On a chilly Monday morning in February 2025, dozens of curry enthusiasts gathered outside a quaint restaurant in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. The trendy restaurant specializes in inexpensive and aromatic curry platters. It’s turned into a treasured institution for denizens and tourists, to boot. This celebration marks the beloved restaurant’s local and national acclaim during deep-fried winter weather.
Takasaki, a thriving little city only an hour’s bullet train ride northwest of Tokyo, has been receiving more visitors lately. These travelers are ready to enjoy a nutritious meal. In addition to those in the stands, people of all ages lined up, demonstrating the love spread throughout every generation for the restaurant’s delicious creations. The scene captured the essence of community and culinary delight, drawing attention to how food can unite people, particularly during colder seasons.
Acclaimed photographer Suzu Takahashi was there to document the occasion, capturing the smiles and eager anticipation of diners lined up ready to dig into their first meals. The image, “Interior of Curry house,” showcases the warm, welcoming feel of the popular place that enticed so many to enjoy a meal there. The visual representation of the restaurant serves as a reminder of the comfort that warm food can provide in winter.
Discussing the incredible curry served at the shop, LISA KIM, SAYUMI TAKE, and JADA NAGUMO were excited to share about the project. They were the first of many patrons to share their excitement! They spoke about their experiences and shared loved ones memories associated with the restaurants. It’s a timely exercise, as it has grown beyond an eatery and is now an integral aspect of their everyday culture.
The popularity of this new curry house is a testament to the resilience of communities. What does rising inflation, increasing costs, and local businesses have to say about that? As costs skyrocket, more no-frills restaurants struggle to keep their prices down while still serving delicious food. With the current economic reality there is a question of how these beloved establishments will be able to pivot moving forward.