Back Streets of Tokyo
Leave the neon behind
it’s here you want to go
off the beaten path
to the back streets of Tokyo
Among the hanging red lanterns
and kanji signs catching your eye
are delicious foods to sample
and wondrous odors wafting by
Tempura so light and delicate
soups, noodles, all kinds of yakitori
and those grilled cabbage pancakes
there is so much to this story
No need to know the language
just point to the window display
they may poke some fun at gaijin
but it is all in good-natured play
Have a beer or maybe three
slurp your soba noodles loud
no longer on the main streets
you’re with a different crowd
Laughter is the primary sound
and a faint pachinko echo
sights, sounds, and smells engulf you
on the back streets of Tokyo
——
The Back Story of the Back Streets of Tokyo
The Tokyo Olympics brings back my memories of Japan. I visited Japan more than a dozen times in the mid 1980s, and I must say, it left an impression. The main boulevards, and their glorious neon lights, are something to behold. But for me, the real magic of Tokyo is found on the back streets — the ones lined with restaurants and little shops.
On one of my visits, I went into a music store, and liked what was playing. Not knowing the language, I approached one of the sales girls, and pointed to the ceiling speakers. She took me over a couple of aisles, and showed me a CD by a group called Off Course. They quickly became my favorite Japanese band, and I probably have about a half-dozen of their albums.
Of these, my favorite is the Back Streets of Tokyo. What appears to be the title song is actually titled “Endless Nights” and each time I hear it, I am transported in time and place to the back streets of Tokyo. Here it is, with the lyrics (in English) for you to enjoy:
Album cover for Back Streets of Tokyo by Off Course
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Linked to dVerse Pets Pub — Open Link Night #297, where Mish is hosting tonight.
Nice one, Ron! I felt transported there like I was right there with you. Never been to Tokyo, but it does seem fascinating. The song is also really nice and pretty, I can see how it also may have inspired you here.
Thanks. Yes, the song certainly inspires me.
I love the sentiment behind your poem, Ron, and I totally understand that moment when a certain song playing at a certain time can encapsulate the romance of a place. Beautifully expressed 💕
This is so lovely, thank you for letting us walk along with you here 😊
I really feel the city here, and your words alone make me want to see it in person
If and when you do, don’t forget the back streets.
Thank you for taking me to the back streets of Tokyo, which I re-read while listening to “Endless Nights”. A nice interlude this afternoon. Thank you!
You are welcome Beverly. I’m glad I could provide you with an interlude.
Ron, I started watching a netflix series a few months ago, called, “Midnight Diner,” that is just like what you’re describing here. The show is set in one of the little diners that is open only from midnight to 7 a.m. and has a regular cast but new diners every episode. I can only imagine what actually going there and being a part of it would be like. I also like your musical choice and see why you are a fan.
Thanks for bringing “Midnight Diner” to my attention. I will have to check it out.
You’re welcome. So far they haven’t had any non-Japanese diners, but now you have me waiting to see one 🙂
I loved every word of this. I yearn to go to the Far East. Japan-Korea-China (maybe especially the new Shanghai) all the night markets and food stalls, the back street and sparkling skyscrapers. My son (who has been to them all) says they’re concrete jungles and I respond, “when have I not liked a concrete jungle?” I pray for an end to Covid and the chance to venture forth again. Thank you.
It’s not all concrete jungles. My favorite town in Japan is the old capital of Kyoto. My trips always included stops in Taiwan, and occasionally Hong Kong and South Korea. Mainland China was still off limits to Americans when I was there in the 80s, so the closest I got was the New Territories of Hong Kong, and looking over the fence from Macau.
I lived there 7 years , but speak the language. You poem caught so much beauty — for a gaijin 外人. ；ー）
Thanks for stopping by Sabio. I picked up enough of the language to make introductions, ask directions, and navigate the subway system. Surprisingly, it was easier to pick up the basic kanji characters and know their meaning (if not their pronunciation). I always resided at the Imperial Hotel (still have my membership card), and being 6’4″, I was “big in Japan” and often called “oki gaijin.”
Thank you for your offering and the video…So glad you were able to enjoy it all before “covid”
An interesting poem Ron… I like your cultural taste of Tokyo. Sounds like an interesting place to visit!
Thanks Dwight. At the time, Tokyo was one of (if not the) most expensive cities in the world. Luckily for me, I was traveling on a corporate expense account.
How great is that! You did very well!
How exciting! I’ve never been to Japan, but I’ve visited (and lived in) many different tourist hotspots. Back streets are where real life happens!
Yes, I find it imperative to get off of the beaten path.
You took me there!
I was going to remark that your words would make good song lyrics–nice to hear the backstory and the music too! (K)
What vivid memories you still have! My mouth is watering at the descriptions of the food.
Absolutely fascinating … and educational … you make me want to visit. I hope foreign travel is possible again (in my lifetime.)
Wonderful. I really enjoyed the images you share through your poem and the rhyme had a natural flow. The best destinations are found off the beaten path!
Mish
Thank you for transporting your reader to Tokyo and sharing the video.