In 1950, during the Korean War, many people connected to the US military base were posted to Sasebo. As a result, dance halls and cabarets spread throughout Sasebo as a form of entertainment, and it is said that jazz culture flourished along with them. Although the popularity of jazz has waned over time, there are still many establishments and music events in Sasebo where you can enjoy jazz.

"People tend to think that jazz is hard to get into. I want people to feel free to come here and have fun."

That's what Hirokazu Tanaka of Yohkomachi Coffee Sasebonooto said.
Through Sasebonooto, we will explore the charm of jazz in this small westernmost port town.

Aiming to become a cool adult

What inspired Tanaka to start his own business was seeing his father working.

"I believe that the real work of life begins at age 60, so I thought I should start building my career from now on. So I wondered what a cool job would be, and I thought of coffee."

Tanaka-san has always had a connection to music, having played the bass since his student days. After working as a businessman, he decided to study coffee at the age of 32. He started selling coffee at the venues he visited as a bass player.

The predecessor store opened in Takasago-cho as "Hakomachi Coffee." Sasebo no Oto is currently located in Shimaji Kurusa, a complex near the Sasebo Arcade. Taking advantage of the building, which was once a renovated sewing factory, we received a request to "create a store that is unique to Sasebo," and so we arrived at our current location.

A small port town where musicians gather

In addition to the live performances, art classes are also held. NAOKO's works are displayed inside the store.

Sasebo no Oto regularly hosts live jazz concerts, featuring not only musicians active mainly in Nagasaki, but also professional musicians from all over the country who gather in the small port town of Sasebo.

"I'm happy that famous musicians are coming to Sasebo. But to be honest, I feel like Sasebo's jazz culture is in danger. I'd be happy if they came here (Sasebo no Oto) to listen to jazz over a one-coin coffee."

Jazz is characterized by its diverse and flexible musical style. One of the joys of jazz is the improvisation between musicians. Because it is a free music, there are some songs that can only be encountered in that moment.

Tickets for live performances can be purchased on the day, so not only local jazz lovers but also tourists flock to the bar to enjoy jazz. Performance information can also be found at HOTEL RESOL SASEBO.

 An intimate jazz experience

Musician's Chicken Curry

People who visit for lunch, looking for a midday break.

Someone who spends their day off enjoying a sweet treat with friends in the afternoon.

People who want to relax and unwind from the day's fatigue by enjoying jazz.

There are some places where music is discussed and private conversations are refrained from, but how people spend their time at Sasebonooto is up to them.

Today, Sasebo no Oto continues to welcome visitors with the "sounds of Sasebo" that can only be found there.

Hakomachi Coffee Sasebonooto

電話：0956-60-9307

Address: 2F Shimajikurusa, 5-19 Shimaji-cho, Sasebo City

Access: 6 minutes walk from the "Kyomachi" bus stop on the Seihi bus

SNS: https://www.instagram.com/sasebo_note_coffee/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.