Are you sure to drink at an elementary school? Of course, you’re not supposed to do that in general. Today, I’m going to share a place where you can feel like you’re students in a Japanese elementary school. There are many types of izakaya in Japan, and this place is a themed izakaya that offers an atmosphere of our elementary school days. Unlike typical izakaya, you might feel it’s a bit strange, but I’m sure you can enjoy it. Let’s get started!
The Concept
This izakaya offers customers a cool experience where they reminisce about their school days in the elementary school they used to go to while they are drinking. Of course, it’s not a real one, because we went to another school, and each school is different. However, there are some common items like attaching a poster of calligraphy, desks, chairs, and things along those lines. Chances are they bring us back to the memories even if we used to live in different towns. We immediately click right away when we see these items. It seems like a great way to start a conversation. On the flip side, people who visit Japan can see how elementary school students studied and played. That is interesting and interesting, isn’t it? What is more, you can have the experience while drinking.
What’s Dagashi( 駄菓子)?
Dagashi (駄菓子) are snacks that used to be sold at mom-and-pop stores long time ago. In my opinion, it was an affordable price for many kids but it seemed unhealthy but you were addicted to them. It was my old stomping grounds. After school, the store was used to be a hangout for many kids. You might remember you couldn’t buy these snacks whatever you wanted to because your budget was limited. Your parents used to tell you not to eat too much as the snacks seemed unhealthy. You might have been frustrated at that time. Now, I can say to you, “Don’t worry about it, you can eat whatever you want.” As I became an adult, I would kill for having dagashi every now and then. This might be because of my experience in my childhood.
This izakaya offers dagashi as a table charge, and it is an all-you-can-eat. You can eat whatever you want. My dream would come true.
What’s Kyushoku (給食)?
“Kyushoku (給食) is Japanese school lunch. According to Ministry Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, it is said the origin was in the Eastern North region in 1889. A private school run by a temple in Yamagata Prefecture offered free lunch at the school for students who were in need with financial difficulties. Around 1923, the Japanese government encouraged children to improve their nutrition conditions. So kyushoku has spread widely all over Japan. However, the government had to suspend it due to the war. After World War II, as the nutritional conditions of students were getting worse, the government started it again. By 1951, the government made a law that aimed to keep children healthy by eating school lunch.
Now that the rest is history, it’s really common in elementary schools all over the country. When I was a kid when lunchtime came, kids who were in charge of serving meals had to carry kyushoku for everyone. That was really a hassle, but there used to be a way for them to tell what the meal of the day was. My favorite kyushoku were, ramen, spaghetti, and curry rice. My eyes used to sparkle when I heard these menus of the day. This izakaya is offering such a good-old-days meal. Also, the bowls and plates are made of aluminum like was used at that time. It is a good chance to know what dishes students have at lunchtime.
<Today’s Izakaya >
https://www.6nen4kumi.com
How was it? Of course, it’s not a real school, but you might figure out how Japanese kids study and play there. Nowadays, you aren’t allowed to enter school freely because of security issues. Well, for me, there’s something that makes me feel cozy about reminiscing about my childhood. You might be bored in a typical izakaya. Sometimes it’s nice to go to these themed restaurants. The rule of thumb is just have fun! Thank you for taking your time to read my article to the end. See you in my next article.
I worked at a trading company for many years. I live in Tokyo with my wife. Love skiing, traveling, IPAs, wine , X-treme sports, fashion, and learning English and Chinese.
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