JAB Jazz Coffee in Fukuoka – When Expectation Fall Short
JAB Jazz Coffee in Fukuoka - When Expectation Fall Short (APO-Summicron 35mm)
Diary
JAB Jazz Coffee in Fukuoka – When Expectation Fall Short
Exploring various jazz cafes and bars became a habit of mine starting from a trip to Tokyo. Jazz Big Boy set the bar incredibly high, with vivid memories of engaging conversations with the owner, excellent music choices, and a memorable environment. This pursuit led me to similar spots in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hong Kong. Most recently, I visited JAB cafe in Fukuoka, a cozy establishment just a 5 to 10-minute walk from Tenjin Station.
After enjoying some delicious mapo ramen with fried rice, I needed coffee and a comfortable place to relax. We decided to check out JAB. Upon entering, the cafe seemed to channel an Edward Hopper painting, with patrons lounging in red leather chairs and a 90-degree bar table cluttered with CDs and magazines. To the left, a cosy corner with two-seater arrangements was surrounded by more CDs and records. This place opened since 1969 and didn’t change much after that.
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We settled at the bar table, but the staff didn’t seem too welcoming. We ordered coffee and ginger ale, and I began to document the surroundings with my Leica M10-P equipped with the Leica APO-Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH, careful not to disturb other customers. Donald Byrd’s “Byrd Blows on Beacon Hill” played in the background, adding to the ambiance. The cafe displayed the current track on a stand, and the shelf behind was stacked with many records.
Despite trying to enjoy the space, the overwhelming amount of smoke was off-putting. Using the close-focusing advantage of the APO-Summicron 35/2, I captured some photos of my wife in her red top against the backdrop of a green jazz magazine. The lighting was well-controlled, neither too bright nor too dark. The lens preserved true-to-life colors with rich contrast and depth, giving out sharp details that made subjects pop from the background.
We didn’t linger long, though the music was enjoyable and the audio setup was impressive. I struggle to understand the high ratings on Google maps; it wasn’t my favorite spot for jazz and coffee. It seems more suited for those who appreciate a vintage vibe and the freedom to smoke indoors. For someone like me who prefers smoke-free environments and local interaction, I’ll need to find another place. Sometimes, a bit of disappointment is necessary to understand what you truly enjoy and what you’d rather avoid.
JAB
Address: 5 Chome-2-13 Watanabedori, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0004, Japan
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