I love going to Philly. Nihombashi Philly, that is. Kosuke has such a genuine love for the city, its music, its people, and, of course, its food. He and his wife have made such a nice place that keeps me coming back again and again.
It’s hard to describe just how warm Kosuke and Tomomi are. In a city that is often very keep-to-yourself, quiet, and introverted, these two are shining beacons of the opposite.
I remember two years ago, I was at Philly for Thanksgiving, by accident. Tomomi made a full home-cooked American Thanksgiving dinner. I came for a cheesesteak, but I was yearning for cornbread. I mouthed across the joint if I could have just that, and Tomomi just winked and nodded.
And last year, I was wandering around a supermarket under Uniqlo in Ginza when I received a surprise hug. A hug! In Japan! Very unusual. It was Tomomi. When I turned around, Kosuke stood with a shopping cart and smiled.
But last year, Tomomi did not make a Thanksgiving dinner, though she did make cornbread. I regretted not being able to make it that night, but the next day I popped in. Before they opened, Tomomi peeked to see the line outside and waved to me. I whisper-shouted, “Do you have any cornbread leftover from yesterday?” “No, I’m sorry!” But then she opened the door again with a cornbread in her hand, and waved it around. She said, “You have to thank Kosuke. He said you can have his.” “No, no, no!” “He already had two!” When I got to the counter, Kosuke handed it to me, and I asked,「本当に大丈夫？」And he replied, “Of course!”
Today, I briefly met his mother, actually. She was injured a few months ago and was having trouble walking. But she’s made a full recovery with her motivation to hike in the mountains again. She’s 84. They introduced me to her specifically because, they told me, “You’re like family.” 🥹
But the best thing is when Kosuke flashes a smile at me every time I leave. He will always shout, “Thank you!” to everyone who leaves, but when I leave, he always looks up, makes eye contact, and waves to me from the kitchen.
It’s just so sincere.
