In memory of ‘places we can never go back to’ in Kagoshima: Tenmonkan’s variety shop collects shop names to display

PUBLISHED May 25, 2021

The exhibition of The Places We Can Never Go Back To in Kagoshima

The variety shop OWL in Tenmonkan, Kagoshima City, has collected names of shops and restaurants that no longer exist and turned them into an exhibit.

This exhibition is being held to commemorate the publication of the book “Neverland Diner: At That Place We Can Never Go Back To (Japanese title: Neverland Diner 二度と行けないあの店で)” by Tsuzuki Kyoichi, a Tokyo-based editor and photographer. The book is a compilation of a series of articles written over two and a half years for ROADSIDERS’ Weekly, a weekly email magazine run by Tsuzuki. It presents “memories of 100 places that no longer exist,” as told by 100 celebrities from various fields.

In addition to showcasing Tsuzuki’s photographs and the book, OWL also displays the names of shops and restaurants in Kagoshima that people will never be able to visit again, such as Hokuto Ramen, which used to be in Usuki, and Okonomiyaki Amaka, in Masagocho. Although the exhibition focuses on names that Baba Takumi, the owner of OWL, has heard from his friends, acquaintances, and visitors, the public can also submit names using the survey QR code at the store. Direct messages are also accepted through OWL’s Instagram.

“Through this exhibition, it would be nice if people could ponder the places that we can no longer visit and feel sorry about their closure, as well as the importance of the shops that we still have. I hope this will also encourage the shops and restaurants that are still in business, even though the opening hours have been shortened and limited,” Baba said.

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will run until June 7. Free admission.

  • Tsuzuki Kyoichi’s book “Neverland Diner: At That Place We Can Never Go Back To”

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