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Stronger Than Pride

Discovering Tomakomai: A Dive into the Culture of Local Rebels

2024.10.10

#MUSIC

Tachinomi King (izakaya)

As twilight approached, we figured it was the perfect time to grab a drink, so we made our way to an izakaya called Tachinomi King. The owner, Takunori Kaneda, plays bass for the band Hige Gakudan, and outside, there was an incredibly stylish classic Nissan car that had me thinking, “This place is already pretty cool.” Upon stepping inside, I realized that the vibe matched the exterior.

The decor is both simple and striking, exuding a rugged charm that feels wonderfully unpretentious. As I enjoyed a chilled draft beer, I struck up a conversation with Kaneda, the bassist of the band Hige Gakudan. Despite his tough appearance, he was approachable and kind, and we discussed a variety of topics. While watching “Dosanko Wide,” a local variety show known to all Hokkaido residents, an advertisement for a festival in Tomakomai next week caught our attention. We remarked, “Wow, that must have cost a fortune,” and “Yeah, it really comes down to the promotion,” as we sipped our beers.

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