Sayonara, Almond

The Almond Roppongi intersection in March 2008.

The same corner in November 2009.

Demolished!

Anybody who has memories of being in Tokyo in the last couple of decades will understand what I mean when I say Roppongi will never be the same without its famous Almond Cafe. I was in Roppongi briefly for lunch a couple of weeks ago, ironically enough, thinking as I emerged from the metro to meet my lunch date: "no matter how much Tokyo changes, Almond will always be there."

I walked from the metro exit, anticipating the old pink-and-white relic from my youth. I looked around at the intersection, confused and disoriented because there was no Almond! The building had just been demolished, with a big gaping hole in its place.

To those of you who lived there back in the 80's like I did: how many times did you make a date with someone, saying, you'll meet them at "Ahmondo no mae?" Definitely the end of an era. I'm really glad I got to see it one last time on last year's visit, and as if knowing it would be the last, took photos and lingered over tea, basking in the natsukashi-sa of it all.

The building was no longer earthquake safe, so the business was relocated around the corner earlier in January. A new building will go up in its place, a modern-day landmark where people can meet out front. Whatever takes its place, it won't have the same retro charm as the old cafe with the striped pink awning.

To learn more about Roppongi and Almond, read this Japan Times article about its beginnings as an international meeting place in Tokyo.