Hello! I’m Akari, the backstage staff of “Snack Alley”!
“Diary of a Clumsy Snack Bar Girl” is the story of me, a homebody who loves spending time indoors, venturing into the unfamiliar world of snack bars. Amidst all the chaos, I’m learning and growing through my experiences! From the perspective of a complete beginner, I hope to share the charm and atmosphere of snack bars with those who have never visited one✨
Following Mayuko Igarashi’s lead, I ordered an oolong highball, and I was just moments away from making my toast debut at a snack bar! As our glasses clinked together lightly and she exclaimed, “Congratulations on your snack bar debut! Cheers!” the atmosphere in the bar suddenly became warm and welcoming. Even the regulars, whom I had just met, smiled and congratulated me with a cheerful, “Congrats!” It was a refreshing experience. Slowly, I started to understand, “So this is what the vibe of a snack bar feels like…”
As soon as the toast was over, the mama of the bar gently asked, “Is this your first time at a snack bar?” Feeling a bit nervous, I replied, “Yes, it’s my first time…” But she quickly put me at ease, saying, “It’s fine, even if it’s your first time. Here, we’re all like family.” Just like that, the atmosphere became relaxed. Our conversation flowed naturally as she asked, “How was your day?” or “How’s work?” It created a space where I felt like I could talk about anything.
What struck me most was the mama’s incredible skill in adjusting her conversation to suit anyone. Whether it was a regular’s joke or a serious consultation, her words brought the room together perfectly. Watching her in action, I thought, “This is the true communication power of a snack bar,” and I was genuinely impressed.
Soon, I struck up a conversation with a regular sitting next to me. When they asked, “Where are you from today?” and I replied, “It’s my first time here,” they warmly smiled and said, “Enjoy yourself!” At that moment, my nervousness started to ease. We talked about work, hobbies, and before I knew it, the tone of the conversation became casual. It felt like I was chatting with an old friend.
The charm of snack bar communication is in this friendliness. Even if it’s your first time, conversations start naturally without a hitch. That’s the warmth unique to snack bars. And at the heart of it all is the mama. I really encourage everyone to experience snack bar communication at least once!
See you again next time! (I’m aiming to update every Thursday!) For those who have never been to a snack bar, I’ll be doing my best, through all the ups and downs, to convey the real atmosphere of these unique spots, so stay tuned!
About Akari
Snack bar experience: First-year newbie (in her 30s)
Hobbies: Traveling, eating at home, and sleeping
