This issue I’d like to introduce Ito Eiichi, whom we affectionately call Te’chan (“steel boy” for his love of “steel locomotives”). When I asked to see his portfolio, it was full of train photos, as I had expected. He talked passionately about the boiler of a special steam train among them. He wasn’t talking about the merits of the picture, but was going on about the subject of the train. When he talks about pictures, he becomes shy and is at a loss for words. That’s just how he is. It was trains, of course, that drew him into the…
Author: Seasider
Beer Garage 87 is the epitome of a neighborhood bar with its warm, welcoming feel. The place is predominantly standing room only with the exception of two comfy chairs in the back. Its rather dimly lit interior and jazzy background music complete the laid-back ambiance. Many patrons, both male and female, regulars and first-timers, showed up alone on a Friday night and the atmosphere was immediately social. Exuberant owner, Ryo Shimizu, was always ready with light banter and a kind word. Rarely without a smile, he tirelessly runs the shop by himself seven days a week. The beer selection is quite…
Bright and spacious with ceiling fans, like something from a tropical locale—the cheerful, friendly staff with colorful aloha shirts even greet you with, “Aloha!” Customers, meanwhile, are all smiles as they dig into their Hawaiian food, like the island’s famous pancakes. But this isn’t Hawaii, of course; it’s the Shinyamashita location of Eggs ‘n Things, just three minutes from Yokohama Chinatown station. As noted above, its famed dish is Hawaiian pancakes. A big dollop of whipped cream on top of four or five pancakes is the staple. We ordered the Hanohano pancake (¥1650), which commemorates the store’s 5th anniversary. In Hawaiian,…
Junko Hata grew up in nearby Fujisawa loving the smell of the coffee her father, who worked for a food trading company, often used to brew at home. As a kid, she would add lots of milk and sugar to remove the bitterness, but over time she came to appreciate the taste, especially after spending some extended time in the San Francisco area after university. She was impressed by not only the art of making coffee she witnessed there, but also the very social atmosphere of the local cafes. She was surprised by how people of all walks of life mingled, like…
Smile of Kids is a Yokohama NPO providing support for children who are suffering terrible illnesses and assisting their families as well. Its director, Hisato Tagawa, lost his own daughter, Haruka, to brain cancer at age six. He set up the NPO in August of 2003 out of gratitude to her hospital and also to advance the cause of childhood medicine, which is still lagging behind. The NPO operates Lila’s House (Lila-no-ie), a lodging facility beside the Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center for families of patients (the NPO built the lodge, too). It also runs music therapy activities for patients and…
Starting in 2012 as a medium for NOVOL to present and explore live painting, CONCORD (¥1500) has always embraced an eclectic selection of music. This time, DJ BOBO JAMES, a.k.a D.L, selected a diverse set of retro Japanese funk and pulp classics that seemed straight out of a Quentin Tarantino film. The laid back atmosphere and music performed in unison with NOVOL dynamically adding layer after layer of paint all contributed to an event that is a must for anyone into underground art and music.
With a collection of assorted craft beer bottles and kegs lining one whole wall of it’s charming interior, Craft Beer Kitchen immediately gives you the impression that it’s aptly named. The bar and open kitchen area is especially attractive, with a very new, pristine feel. Everything seems meticulously organized, from the glassware and decor to the manner in which their food is presented. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is appealing to those looking for a chat over drinks without having to shout over the noise. Judging by the clientele when we stopped by, it seemed especially appealing to women. Gentlemen, keep…
Hidden in the backstreets near Idogaya Station is a little gem of a cafe that is accommodating to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Cafe KuKuRu is fairly unassuming given its surroundings, and has a relaxing interior that accentuates the simple intimacy and comfort of a home dining room. The music and ambiance are perfect for an afternoon of getting lost in the moment chatting with an old friend, or simply taking a break from one’s daily routine. What really makes cafe KuKuRu stand out, though, is its unique menu. KuKuRu has a healthy assortment of items on its menu that caters…
Yokohama Art Museum welcomes contemporary artist and experimental film creator, Ishida Takashi, into its gallery with his new exhibit “BILLOWING LIGHT”. Mr. Takashi offers fresh insight through his unique ability to incorporate drawing animation techniques into his artwork. Be it his organically evolving paintings, or his experimentation with light and space, Ishida`s creations explore the intersection between moving image art and painting and the often chaotic environments that arise between them. “BILLOWING LIGHT” will display various film and installation pieces that document his explorations and, over the course of the exhibit, Mr. Ishida will conduct various workshops, film screenings, and…
Located in Yoshidamachi, Holborn is a quaint bar modeled after a traditional British style pub.Although it has only been around since 2013, the fancy woodwork and old-fashioned decor give it a vintage character. In contrast to what your image might be of raucous British pubs, the relatively subdued setting allows for ease of conversation with co-workers after a long day or even a casual chat with the bartender. At the time of our visit, the clientele consisted mainly of younger to middle-aged businessmen unwinding on a weeknight. The bartenders gave off the air of being very professional and proper, but…