As I was wandering
and exploring the narrow streets around my “dorm sweet dorm“ for the first time,
I stumbled upon a Japanese bar (izakaya) called 7 Gods. I was intrigued by cute “Engrish”
on the back of the building that said: “Welcome
to Japan! Pleased to meet you and we want to associate with you. So get your
drink on!!” Another sign informed of the opening hours and when they have a
“holyday”. (The term "Engrish" references Japanese signs that
have incorrect or funny English. Click here for further information). But
there was more - crocodiles and an orchid were offering themselves for money and on the
front side of the building (facing the east gate of KGU) were even funnier
pictures of the 7 lucky gods as a comic. It all made me fascinated and felt welcome in my neighborhood. This affect
was exactly what the owner of 7 Gods
- Jin was hoping for. Jin chose this spot for his izakaya 14 years ago mainly because
of his curiosityto interact with "gaijin" (literally "outside person"). He decided to name the
place after the Japanese 7 lucky gods who are believed to bring good luck and
fortune (for more about them click here) and decorated it himself!
The animals on the back were glued up later after he started to serve
imported Australian meat thanks to a former KGU student. The inside
is a Japanese “shoes-less” interior with small tables and cushions
to sit on the floor. World maps asking “Where are you from?” are add to the foreigner-friendly feeling without being touristy. You can chat with Jin who is an embodiment of the
Japanese word “genki” (energetic) and has learned to be quite fluent in English.
For even more Japanese fun take your drinks upstairs and torture your vocal
chords with karaoke… I felt that 7
Gods‘ decorations and atmosphere in general is an example of how the whole neighborhood
shows hospitality and eagerness towards meeting international students. Itis a fun place to hang out with local people, feel at home and enjoy an amusing
menu where there is tasty homemade Japanese food and exotic meat
side-by-side. I don’t think I’m really up for crocodile yet...
Do you want crocodile, ostrich or kangaroo for dinner?
holy-day?
"This is Seminar House 5." "Hey, let's stop here for a drink!" "I wonder if they accept treasures." It's cheap there anyway.
7 lucky gods themself
Jin
fish glow in the dark thanks to black light lamp
Youtube video of 7 Gods from a former KGU student:
Providing information about important institutes in your neighborhood is a good way of tackling this assignment. I hope you will expand this kind of fieldwork to areas outside of your neighborhood as well.
Providing information about important institutes in your neighborhood is a good way of tackling this assignment. I hope you will expand this kind of fieldwork to areas outside of your neighborhood as well.
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