Rock4four: Wintering in Yokohama

2.1　Little England

Probably due to economic, conditions, British businesses: mainly pubs, and a chip and pie shop, but also a hostess bar, have taken a hit, recently, in Yokohama. Many have closed, but some have relocated, to a row of previously disused, and low rent commercial properties. Here, 'Little England' has flourished, sandwiched between the harbour, and Kotobukicho, one of only three slums, in the whole of Japan.

One such establishment, a pub, called the Rock of Gibraltar, is my next port of call.The future of the Rock, though, is in doubt, since the recent death of Neil Greaves, the proprietor. Like me, Neil once called Brighton his home. But since 1990, he ran the Rock, at various locations, around the harbor, with his partner, Yuji Yoshida. Yuji isn't certain now, whether the Rock of Gib will continue. 'I'm a businessman. The pub was Neil's idea. I could just do something else, but Neil owned half the business. Things are uncertain right now. I feel like I just want to grieve. At least for a while.

It would be a pity, if the Rock closes. Not only was it one of the best pubs in Yokohama, with a great owner, in Neil, but in recent months, it had rode the crest of a wave of interest, in the city, in things British: music, fashion, and, dare i say it, even food. I, for one, hope the Rock of Gib survives. It is a terrific bar, and I hope Yuji can continue with it.

The increase in Anglophilia, in the city perhaps coincided, with the decision of Yuji Fuji, after the end of last year's beach season, to continue the rock4four dance events, In the bars of Yokohama's Little England, through the winter. Fuji recalls:

'The demand was definitely there, after the successes of the summer. But no venue was big enough to meet demand. The result was lots of events, each week, at various pubs, clubs, live houses and bars. We'd hold an event, called 'Brighton Rock' on Friday nights. Absolutely packed. Mostly local kids. Then some of the Rock4four djs would have an alldayer, at the Rock of Gibraltar, on Saturdays. Also, there would be a simultaneous event at Club 24 West:

www.club24west.com

'This also had a live aspect. Local bands playing dancefloor savvy rock. Then, on Saturday nights, just Fox (White) would play at the Benbow. Jam packed, again. Then, on Sundays, there'd be a J-rock event, at the Brass bar... again, dancefloor friendly. In addition, the Dragon Club holds regular dance rock events:

www.dragon-club.asia

'And across town in the Jack Cafe Basement, they're running a night, which combines rock and dance styles too':

www.jcbassment.com

At this point, Fox arrives, to set up for the Friday night, at Brighton Rock. I deem it a good time to ask him his opinions on Japanese Rock. 'Its good, yeah', he says, fiddling with his mixer.

'But I haven't heard you play any'.

He seems engrossed in a beatmixing program, on his p.c. After about thirty seconds, he responds:

'I play the Ballad of John and Yoko, sometimes'.

I'm about to respond back, but Yuji has something to say:

'The interest we've brought, to Little England has definitely helped bar owners, and other businesses. Benbow was on the point of closing, but it is heaving at weekends, now. Yuji Yoshida and Neil, at Gib said business had never been better. Continuing rock4four events, through the winter was a gamble. But it paid. It kept places open. And it's kept the level of interest in the music, and the dance nights so high, that I'm sure, when we return to the beaches, in July, the interest and energy will be even higher than last year.

next: the local hoods take an interest.