Young people discuss their dreams surrounded by posters coloring the times. In the spring of 2020, Chikyubuya, a hangout for subculture lovers, closed the curtain on its history. Mr. Kikuoka, an alumnus of Chikyûya, was pushed by the voices of the townspeople and his own heart, and put his hand up to recruit a successor.

Souvlaki, a classic entrée that is said to be found in Greek bars, is 480 yen. Skewered pork with oregano and other herbs

Chicken Baluchi and 8 naan for 680 yen is a northern Pakistani curry cooked with tomatoes and garam masala. Gobble it up on a chicken naan.

He had always been curious about the trend, but never thought he would be the one to take over. He said, "I learned the joys of travel and how to live freely here, with all the crazy and unique seniors. It was here that I was able to marry my wife, and it was here that I learned about backpacking. Looking back, I feel that my life has been inseparable from Chikyuya."

From right to left: Staff Takuma Miyanishi, Staff Kombu, Nobuyoshi Kikuoka, 4th generation owner

Mr. Kikuoka, who revived Chikyu-ya while his own restaurant was also struggling, positions himself as a "supporter of the city's heritage," which may be an exaggeration. ［His mission is to somehow preserve the "Chikyubiya" and to see the day when it can be handed over to the fifth generation. He is waiting for that day to come, while keeping the standard menu items such as the extra-large Sara Udon noodles and the 380 yen sake for 1 gou (1 cup) of sake, and evolving it by adding new dishes such as the world wandering travel meshi. Both old and young regulars thank us for bringing the restaurant back to life. Once again, I feel that the restaurant is loved by everyone."