What is an izakaya? Wikipedia states it is a type of Japanese drinking establishment. Stephen Smith writes in his dissertation on drinking and sobriety in Japan, that the Japanese ideal of a drink shop is good food, intimate atmosphere, attentive and entertaining personnel (Smith 1988:67). The owner of bar Mummy’s says it is “nice food, nice drink, nice talk, and light” (meaning that the room is brightly lit). There are indeed many types of izakayas – big loud chain izakayas, where people gather in big groups, medium and small ones like Mummy’s. There are no strictly defined standards.

Located relatively close to the student dormitories and 5-minute walk away from university's east gate, the pub named Mummy had become quite famous among the exchange students. Most have been to Mummy's at least once and some people visit it regulary. The name is being used as a constant reason for joking because of another popular pub named Daddy's Shoes. A mummy and a daddy for the forlorn kids in a distant country far away from home.


The entrance to the izakaya. At the time of the photo (late evening, almost closing time), the sliding doors have no traditional noren - a removable cloth hanging from above the door, but still the doors are covered with curtains to prevent people from looking in. This excessive division between inside and outside highlights the division between interior acitivities and the exterior ones.



The signboard outside the door. When he sign is out and lit, the izakaya is opened and accepting customers. Some time before closing the signboard is brought inside.