A quaint culinary haven nestled in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district is set to bid farewell this month, another casualty of the enduring strife between Russia and Ukraine.
Aka-no-Hiroba, a shop brimming with gastronomic delights from Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, will shutter its doors at the end of June. The closure marks a poignant end for owner Victoria Miyabe, who has navigated a tumultuous journey since opening the shop in February 2021, just a year before conflict erupted between Russia and Ukraine.
Victoria Miyabe, a 25-year resident of Japan originally from Ukraine, envisioned her store as a cultural bridge, adorned with treasures like Russian chocolates, Ukrainian borscht, and Armenian honey. Despite facing escalating sanctions, logistical challenges, and even acts of vandalism, Aka-no-Hiroba carved out a niche as a beloved destination for expatriates longing for tastes of home and Japanese customers alike.
Reflecting on the decision to close, Miyabe described it as “agonizing,” attributing the final blow to economic pressures exacerbated by international sanctions. Even amid adversity, the shop continued to draw a steady stream of visitors, with its clientele swelling to around 70 on weekdays and more than double that on weekends and holidays, predominantly women.
Regular patrons expressed deep sorrow at the impending closure. A Japanese woman, 47, shared her love for Russia’s artistic traditions but lamented how perceptions of the country have been overshadowed by war. Meanwhile, a 32-year-old Russian named Vladimir, working in Japan, acknowledged the challenges facing bilateral relations and voiced frustration towards the Russian government.
Miyabe, visibly troubled when discussing the conflict, yearned for peace. Her personal ties to Ukraine, having moved from Zaporizhzhia to Donetsk at a young age, underscored her emotional investment in the region’s turmoil. Unable to return for over a decade due to the conflict that erupted in 2014, Miyabe’s hope for reconciliation resonated deeply.
As Aka-no-Hiroba prepares to close its doors, its legacy as a cultural oasis in Tokyo’s bustling heart serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll wrought by geopolitical discord.
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