Ryu Miho's "Woman in Jazz♡" Part 3

"Spending time for myself while listening to jazz in the afternoon"

The moment you open the door, you can smell the aroma of coffee and feel refreshed and very comfortable!

Unlike the traditional image of a JAZZ cafe (loud jazz music, dark and smoky), we aimed for a bright and stylish shop that fits in with the European-style streetscape.

I think it takes a bit of courage for a woman to enter a jazz cafe alone for the first time, but do women ever come to TOMMY'S BY THE PARK alone?

I don't remember their names, but there are some regulars sitting around here (at the counter). I think many people spend their time listening to music, reading books, looking at their smartphones, etc. Also, some people buy bread from the bakery next door and eat in at lunchtime, bringing their babies with them. I think this is the jazz cafe where most strollers come in.

That's a blessing to mom, isn't it?

Do you ever adapt the songs played by the master to suit the audience?

Currently, we have about 5,000 CDs in our store, and we try to select songs that are tailored to the needs of our customers.

When regular customers come over, what does the master talk about at the counter?

With the regulars who have been going to the jazz cafe since they were young (most of them are in their 60s and 70s), we often talk about the jazz that was being played at the time. There are some people who value their time, such as reading, even if they are sitting at the counter, so in that case, we may refrain from talking to you. The point is, it depends on the customer.

Master, when did you start going to jazz cafes, and when did you start thinking about opening a jazz cafe?

When I became a university student, I became obsessed with jazz and started going to jazz cafes mainly in Tokyo. I think I've always wanted to open a jazz cafe someday, ever since I was a student, but even back then I realized that jazz cafes weren't profitable, so three years ago, when I finished working at a company at the age of 60, I decided to open a jazz cafe. My dream has finally come true.

I've wanted to do this for a long time! What kind of image did you have in mind when creating the store?

As I said earlier, we aimed for a bright and stylish store that would fit in with the cityscape. The jackets on display are also visually artistic and I have arranged them in a simple manner.

The carefully selected audio is something that can only be found at a jazz cafe.

I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I wanted to choose an audio system that would go well with jazz. I wanted to listen to good sound that I could enjoy mastering, so I chose JBL speakers, which I have admired since I was young. The amplifier has a stylish blue glowing lamp, and the Macintosh is compatible with JBL, making my dream come true.

I see, you can hear the sound clearly. Where is the best seat in the store?

I guess it's a counter after all. Even if you are seated at a table far away from the speakers, the floor-type speakers produce a spacious sound.

It sounds kind of gentle.

I guess it's because of Ryu's vocal sound source that I'm listening to right now lol

If it's this comfortable, even a woman can come in by herself.

thank you.

Coffee is very delicious. Are you particular about coffee?

I drank it and it was delicious, so I bought it from Terra Coffee in Hakuraku, which roasts its own coffee.

Where do you get your baked goods from?

It's handmade by my wife.

It's very nice.

How should a woman enter the restaurant alone when she is having lunch?

If you are coming for lunch, you can buy it at the bakery next door and bring the tray with you. If you dine in, we offer a discount on coffee. The bread from the bakery next door is rice flour bread, and it has a reputation as being delicious even in the neighborhood.

It's a very comfortable shop, and it's become my own space.
I'll also bring my favorite book and take some time for myself!

How was it. 3rd “Woman in Jazz”
We have sent you an interview with the master of the jazz and coffee shop "TOMMY'S BY THE PARK" located in Nakamachidai, Yokohama.
"TOMMY'S BY THE PARK" is a master's dream.
That's why it's so comfortable, and it's a place where you can make time for yourself no matter where you sit.
“A space of solitude with jazz in the afternoon”
Bring your favorite book and enjoy the coffee brewed by the master.
Please make some nice time for yourself.

Ryu Miho