Hello, everyone! This is Akari, your behind-the-scenes guide to Snack Yokocho! Thank you for reading the first volume of “Chronicles of a Dry Woman’s Snack Bar Misadventures!” If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out from here!
In “Let’s get into Japan’s Deep World Snack Bars” I, a homebody with no social life and no experience with snack bars, bumble my way through Snack Yokocho, discovering the ins and outs of snack bars. I’m a complete beginner, so I hope to convey the atmosphere of snack bars to those who’ve never been!
So, let me tell you about how, by some twist of fate, I ended up making my snack bar debut with Mayuko Igarashi, the seasoned snack bar enthusiast. First off, what on earth does one wear to a snack bar? As a homebody, my wardrobe is hardly stylish. Observing Mayuko Igarashi…
Hmm, denim and a T-shirt. I guess I’ll match her style.
Snack Tip: Casual everyday wear is perfectly fine for snack bars!
Note: This is based on my personal experience. Sometimes Mayuko Igarashi does wear dresses.
“Alright! I’m so excited for your snack bar debut!!!” Mayuko Igarashi, brimming with enthusiasm, strides beside me. Meanwhile, I’m far from matching her energy.
What kind of customers will be there? Will the mama-san accept me? What should I talk about?
These unasked questions keep swirling in my head, and as someone who isn’t great at socializing, I can’t help but worry. Maybe I should just bail… But then again, this is a new experience…
Lost in these thoughts, we arrive at a street lined with snack bars, their neon signs glowing brightly.
I’ve never paid so much attention to snack bar signs in my life. So many beautiful names, and the colorful neon lights are adorable and uplifting!
But here comes another question (I’m always full of questions):
How do we decide which snack bar to go to tonight?!
Just then, Mayuko Igarashi throws me a curveball.
“Akari, since it’s your debut, go ahead and pick a snack bar you’d like to visit!”
What?! I thought she was going to take me to her recommended spot… How am I supposed to choose…
Though my snack bar debut is still pending, next time, I’ll finally stand before the doors of a snack bar and step inside for the first time.
Stay tuned for the next episode! (I aim to update every Thursday!)
I hope to bring the real snack bar experience to those who’ve never been. Despite my clumsiness, I’ll keep striving! Thank you for your support!
About Akari
- Snack Bar Experience: First-year newbie (in her thirties)
- Hobbies: Traveling, eating at home, sleeping
