On this day, my partner and daughter were not at home, and there was nothing to eat. I had dinner out after work, but somehow it didn't feel satisfying. I decided to wander around Otaru, and my feet led me to Otaru Hanazono. The place was like a maze. I vividly remembered the way to the Sora restaurant I had visited before. I didn't have a specific place in mind, but I decided to trace that path. I had already eaten, and I don't drink alcohol. Hanazono, Arashiyama Shinchi. Should I just go back home? Just as I was thinking that, I heard the sound of jazz. It was coming from a bar called "Bar Tonjo." The music playing was from a CD of the Oscar Peterson Trio. Peterson's piano, Ray Brown's bass, and Ed Thigpen's brush drums were moving. I thought maybe it's nice to listen to jazz and relax for a bit, so I smoothly entered the bar. It was a tiny little bar. It was the first time I saw a bar with a sunken floor. I sat at the counter. I didn't know what to order. Based on the "ginger pork set meal" I had just eaten at the previous restaurant, I ordered a cocktail called "Amaretto Ginger." The master, wearing a bow tie, asked, "Do you prefer sweet or spicy?" Not sure, I said, "Spicy"... Amaretto Ginger... It's not very spicy. It doesn't quite match the ginger in the pork dish. It's a sweet cocktail. I might get a knee-knocker if I drink too much. Listening to my favorite jazz while having a drink is nice. Maybe I'll try one more. I ordered a Highball, a familiar drink, with Super Nikka soda. This bar has been open for three years since October 2015. It's the third year since it landed in Hokkaido. "Arinko Mou Dash" is from Miyagi, and "Chuka Shokudo Kuro" is from Nishiokoppe, Okhotsk. Both Arinko and Kuro have been open for less than a month. I feel their energy. It's nice. It's not just a one-time visit, so I can come back. The name of the bar is "Tonjo." I asked the master how to read it. He said, "Either 'tonjo' or 'tonjo' is fine, but 'tonjo' is preferable. 'Ton' means to gather." Bar names have various meanings. Now, it's time to go home. Just as I was thinking that, I received a message from my partner checking in... Should I have one more drink? That was my thought, but I found a reason to leave the bar. "Please come again." Of course. Next time, I'll bring my favorite CD to play. I'll gather at Tonjo again. Thank you for the meal. As I left the bar, I wondered which way to go to get back home... It seems like I'm a little tipsy. It's okay. Everything will work out.

On October 23, 2013, after visiting the first place "Hoshinoan Kaze no Iro," we continued to the next door "BAR Tonjo" with the recommendation of the Shirokuma Master. This place is known for having delicious curry in Otaru. The bar is open from 8 pm to 4 am, with a counter and a raised seating area inside. The Master, dressed in a bow tie, gives off a veteran vibe and used to work in Fukuoka, Kyushu for many years. We ordered two gin and tonics and their special beef curry, as well as the Napolitan pasta. The curry here is a Western style made with several types of commercial roux, beef, and onions. It's not too spicy and has a nice sweetness from the onions. The Napolitan was loaded with sausages, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers, and had a mild ketchup flavor. It was very satisfying. Both dishes may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed them. Despite being just a bar, BAR Tonjo is worth visiting for their curry and Napolitan. Both places we visited today, even though the owners are not locals, had a charming atmosphere. It felt like they were bringing a new energy to Otaru. As a local, I felt it was important to support these kinds of unique places in Otaru.