Terry Ito Column Vol.56 "Worry Cafe Canon" Opens

From June 2025FM YokohamaI'm starting a new show. The title is "Worry Cafe Canon" and it will air every Sunday from 18:00 to 18:15. It's a radio drama format that's rare these days. I'll be playing the role of the owner of "Worry Cafe Canon" located on the seafront road near Yokohama's Osanbashi Pier. Both the staff and the customers are all worriers, and each episode will bring their own worries to the table as the drama progresses.

To address the concerns in the first episode, I thought of the plot of the film "It's Tough Being a Man," starring Kiyoshi Atsumi, even though it might be presumptuous of me to do so. What will happen to the factory behind Tora-san's family restaurant, "Toraya," when its owner, the octopus president, passes away? In the coming era, it seems like running a local printing industry will be difficult, and the president's children are moving out on their own and have no desire to take over the factory. Tora-san's sister, Sakura's husband, Hiroshi, works at the octopus president's factory, but he's too kind-hearted to be president. In that case, the printing company, located about 10 minutes from Shibamata Station, with an area of ​​roughly 100 square meters, could be turned into a parking lot or even apartments.

But that's not the only worry about the movie "Otoko wa Tsurai yo." The main character, Tora-san, lives a life of his own accord. It's possible that he has debts all over the country. If that's the case, won't his sister Sakura be obligated to repay them? This is another worry. On the other hand, Tora-san is surprisingly reliable, and if he has a decent amount of savings, will Sakura be able to withdraw them easily? That's right, even while laughing while watching the movie "Otoko wa Tsurai yo," so many worries come to mind.

Free talk was in its heyday on radio shows. When I submitted my drama proposal to the sponsors, they were initially hesitant, but thanks to my quick wit and cleverness, I managed to get it approved. Even the production staff, who usually focus on variety shows, were sometimes hesitant about their first drama series, but in front of the sponsors and advertising agencies, I pushed through and kept the meetings going with my unfounded confidence and cheerfulness. Since the show was also being streamed on YouTube, I went to Camphortree, a cafe on Osanbashi Kaigan-dori that I've frequented for over 10 years and that served as the model for "Worry Cafe Canon," and recorded a video there. The cast and staff were thrilled!

I think it has given a sense of unity to the image of "Canon," which was not clear from the script alone. Just as fans of the movie "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" go to Taishakuten in search of "Toraya," it would be great if listeners of the radio show would visit "Camphor Tree," the restaurant that served as the model. I recommend the best coffee and apple pie in Yokohama. For those who are hungry, there is naan curry.

How about visiting the shop that inspired "Worry Cafe Canon"? Your worries are most welcome.

*The photo shows Terry Ito as the owner of "Worry Cafe Canon," Yoshitake Fumi as the owner's daughter, and Mion as a part-time worker.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry