Built in the early Showa period, Takemura has been operating as a teahouse and sweetshop in the Kanda neighborhood since it first opened on January 25, 1930. “The founder of this place was my father, ” says Masaaki Hotta, who is the third owner of the business following his father and older brother. The teahouse has always specialized in oshiruko—grilled mochi in a sweet adzuki bean soup. “My father was a wagashi [Japanese sweets] maker. At the start we served oshiruko and wagashi. However, during the war, sugar was really hard to come by, so at that time we were only open two or three days This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Food Issue 19 My Kitchen Table: Dominique Crenn French-born chef Dominique Crenn knows how to keep a level head and relishes the nights when she gets to cook to her own soundtrack. Food Issue 19 Recipe: Chamomile Cookies When your day is filled with too much excitement, taking time to sit quietly with these calming morsels and a cup of tea could be just the antidote. Food Issue 19 The Spicy Menu Nothing gets our hearts racing and noses running like a healthy dose of heat, but chile isn’t the only ingredient that gets our blood pumping. Food Issue 18 The Black and White Menu Despite being devoid of color, this menu is by no means short on taste—by limiting some of our senses, we can amplify others. Food Issue 17 Lunch with Peter Miller: White Bean Soup with Garlic and Sausage Lunch at the Shop: Seattle bookshop owner Peter Miller discusses the meaning of sitting down for lunch with your co-workers. Food Issue 17 The Blood Menu When we think of blood relatives, we consider comfort food, handed-down recipes and sharing meals with our families.
Food Issue 19 My Kitchen Table: Dominique Crenn French-born chef Dominique Crenn knows how to keep a level head and relishes the nights when she gets to cook to her own soundtrack.
Food Issue 19 Recipe: Chamomile Cookies When your day is filled with too much excitement, taking time to sit quietly with these calming morsels and a cup of tea could be just the antidote.
Food Issue 19 The Spicy Menu Nothing gets our hearts racing and noses running like a healthy dose of heat, but chile isn’t the only ingredient that gets our blood pumping.
Food Issue 18 The Black and White Menu Despite being devoid of color, this menu is by no means short on taste—by limiting some of our senses, we can amplify others.
Food Issue 17 Lunch with Peter Miller: White Bean Soup with Garlic and Sausage Lunch at the Shop: Seattle bookshop owner Peter Miller discusses the meaning of sitting down for lunch with your co-workers.
Food Issue 17 The Blood Menu When we think of blood relatives, we consider comfort food, handed-down recipes and sharing meals with our families.
