A journey through the night life districts of Japanese cities and small towns looking for a bar named “Sakura”….

Some years back I got it into my head to try and photograph the world of drinking places in Japan known as “snacks”. Usually a counter and a booth or two, mostly presided over by a “mama” and catering to regulars. But I wasn’t looking for just any “snack”. I noticed that every town seemed to have a snack named “Sakura” (cherry blossom). The All Japan Snack Owners Association confirmed that among their members Snack Sakura is the most common name and so I criss-crossed the country from 2018 to 2024 looking for them in big cities and small towns, from Okinawa to Hokkaido. Happy to introduce this new book published by Kominek, Berlin!

Thank you too to early supporters of“Snack Sakura”! For everyone who pre-orders by Jan 31st your name will be listed in the book in acknowledgment of your support! Published in April 2025.

Available now via link in bio.1. Kure, Hiroshima. “Acapulco Sea” cabaret.
2. Susukino, Sapporo.
3. Snack Sakura, Kochi, Shikoku.
4. Bar Sakura, Sasebo.

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