The Café Next Door: A Little Bit Lonely, A Little Bit Glad

Our next door is a charming, retro-style café that used to have a warm Showa-era atmosphere.  Sorry, but I can’t say the name of the café.  Until just recently, it was run by an elderly owner who had worked there for over 20 years.  Every day, the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee would drift through the air, and I loved that scent more than anything.



However, around 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy of the shop began to fade. About three months ago, it finally closed down.  I had never actually stepped inside, but still, I felt a quiet sadness when it was gone.

Then, a month ago, the property was sold, and a new café opened under a young owner.  I don’t know if it will last 20 years like before, but this time the menu focuses on large portions aimed at younger people—portions that feel a bit overwhelming for those of us over 50.

Even so, I often see the new owner working hard. Though the café is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., he stays until 9 p.m. preparing for the next day. I can’t help but admire his dedication.

The lunch costs 1,100 yen, which feels a bit too expensive for me, so I probably won’t go.  But since I live in a quiet countryside area, it’s comforting to see someone working late, especially when the previous owner used to close the shop by 4 p.m. and the lights would go out early.

Tonight, as I see the lights still on, I quietly hope that the new owner will succeed.


The café next door had lunch for 1,100 yen yesterday, which was Saturday.

Today, Sunday, the lunch was priced at 980 yen. According to the sign, today’s special was teriyaki chicken.

----- Update on April 20th -----

When I walked past the café around noon and peeked inside, there were three customers.

I’m a housewife of 60.  If I were to make teriyaki chicken at home, I think I could prepare it for around 600 yen including rice and salad.

And I’m sure the other housewives in the neighborhood could make a delicious version, too.

Running a café is tough, I’ve heard—apparently, nearly 50% of small cafés close within their first year.

I wonder if this place will be okay.

Still, I find myself quietly rooting for them.

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