Like a box full of treasures, may be the perfect way to describe this store decorated with a cute pendulum clock, wallpapers, dishes and cups.
The storekeeper, Nanako Suzuki was once an office worker. She quit her job 4 years ago at the age of 25 to open her own shop, which was her long-cherished dream.
“FUJI STORE” is located a bit far from the prominent area of Kichijoji. Although the store is not packed with customers, Suzuki-san always take time to have conversation will the people who come to her store. That is her way of “Omotenashi”, a Japanese way of saying service.
“I am not a cooking expert, nor a specialist in liquor. I am happy to see my customers eat what they like and enjoy their time” Suzuki-san says.
Meat loaf, potato salad, deep-fried tofu….Her dishes are simple but delicious, all of them making a great match with Japanese Sake. When making Atsukan (warmed Japanese Sake), Suzuki-san does not use a thermometer. She used to use one until it was broken, and after that she stopped using it.
“One day, I noticed that there’s no need to use a thermometer, since all Sake which I stocked was delicious in any kind of temperature, whether it is a bit hotter than I planned. Now, I can judge the Sake’s temperature by its smell. When it’s ready, a sweet smell of steamed rice fills the room and I can tell right away that the Sake is ready.”
Suzuki-san’s keen nose is always focused on the Sake, even while she is busy cooking.
A sweet smell fills the room, as “Tamazakura”, a Japanese Sake made in Shimane Prefecture was served in front of me. The temperature was just perfect, warm enough to give me complete relaxation.
FUJI STORE
Opened in July, 2014. A very heart-warming store, very friendly to anyone who enters. Recommended Japanese Sake for Atsukan are Komagura, Izumibashi, Tenon, Fusouduru. There are other types of liquor such as lemon sour, beer, wine…etc.
1-6-16 Higashi-cho, Kichijoji
Musasino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: 0422-27-5785
Open from
4:00PM~11:00PM on Monday through Friday
1:00PM~9:00PM on Saturday
*No scheduled holidays.
Interviewed and written by: Kiyoko Yamauchi
