Sense Of History Skewered

[Mulboyne]

[floatr][/floatr]Mainichi: Famous yakitori restaurant in Tokyo to be demolished for being too old
The main restaurant of Iseya, a group of famous yakitori restaurants in Musashino, Tokyo, will be demolished because building regulations have deemed it too old to use. "I want to maintain the building we've loved for so long," said Iseya's owner. "But I have no choice now that it's become too old." Regular customers are flocking to the yakitori restaurant, located near JR Kichijoji Station, before it closes on Sept. 25. Many regulars, for who the two-story, traditional Japanese-style wooden structure has long been a favorite haunt, are upset at the news...more...

[Buraku]

They'll just concrete all over it and stick another road over it

it ain't just a Japanese phenomenon, happens everywhere
old Native South American sites destroyed, European historical places torn down, ancient Asian buildings paved over...

[mr. sparkle]

[floatr][/floatr]
This FUCKING SUCKS! I would rate going to Iseya with Rob after a Pongi shoot in Inokashira Park is one of my top fond memories of Japan. The place is one of those that exudes "Old Japan". What a shame. The creaky old place by the park was really wonderful. I'm glad I got to go there many, many times. However, I will really miss it. The food is good, the beer is cold and the patrons are very friendly. Place should be a national monument. Go there if you want to see and taste what I'm talkin' about...before it's too late.

[omae mona]

I don't frequent kichijoji that often, but happened to be at the park last weekend with the family. The instant Iseya caught our eye, we decided that we needed to come back (unladen with Omae Mona Jr.) as soon as possible to try it out. Wonder if we can make it in time.

[Captain Japan]

The soot is so thick on some of the menu items on the wall that you can't read them. I was in there at the end of last year. One guy working the grill had welding goggles on.

Very few buildings in this city receive regular maintenance. While it does have its charms, I don't know that Iseya _ever_ received any sort of maintenance. I think it would have helped.

[oyajikun]

Man that blows, Kitchijoji won't be the same without it.

[Samurai_Jerk]

If it's a safety issue I can understand. The problem is, in Japan, you know they will not try to rebuild it with any sort of aesthetic or historical value.

[Charles]

If it's a safety issue I can understand. The problem is, in Japan, you know they will not try to rebuilt it with and sort of aesthetic or historical value.

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

[Mulboyne]

Here's a different building under threat for different reasons:



Asahi: An architectural wonder that is worth saving

JR Kunitachi Station on the Chuo Line in suburban Tokyo stands out because of its red triangular roof. The station was built in 1926 as a symbol of Kunitachi, which was designed around Hitotsubashi University. The station is also the starting point of roads, including the city's main Daigaku Dori (university street), that radiate from it. The landmark has welcomed citizens for the past eight decades. However, it seems very likely that the building will be torn down at the end of the year. In 1993, JR East and the Tokyo metropolitan government decided the structure could not be preserved at its current site because of plans to elevate rail tracks between Mitaka and Tachikawa stations to allow roads to pass under them...more...

[Mulboyne]

Last day coming up.

[Captain Japan]

I was thinking I should head over there for one last visit but didn't make. It looks like a lot of people did though.

[Mulboyne]

Famous yakitori restaurant in Tokyo to be demolished for being too old

Iseya have now opened a temporary shop near the north entrance of Kichijoji station where the old Mitsukoshi building used to be. Not the atmosphere of the old place but it seems that they are still pulling in the customers.

[Mulboyne]

They have now reopened (pictured right and below).