Hirosaki's coffee shop "Meikamu and Coffee Himawari" (Sakamoto Town, Hirosaki City) celebrated its 60th anniversary on July 17th.

The same store opened in 1959 (Showa 34). Inside the store is a collection of paintings and pottery collected by the founder and founder Noboru Mikami. According to Noboru's wife and second-generation owner Chisuko Mikami, she played classical music on records and provided home-roasted coffee even before the stereo became widespread in homes. It was said that there was a time when the line waiting for entry continued to Dotemachi Street.

Chisuko was married in 1971 (Showa 46). "At the beginning of my marriage, I didn't have to help the store, but in two months I was supposed to help," Chisuko says. “I was confident that I would never forget what I remembered. Gradually, the couple started to open the store,” he recalls.

It was said that there were times when a branch office was opened in Kajimachi and there were more than 150 seats. It is open until 22:00 and the staff has two shifts. There were occasions when we held live events in repeaters and shops that attended three times a day. Record songs played in the booth with headphones to enjoy music and in the store change every week, and there was a music program as well as a food and drink menu.

In 2009, it was designated as a “tasteful building” chosen by Hirosaki City, with the intention of keeping the atmosphere of the store as it was at the time of its establishment. The entrance became the present place with the idea of Chisuko. “There was an entrance near the cashier counter and a showcase was installed,” said Chisuko. Chisuko often proposed ideas for the menu, and her husband, Noboru, prototyped them and made the menu. "Tofu cheesecake" (350 yen) is still popular.

In 60 years of business, the music played in the store changed from record to CD, and the price of coffee was raised from 60 yen to 430 yen. Since last year, we have completely quit smoking, and business hours have been shortened to 18:30. In the fall of 2007, Noboru passed away as the number of stores called "junka" decreased nationwide. He once thought that he might close the store. Chisuko says, "My son helped me come back from Tokyo and I was able to continue with the support of regular customers."

"It's interesting to meet people because there are actually three generations of customers and unrelated repeaters who are actually brothers and friends. A man who was a regular customer during college sometimes visited Shikoku with his daughter. In recent years, the number of old users who have visited for the first time in 50 years is increasing."

Chisuko says with a smile, "I think we have been able to keep the store well for 60 years. Now, I want to see new stores in Tokyo, appreciate art, and increase my time."

Business hours are from 10:30 to 18:30. Closed on Thursdays.