A deeper look into the origins of the izakaya provides a glimpse into the evolution of Japan’s food and beverage culture. The following historical trends have been observed.

1. Heian and Kamakura periods (794-1333)

　During this period, liquor stores were primarily “sake brewers” and served alcohol at local festivals and important gatherings of people. However, they did not function as a place to drink inside, and the form of a tavern as we know it today had not yet been established.

2. Muromachi Period (1336-1573)

　Drinking occasions at liquor stores gradually increased. As the variety of alcoholic beverages increased and manufacturing methods developed, the form of “standing drinking,” in which sake is enjoyed on the spot, gradually began to be seen. It is believed that liquor stores at this time began to provide places where people could sit down lightly and drink sake.

3. Edo period (1603-1868): Beginning of tavern culture

　The Edo period is considered to be the full-fledged beginning of the izakaya. Izakaya during this period not only served sake, but also began to serve simple dishes as snacks, and became a place for the common people to socialize. Since the houses in Edo were small, the izakaya was a useful place for people to gather and enjoy drinking.

　In Edo, small standing drinking establishments called “ichiru bar” were also in vogue, and were popular as places where common people could casually visit. These stores were the prototype of what we now call “standing bars,” and the style of food and drink strongly reflected local characteristics.

4. Meiji Period (1868-1912): Diversification of Izakaya Culture

　In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the influence of Western culture led to changes in the cuisine and décor. Western-style menus and drinking styles were introduced, and the style of enjoying a variety of dishes along with sake became widespread. Izakaya became not just a place to drink sake, but also a comprehensive “restaurant” that included food.

5. Taisho/Showa Era (1912-1989): Salaryman Culture and Izakaya

　During this period, as the city developed, izakaya (Japanese style pubs) became established as a “place of relaxation” for office workers. The culture of “an after-work drink” with colleagues after work took root and functioned as a social gathering place for office workers. Popular, inexpensive izakaya chains also appeared, further spreading the izakaya culture.

6. Heisei & 2022 Era (1989-present): Diversification and Globalization

　Since the Heisei era, izakayas have appeared in a variety of forms to meet diverse needs, such as family-oriented, women-oriented, stylishly designed izakayas with private rooms. In addition, Japan’s unique “izakaya style” spread overseas, and restaurants serving Japanese food and sake as “izakaya” became popular in the United States, Europe, and other countries.

summary

　Izakaya have been a favorite place for Japanese people to live and socialize, changing their form and role with the times. Because izakaya have taken root not only as a place to eat, but also as a place for conversation and socializing, they have become more than just a restaurant, and are still enjoyed by many people to this day!