Interview with Matsushita Tomohiro
I asked Matsushita, the owner of Dan Y Dwa, about his background and the shop's commitment.
We delve into the background of the sophisticated dining bar Dan Y Dwa.
Reasons for aspiring to be a bartender
What did you do before becoming a bartender?
Matsushita (honorifics omitted)
Actually, after graduating from industrial high school at 18, I worked in a job doing welding work in a factory.
I worked in the factory during the day, but since I originally liked music, I started going to a DJ bar, or what you would call a club, at night to enjoy music.
Every time I listened to black music like hip-hop and reggae, I became more and more captivated by the atmosphere of the shop.
Eventually, I started working part-time at a DJ bar, continuing to do physically demanding work during the day and serving customers at the DJ bar at night, pushing my physical limits.
One day, I overslept because I was exhausted and completely missed my day job.
That incident prompted me to decide, "I will quit my day job and work at a bar," and I began to engage seriously in the food and beverage industry.
What are your reasons for aspiring to be a bartender?
Matsushita
At first, I worked as an employee at a DJ bar, but later I started working at the cocktail bar Dan Y Dwa.
Since I enjoyed hosting people, I gradually became attracted to entertaining customers with cocktails.
While working at the shop, I honed my skills as a bartender and in 2004, I took over Dan Y Dwa from the previous owner and became independent.
Background of Dan Y Dwa
When did you establish your shop in its current location?
Matsushita
After taking over Dan Y Dwa from the previous owner, I have been managing it as the owner.
Fortunately, the shop was thriving, but since it was not very spacious, there were times when customers who made the effort to come would have to leave.
Therefore, I was looking for a property that was a bit larger, where the stylish atmosphere of a dining bar could be seen from the outside.
As I hoped to find a new property, it seemed that there was a natural connection, and in 2009, when I turned 30, I encountered the current location through a referral from an acquaintance.
What does Dan Y Dwa mean?
Matsushita
Actually, I don't know the details either (laughs).
In Welsh, the language used in Wales, it means "the calm in the river."
It seems to be the title of a song included in an album by the Irish singer Enya.
I heard that the previous owner liked that song and named the shop after the title when it was established.
I don't know more than that, but I like the mysterious feeling and decided to keep the name unchanged when I took over the shop.
Many people have asked me about the origin of Dan Y Dwa, and I feel that many are attracted to it precisely because it is ambiguous.
Reasons new cocktails are created
Do you have any memorable cocktails?
Matsushita
I remember a cocktail I drank at the bar where it originated.
For example, the Irish coffee is a cocktail that was invented at a bar in San Francisco, and I actually went there to drink it.
Additionally, I have memories of visiting the bars where Bloody Mary originated in Paris and Bellini originated in Venice, which are also famous cocktail bars around the world.
Besides cocktails, I have also visited wine regions like Napa Valley, about two hours by car from San Francisco, and Bordeaux in France.
I feel that drinking alcohol in various countries during my twenties has been a great experience as a bartender.
When do you come up with new cocktail ideas?
Matsushita
I feel like I am always thinking about cocktail ideas.
For example, today while looking at seasonal fruits displayed at the supermarket, I thought, "What kind of cocktail would go well with this?"
Since it's strawberry season, I thought, "Maybe a strawberry margarita would be good."
While pondering ingredients, I often realize that Okayama Prefecture is a blessed land for fruits.
What Matsushita values
Do you have any particular commitment when making cocktails?
Matsushita
In my personal opinion, I believe that the best cocktail is one that ten people drink and ten people say is delicious.
Of course, I do not deny the importance of offering unique cocktails.
However, what I aim for is a cocktail that everyone finds delicious and wants to drink again.
I am conscious of adding a little bit of my own touch as an accent within what everyone finds delicious.
Is there anything you value when interacting with customers?
Matsushita
Our business is like the supporting role.
We exist to support customers so that they can be the main characters and have a fun time.
It is my style to align with what customers are looking for, rather than what I want to create in terms of cocktails or dishes.
The wide variety of drinks and dishes we offer is a measure to accommodate the hopes of our customers.
I am conscious that Dan Y Dwa is a grown-up dining bar where anyone can enjoy themselves.
After enjoying drinks at Dan Y Dwa
Kurashiki is known for its streets that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period, but as you stroll through the alleys, you will notice several stylish bars, revealing an unexpected side of the city.
In particular, the appearance of Dan Y Dwa after sunset is impressive.
Drawn in by the warm-colored light spilling from the windows, you can't help but peek inside the shop.
Looking inside, you will see a sophisticated atmosphere with customers chatting happily.
Matsushita's hospitality, which aims to entertain customers, extends not only to drinks and food but to the entire shop, attracting many people.
From the warm light spilling from the windows of Dan Y Dwa, I could see the thoughtfulness of a top bartender.
Data of Dan Y Dwa
| Name | Dan Y Dwa |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2-28 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-421-3270 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Monday to Thursday: 6 PM - 12 AM Friday and Saturday: 6 PM - 2 AM |
| Regular Holiday | Sunday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | 6 counter seats 6 tables, 24 seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed in designated areas only) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Dan Y Dwa (Instagram) |
