[Special Feature] Scenes with Fukusuke - Part Three: Hachigoya (858) in Kita-Senju

Based on the "Fukusuke doll" drawn by graffiti artist ESOW, Sofubi Studio CHUKUKOBO This is the final installment of "Fukusuke," a soft vinyl art piece created by ESOW, in which we visited shops associated with ESOW with Fukusuke over three installments.

Currently on displayPart 1,Part TwoDon't miss it! For the third and final episode, we visited "858," an izakaya in Kita-Senju. The kind owner, Ma-san, who looks great in a hat, gave us a warm welcome.

"858" is a standing-only izakaya located in the Shukuba-machi shopping street in Kita-Senju. The old-style building, illuminated by lanterns, gives off a hidden gem kind of vibe that's a little different from its surroundings.
The interior of the bar, which extends to the back, has a log cabin-like atmosphere with the warmth of wood. There are single-slab counters on both sides, where you can enjoy drinks to your heart's content while listening to stylish music selected by the owner, Ma-san. If you're unsure what to order from the extensive drink menu, we recommend the original 858 cocktail.

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[We asked Ma-san, the owner of Hachigoya (858)

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--When did you start the shop?

About 15 years ago, I was running a vintage clothing store in the same location. At the same time, I was also organizing an event called "Hachigoya Night" (a block party organized by people from the streets who value the culture and human warmth of Tokyo's downtown area and live life to the fullest with festivals, music, and art), and it was incredibly fun.

What started as a small party with about 50 close friends eventually grew into an event attracting around 300 people. But then, one day, the café "Dolphin," which was the venue for "Hachigoya Night," closed down. That's when I thought, "Oh, in that case, I'll do it myself," and that's how "Hachigoya" began. I wanted to hold Hachigoya Night every day, so I sold all my vintage clothes and started a bar.

-- Is there a story behind the name Hachigoya?

: It comes from the word "yaoya" (greengrocer). Greengrocers never go out of business, right? (laughs) As a kind of good luck charm, I changed the "hyaku" (hundred) in "yaoya" (greengrocer) to "ko" (old) and named it Yaoya.

An illustration inside the store. The familiar old man from ESOW's works is depicted as the characters for "858".

--Have you been operating as a standing-only bar since you first opened?

Yes, standing bars are fun! Many of our customers come because of their local connections, but we try not to force connections between people. It can get too formal, like "Thank you for everything!"

I think it's more fun and interesting when customers naturally interact and talk to each other, and then discover that they were actually connected all along. I believe that the longer it takes for them to connect, the closer they can become, so I cherish watching over those stories unfold.

The system involves purchasing cards to order from the menu. ESOW also created the illustrations for the cards and ashtrays.

--How did you come to know ESOW?

: When Jesse (ESOW) was running a shop and gallery called Fuuraido in the Asakusa underground shopping mall, the people from the shops in that mall would sometimes hold events and live performances at our place, and that's how we started to connect. It was really fun to see the exchanges that were taking place between Asakusa and Senju.
"I've bought vintage clothes at Hachikoya before," she said, so we were already connected.

Jesse (ESOW) is like a great older brother to me; he teaches me a lot of things. We talk about music a lot, especially. It's like, "What do you think of this?" "That's good!" (laughs). We exchange good music with each other.

This charming, old-fashioned shop was apparently originally a stamp shop.

--Finally, could you tell us your recommended menu item?

: Something fishy, ​​perhaps? Like kelp-cured fish today.

I also like deep-fried nameko mushrooms. They're really delicious.

ESOW's top recommendation: fried chicken. It has a crispy texture, and the more you chew, the more the delicious flavor of nameko mushrooms spreads.

Thank you, Ma-san and ESOW-san!

Did you enjoy the special feature article, "Scenes with Fukusuke"?
When you visit the shops I've introduced, be sure to take some photos of your own original "scene with Fukusuke"!

[Fukusuke/Gray] Now on sale. For details...Here