A union comprised mainly of middle-aged Japanese who lost their jobs due to restructuring drives is set to open its second pub in February, union members said.
The new pub is to be staffed mainly by foreigners.
Situated in a Tokyo suburb -- just where has yet to be determined -- the pub will be modeled after the Risutoran Genki Kosaten establishment opened by the union in February in Tokyo's Taito Ward.
The term "risutoran" is a combination of the words "risutora," an adaptation of the English "restructuring," and "resutoran," for "restaurant." The concept is founded on the notion of refusing to give in to the effects of restructuring.
Members said they are planning on a tavern that has ethnic dishes and is staffed by five to six people.
Ironically, the union's first pub is currently suffering the effects of the economic slump, with its original 20-member staff already having been downsized to 14. Prospects for a turnaround in its fortunes seem bleak at the moment, according to union members.
The union was founded in October 1999.