One of the people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know while at 1166 Backpackers guest house — let’s call her Generous — came to Nagano for a concert in October 2025 and realized that she really likes this place. She then noticed a serendipitous online advertisement for a work-stay arrangement at 1166 which happened to start the day after her current accommodation ended. She’s been in Nagano, staying at 1166 ever since, and still loving it.

Generous had a day off, and I wanted to check out some of the cafes in Nagano, so we went to Hirano coffee. In Japan a different kind of cafe is prevalent compared to what’s common in the States. I think they have imported a cafe culture from Europe, one that’s about relaxing, socializing, soaking up the vibes/music. No, not like Starbucks. Though that’s the brand’s stated aspiration, small Japanese cafes do it so much better. I wish there were more cafes like this back home.

The cafe culture in Nagano seems to be particularly good. In recent years, there’s been an exodus of young people from Tokyo to smaller cities that are accessible to Tokyo via train, such as Nagano. The young people come here to escape the stress and lack of community in Tokyo. They find old disused buildings, fix them up, often in a very DIY fashion, and use them for community-oriented projects.

Generous has always wanted to study foreign languages and learn about other cultures. She got a bit sidetracked in high school and college. An interest in preserving the natural environment led her, interestingly enough, to become a lumberjack for a spell. Now that she’s at the guesthouse she’s finally getting to follow her original dream.

Generous introduced me to sauce katsudon, a style of pork katsu that is only found in specific parts of Japan, such as Nagano.

Then we went sake tasting. A kid — let’s call him Blue — poured samples of the sake on offer, with Generous serving as my translator for Blue’s commentary. I asked Blue if he’s tried all of the sakes. He said he got to have one free tasting, during the job interview, but that’s it, and — as a college student — he can’t afford the sake he sells. He seemed a little bummed about it. We told him about our guesthouse, which is practically next door to this sake shop, and asked if he’d like to come over. I added that I’ll crack open whatever sake I buy today to share with him. Blue, Generous and I outside the sake shop.

Generous and I then went to a gallery showing art by a local Nagano city-based artist. Wonderful use of colors depicting natural scenes verging on the abstract. Generous had been volunteering in the art gallery’s cafe the day before.

Blue was able to make it that same night before catching the train. We had a grand ol' time playing cards and sipping sake. Generous made Blue some yakisoba for dinner. Yoroshiku Blue! And good luck in your studies!