According to Mr. Toshimune, this Izakaya seems to unexplored regions of Kita-Senju. After going to first standing bar, we separated two groups because these standing bars and Izakaya are smaller than other restaurants. But this small interior has us get more and more friendly with unknowing persons. I and Mr. Toshimune and Mr. Keiji became to go to this Izakaya, on the other hand Mr. Yuka and other members went to Tenshichi which was very popular standing bar around Kita-Senju. We found this Izakaya accidentally while we looked for next standing bar. Once we entered into the entrance, there is only an L-shaped counter which seemed to sit roughly 10, inside the counter, two shopkeepers welcomed us and led to a corner of L-shaped counter, and we sat them. As we sat, one shopkeeper brought a little appetizer in a small bowl called«Otoshi» We ordered draft beer and Yakitori which is barbecued skewered chicken and has endless variations. While we waited their foods, Mr. Atsushi came to here and joined to us. Our party start start. 【1】What is Otoshi? Otoshi is just a little something to munch on while you’re deciding or waiting for your order. It is a relatively common practice in Izakaya and is considered as the basic cover charge which will be included I your bill. They are usually for just a few hundred yen so it is polite not to reject it. 【2】What is Izakaya for Japanese people? Izakaya has been acting as a communication place for Japanese since the ancient times. Especially those who work in a company or belong to some activity groups probably have spent some time in Izakaya with their coworkers or friends while extending their chopsticks over delicious food and drinks. This promotes and tightens the bond of a group. It was a widely recognized practice during the high economic growth era in the 60’s and 70’s and even words such as «Naomi-communication» were formed. Drinking and communicating became a norm and a vital social skill which were carried out in the public and the private sectors. Japanese think it’s impolite to speak directly. They consider it’s as a disgraceful act that lacks certain delicacy to say what’s on their mind without precaution or prior notice. Therefore, they cherish the prelude of relaxing their body and mind before speaking the truth. Japanese reaffirm the community spirit and start any kind of social event with a shout«Kanpai». The local retirees exchange information with a happy smile on their face. Izakaya has been the place used widely by Japanese business men and women as a meeting spot, by couples as a date spot, and by housewives to temporarily step away from their busy daily chores. It is also a place to host commencement parties for the second or third generation successors in the neighborhood.
