Hogeisen

This izakaya, located on Rokku-dori Street in Asakusa, is known as the model for “Kujiraya,” which appears in Takeshi Kitano’s song “Asakusa Kid.” Its signature dishes include classic-style deep-fried whale (tatsuta-age), whale sashimi, and stewed beef.

The shop opened in 1977 and moved to its current location in 2000. The owner, Michio Kono, is a former member of the “Densuke Theater Troupe,” which was active in Asakusa’s Rokku entertainment district.

The walls inside the restaurant are decorated with autographs from comedians and entertainers, reflecting the long history of love and support the shop has received in the neighborhood. The signboard features the owner’s playful catchphrase: “Eat whale (‘gei’) and polish your ‘gei’—your craft!”—a line built on a Japanese wordplay between “whale” (gei) and “craft/performing art” (gei).