Teacher: Koichi Taniguchi (Professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University)
Taniguchi Koichi / Born in Oita Prefecture. Representative of the Snack Bar Research Group. His books include "Japan's Nighttime Public Sphere: An Introduction to Snack Bar Research" and "Japan's Nightlife: A Legal Philosopher Walks the Night Streets."
New and old snack bars that deepen the city's nightlife
The Showa era will reach its 100th anniversary in 2025. Snack bars are synonymous with that era. Recently, there has been much talk in the United States about the growing loneliness among people and the sense of crisis that they are no longer eating and drinking with others outside. However, perhaps now is the time for Japanese snack bars, which focus on communication, to shine.
Snack bars are places where you can meet someone for a relaxing conversation when you open the door. Recently, they have been attracting attention as a new type of "urban development" establishment. Although they may seem like a curveball, we would like to introduce them together with some traditional, well-known bars in the city.
Snacks Underwater
A short walk from Yaho Station, you'll find a shining blue sign at the end of an alleyway. Light spills out from inside the semi-basement store. It's a friendly atmosphere that welcomes first-timers as well as local regulars, with many coming from further afield. Enjoy conversation and karaoke with strangers. No smoking.
Address: 1-17-12 Fujimidai, Kunitachi City, 1F | map
Downtown Snack ARAKAWA LABO Main Branch
It's a short walk from Kodai Station on the Toden Arakawa Line or a bus from Tabata Station. The bar is bustling with customers of all ages and genders. The space is designed with ingenious features, such as toasting glasses and shared bottles, to encourage conversation even between strangers. There's no karaoke, so the focus is on conversation. Non-smoking.
Address: 2-37-6 Nishi-Oku, Arakawa-ku | map
Caseiro Bar
This authentic snack bar is located in Shinjuku 2-chome. It's a mixed bar, so everyone is welcome. The clean interior has a calm atmosphere, and you can enjoy the lively conversation of the handsome manager, Nobu. It's a famous bar with a wide range of customers, so you can enjoy cross-cultural and cross-industry exchanges. Karaoke is available, and smoking is limited to electronic cigarettes.
Address: 305, 2-7-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku | Map
