“Living Slow in Tsukishima — A Tokyo Day with Ichiro, a Retired Craftsman”

— Ichiro Sasaki, 62 years old. Former plasterer. Lives with his wife in a small wooden house in Tsukishima.

Tsukishima: A Tokyo Neighborhood Where Time Moves Gently

Tsukishima is a residential island district near Tokyo Bay, just a few stops from Ginza.
It’s most known for monjayaki, a local dish, but to locals, it’s more than food.
It’s a place where Showa-era alleys coexist with modern towers, where neighbors still greet each other, and where life unfolds slowly.

Easy access via Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line and Toei Oedo Line makes Tsukishima convenient—but not crowded.
It’s where you’ll find real Tokyo, not the neon version.

06:30 AM — Coffee, River Air, and Morning Light

Ichiro’s day begins with the smell of coffee.
His wife makes it just the way he likes: dark, no sugar.
Through the screen door, the scent of the nearby river mixes with the morning sun.

He’s lived in the same house for over 40 years.
Some of the walls, he plastered himself—those are his favorite parts of home.

08:00 AM — Walking Through Memory

Every morning, Ichiro and his wife take a walk along the Sumida River.
He points out where a warehouse used to be, or where a childhood friend once lived.

Tsukishima isn’t just a place.
It’s a map of memories, with each block holding a quiet story.

11:30 AM — Monja Street and Familiar Faces

Monja Street is Tsukishima’s most famous stretch, lined with dozens of restaurants.
While tourists seek out top-rated spots, Ichiro heads to his regular—no menu, just a nod and a smile.

“Back again, Ichiro-san?”
“Same as always.”

It’s not about the food. It’s about being known.

02:00 PM — Still Working, in Small Ways

He’s retired, but Ichiro still enjoys using his hands.
A bit of yard work, fixing a broken step, repainting an old wall.

The rhythm of movement, the satisfaction of craft—it never leaves you.

05:00 PM — Bathhouse Talk

Sometimes, he visits the local sento (public bath).
Conversations here are light—weather, family, baseball.

In Japan, this kind of talk isn’t shallow.
It’s a way of staying connected without stepping too close.

08:00 PM — Home, With Warmth

Dinner is simple. A bit of fish, rice, and pickles.
Then he and his wife sit, sip shochu, and watch TV.
They laugh. They plan next weekend. They argue about who’s better at folding laundry.

Their son visits monthly with the grandkids.
The house is loud on those days—and that’s a good thing.

How People See Ichiro

Neighbors: “A quiet guy, but always greets you first.”
Sento regulars: “Steady. The kind of person you want around.”
Monja shop owner: “He’s part of the place. Like the grill itself.”

Ichiro never asks for attention.
But by simply staying, he holds the fabric of the neighborhood together.

Your Turn

If you want to feel Tokyo—not just see it—come to Tsukishima.
Walk slowly. Eat slowly. Breathe in the river air.
Let someone greet you without asking anything.

There’s a version of Tokyo here that never tries to impress.
And maybe, that’s why it stays in your heart.