R.I.P. | Memories of My Three Favorite Japanese Bartenders Who Passed Away in 2025

Hello! I’m Yu-chan, a Japanese person who wants to be your guide to Japanese culture and travel.

I absolutely love authentic bars.

Great atmosphere, great drinks, great patrons, and great bartenders.

I have many favorite bars, but three bartenders passed away in 2025.

I want people to know about their bars and their names, so I’m posting this here.

Authentic Boby’s Bar

At a bar near Umeda in Osaka, there was a man named Chikami, who was Japan’s oldest bartender until the age of 93.

Having worked at a U.S. military base after World War II, he had amassed an incredible collection of liqueurs from all over the world.

I was truly amazed when he served me a European walnut liqueur.

“Japanese people learn what sweetness tastes like through traditional Japanese sweets (sugar). European children, on the other hand, learn it through flavors like this. Our standards of taste are different,” he explained.

Although his body was no longer able to shake cocktails, and despite falling ill time and again, he kept the bar open for about three hours starting at 6 p.m. right up until his final moments.

His reason was simply, “Because there are people who come by to see me.” It was a truly admirable way to live.

He treated me with great kindness, serving me one complimentary drink after another.

Rest in peace.

Bar Duet

A secret hideaway on the outskirts of Osaka’s Namba district – a place tourists would never stumble upon.

When you open the front door, you’ll see table seating, but the counter isn’t visible.

Walk a short distance and descend the stairs, and you’ll find an antique, majestic space illuminated by gas lamps.

I was shocked to learn that the owner, Mr. Watanabe, runs the place all by himself.

This shop has a “mascot” – though, to be precise, it’s a cat.

She’s a stray, but she strolls along the counter with a free-spirited yet elegant grace.

Her name is “Mimi,” and she’s currently the third generation.

It seems a female regular took Mimi in, and a regular bartender has taken over the shop.

It’s a wonderful space that balances tension and comfort. I truly came to understand the saying, “The best bar remains the best even when the people are gone.”

Rest in peace.

Bar Kunlun

A bar located on an upper floor of a building in the heart of Kobe’s Sannomiya district, accessible by elevator.

This is a truly exceptional space, created single-handedly by Master Tamura – a hidden gem known only to those in the know.

A stylish entrance, a beautiful counter, and a variety of beautiful flowers that change every time you visit.

He’s the one decorating all by himself – he has hay fever.

Sipping a classic cocktail in the quiet, soundless bar was absolutely delightful.

I don’t work in the bar industry myself, but whenever I mention this place to my bartender friends, they all say the exact same thing:

“I had no idea such a beautiful bar was right here in the neighborhood. It’s frustrating.”

Whether on a date or just out for a drink on my own, I’ve visited this place many times.

Rest in peace.

I’m glad I went when I had the chance

The very people who want to learn the most are the ones who tend to disappear the fastest.

In the past year, I’ve lost three people (three homes) and nowhere to go.

It’s been a truly sad year, but I’ll never forget their kindness and the way they lived their lives.

Do you have a special bar?