竹森央（たけもりあきら）さん【宮がお】

This time on Miya-gao No.13, we’re featuring the bartender from “SHOT BAR CIRCLE,” which we also introduced in our “Show Us Your Shop!” article:
竹森央（たけもりあきら）!

Here’s the “Show Us Your Shop!” article for “SHOT BAR CIRCLE”▼

「SHOT BAR CIRCLE（ショットバーサークル）」阪急夙川駅近くにあるショットバー【お店みせて！】

2019年3月26日

Now then, let’s get to the questions!

Bartender Takemori, thank you for joining us!
What’s your connection to Nishinomiya?

I came here when I moved during preparations to open my own shop.
Nishinomiya is, in a way, who I am.

Being true to yourself.
It’s amazing that you think of it that way!
Your connection with Nishinomiya is really profound!

So, what’s your favorite place in Nishinomiya?

Tateishi-suji.
I ride my bicycle down from Koyoen to Shukugawa, and there are so many things along the way, like kindergartens, shops, and gas stations.
All kinds of people are walking around there, too.
I like the flow of people, the atmosphere, the way everyone is living with their own purpose, and the sense of the seasons.
To me, the scenery of Nishinomiya is the scenery along Tateishi-suji.

I see!
The roads we use all the time are places we usually pass through without thinking, but they’re full of small, everyday moments of happiness.
It’s wonderful that you’re able to notice that!

So, what shop in Nishinomiya do you recommend?

There’s an izakaya called “肴処東山（あてどころひがしやま）” if you go east along the Hankyu elevated tracks, just before National Route 171.
It’s a lively izakaya, and the prices are reasonable.
They also have a wide variety of menu items.
They use good ingredients and really serve satisfying food.

So it’s right around the middle between Hankyu Shukugawa Station and Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station!
I’ll go try it!

Now, please share a message for Nishinomiya!

I want to make Shukugawa livelier.
There are a lot of old-fashioned buildings and an old-fashioned atmosphere, so I’d like to make it a more vibrant place.

Shukugawa feels urban, but also has a bit of that old downtown charm.
And Shukugawa has so many great places!
There are lots of famous cherry blossom spots, transportation is convenient, and there are many stylish shops♪
I hope it becomes as lively as Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi!

Finally, Bartender Takemori, what kind of person are you?

I’m the soothing type.
Customers often tell me that, too.

But I don’t have much of a presence. (laughs)
Maybe that suits being a bartender.

Bartender Takemori had a dream from his 20s of wanting to do something of his own, and he made that dream come true at age 29.
Hearing about that journey, I couldn’t help but respect how much effort he must have put in!

He also has a sincere desire to be useful to others, and I thought he was truly a wonderful person♪
Bartender Takemori, thank you so much for answering our questions!

Please do stop by SHOT BAR CIRCLE, run by Bartender Takemori♪
You’re sure to feel relaxed by Bartender Takemori’s presence and enjoy some peaceful time to yourself!