Hirosaki's cafe bar "aj" (Momoishi Town, Hirosaki City) celebrated its fifth year of operation on April 1.

Masashi Kamata, the store manager, says that the name of the store was derived from "helping them enjoy (Assist Joy)." Born in Aomori City, Hirosaki started living at the age of 27 and has been living there for over 10 years. After graduating from a vocational school, he continued to work as a computer buyer for about 15 years, but when he began to think that he wanted to have his own store, he started his own business in April 2011.

Using the experience of the buyer era, four free-use PCs are installed in the store. An event private room equipped with a liquid crystal projector will be provided on the second floor. “The store design was particular about the height of the counter and the atmosphere at the entrance,” says Kamada. “When I start sticking, I'm really stuck,” laughs.

There are few menus that have continued since the opening of the restaurant, and he is constantly thinking about new menus so that he won't get bored. He also considered fish dishes, but said, "I gave up because the world of fish is so deep." Kamata, who loves baseball and turned into a carp fan under the influence of the novel I read last year, smiles, "I can't say it in a loud voice because it's a little fan."

Currently, we are offering a 390 yen uniform appreciation menu such as “Mentaiko Mayo Cucumber”, “Homemade Pickles” and “Roasted Onions”. The usual menu items include Ahijo, which uses garlic from Aomori Prefecture (starting at 880 yen), and homemade smoked bacon (900 yen) made from a drum at the storefront. The drink menu includes a variety of cocktails (700 yen and up) and mocktails (700 yen and up).

Mr. Kamata looks back over the past four years and smiles, saying, "I have experienced various jobs, but the job here is great fun."

Business hours are from 18:00 to 24:00.