Unfortunately I was called on to drive HMiL and the honourable Takayama to a Ryokan near Shiga Kogen in the mountains by Nagano. The photograph above shows me in a quality control experiment regarding the hot volcanic spring waters, a large wooden tub placed on a timbered balcony overlooking a forested mountain slope and a tin of Asahi. The purpose of this scientific research was to establish just what effect a cold Japanese lager had on the consciousness of an individual who had been soaking in the purifying waters of the mountain.
I can report that this study required an intense devotion to detail and forms part of a thesis I have been working on for the past five years. Such is the pressure of this work and the complexity of the empirical research that repeated experiments have had to take place in order to establish a credible sample. Sadly after this, my fifth visit to this particular wooden tub, I find that I am no closer to any answers therefore I have had to steel myself for a return visit sometime in 2011.
Unfortunately the area is quite remote and the intrusions of the modern world are mostly ignored in favour of the simple grace that is serenity. However, I am aware of my duty to report on matters of great import whilst here in Japan and so am pleased to announce that I have discovered the smallest London Pub in the world. This claim has to be verified but I think that the London Pub in Fuji Sawa Station has to be the top contender.
At first I was bemused as it was packed solid for two hours whilst I was researching Chinese Medicinal Practices in Fuji Sawa. So after a first glance I was unable to get inside the door and probe any further. The delights of a pint of Bass so loudly proclaimed on the sign outside would have to wait.
Fortunately I had to return to Fuji Sawa and as fate would have it this time there was room inside. On entering I quickly counted the bar stools, a staggering eight in total around an "L" shaped short bar. The five that covered the length as you entered were the "smoking stools" whilst the three at the dog leg were for "non-smokers". This facility, as the most reasonable of hosts Masahito Nagasu explained, was the only place in the whole station where you were allowed to smoke. Consequently, with about 5000 people present in the station either working or travelling at any one time, the London Pub tends to be packed with a queue outside.
I had a pint of Bass as I sat on one of the non-smoking stools. Such a pleasure to be able to sup your pint at the bar and then lean back against the wall with complete ease and safety!
This place my friends is the stuff of legends and Masahito is ever so congenial as he explains that he lived in America as a child but later his parents moved to Purley in Surrey. His own pride, and one I am sure a lot of the readers of this blog would concur with, is the fact that he lost his American accent and now places great store in speaking "English not American". A gentleman defines himself by his actions and there can be no doubt that Masahito Nagasu is a gentleman.
He serves draught Bass in pint glasses and speaks English, what greater definition is required? I give the you all a toast, "To the smallest London Pub in the world."
The Harvest Festival work will appear shortly.
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