TAKAMATSU, Kagawa Pref. (Kyodo) A police box shut down two years ago amid Kagawa Prefecture's streamlining efforts has been turned into an "izakaya" bar, and it's gaining a following among locals for its gourmet headfish and other seafood served in a "koban atmosphere."
Located in central Takamatsu, the two-story building retains the appearance of a koban with its white color and square shape.
Instead of a red light that normally hangs above the entrance of a police box, a blue light that tuna fishermen use is switched on at night.
The bar has a counter and a table for six to seven people on the first floor, with various kinds of liquor displayed on shelves. On the second floor, the former sleeping space for officers has been turned into a room with dining tables.
Clothing hooks in a closet from when it was a koban are still being used.
The police box was closed down in March 2008 as a cost-cutting measure, and a private entity made a successful bid for the premises.
Kiyomi Matsuda, 58, opened the bar in June, utilizing her experience of serving dishes to her tuna fisherman husband and his colleagues over many years in Muroto, Kochi Prefecture.
"I didn't think it would be this popular," Matsuda said.
"I hope I will keep getting customers for a long time."
