I am completely mesmerized. Locally to me, far from anywhere it belongs, an independent-spirited Japanese man operates a little izakaya as a solo enterprise. J

I am completely mesmerized. Locally to me, far from anywhere it belongs, an independent-spirited Japanese man operates a little izakaya as a solo enterprise. Jazz, shockingly varied menu for the square footage and manpower; the whole deal. He keeps a television set up at the bar he works behind—pointed away from the bar, toward him. He shows only kittens playing and views from train drivers’ windows…