of smiles–something that makes it easy to become a regular. The couple wanted to create…
Author: Seasider
Kamakura’s Rudy Brew is a craft beer bar that blends Western culture and cuisine with a solid dose of Japanese beer. Energetic punk rock and ska provide a driving but unobtrusive musical background for this street-level establishment, which recently celebrated its first year. Just outside Kamakura Station’s east exit opposite the popular Komachidori shopping street, it makes for a great stop after a day of touring the city. Bar manager Jeremy Kircher is a transplant from the U.S. He runs the small bar with help from his wife Miku Yoshimura. Kircher grew up in Pennsylvania and spent 10 years in…
Just a few days, a few hours, a simple word. They’re all precious moments. Sometimes we forget memories and the time we’ve spent, but photography reminds us of them. Shoot moments that you want to embrace. Because one day, you’ll find yourself embraced by those moments. By Moemi Abe
The light at the end of this long tunnel–that’s the June sun (unless monsoon rains are falling)! We know these last few months have been difficult. However, it seems we’ve come through the tunnel of uncertainty. The situation, as it relates to COVID-19, is improving. Businesses are returning to normal and people are venturing out again. We shouldn’t abandon caution just yet, and we should still follow sensible practices (face masks, hand washing, etc). We should also support our local businesses–they need your help to recover. Patronize them if you can. We’ve said it before and say it again: Together,…
With many people spending much more time dining at home these days, we suspect our readers have been experimenting in the kitchen. For aspiring chefs out there, a full arsenal of spices and seasonings makes all the difference. Yokohama’s own Iwai Sesame Oil Company produces a range of high quality sesame oils, pastes and other flavorings that should keep you busy conjuring up new recipes. Iwai was founded in 1857 in Sakura City, Chiba, but relocated to Yokohama in 1893 due to the city’s strong commerce. To this day, the company still employs its traditional methods of production, meticulously roasting…
Ohkawa Tetsuo is the 6th member of his family to hold the title of president of Ohkawa Printing Company. This Yokohama-based company has been printing the Yokohama Seasider for about ten years, and also works with many other Yokohama businesses. Mr. Ohkawa recently spoke with our founder, Ry Beville, about the importance and future of print media. Both were aware of the irony (and unfortunate nature) of this interview appearing in the first fully digital edition of the Seasider, due to the Coronavirus. At the same time, it seemed more important than ever to discuss these issues. Why do you…
What can we say to make you feel better right now? Maybe you’re feeling disappointment at cancelled travel plans or events. Maybe you’re feeling more extreme emotions like anger because of lost work, or fear of the unknown. We’re not psychologists so we don’t know for sure… but we’ve stayed positive in this intro column the last 11 years. Is that the key? Positivity has a way of generating more positivity. Goodwill, which is positivity in action, yields happiness in yourself and others. Please support local businesses. Check on neighbors. Show appreciation. To that end–thank you for reading us! (p.s.…
The contrast between the bright pendant lights and subtle glow of candles on the tables at Bier Bar BOUCHÈRE creates a calming, nostalgic atmosphere. Antique furniture adds to the retro feel. Such a moody ambiance evoked by the light gradients makes it the perfect place to spend a quiet evening. The restaurant specializes in authentic European-style meat dishes prepared by owner Tomihito Maruyama. He studied meat processing (sausage-making, etc.) in Germany and has received many awards at both domestic and international contests. No talk of fine German meats is complete without mention of the country’s great beer culture, too. To…
Mitsuzawa Kamicho isn’t a very well-known part of Yokohama. Eateries are scarce in this area, which is why Kamicho Cafe has become the locals’ go-to place for delicious lunches and desserts. The cafe is roughly divided into two main parts–a bakery at the entrance and a cozy eat-in space connected to a small, outdoor terrace where you can eat with your pets. Given that it’s the only cafe in the area, you’ll find a large selection of both savory and sweet items to choose from. The prices are surprisingly reasonable as well (small pastries are sold for only ¥50) for…
Thanks to the success of our PHOTO CABIN, which I wrote about in the last issue, I have more to add to our story. There are some new developments also going on at THE DARKROOM. The plan for a new photo studio project is underway. In reality, it’s been in operation since last summer. But there is a real sense of progress right now. A few days ago construction for phone lines was finally completed, internet connections were established, and the schedule for renovations was set. Plans for the studio’s name, its logo, strategic direction and branding concepts are steadily…