It doesn’t take much to fall in love with a country. For some it’s the scenery, others the food. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to do, and it can turn into a lifelong passion.

For Tomoharu Inoue (or just Tom for short), owner of new bar Mission Bay, the country that hooked him was New Zealand. Whilst living and traveling on a working holiday visa, he met his now best friend, which resulted in five more visits to the country over the years.

“I just fell in love with New Zealand”, Tom says enthusiastically. “The people were so friendly and I felt that New Zealand and Japan had many similarities, both being roughly the same size and both being islands.”

So he decided to introduce Japanese people to this country he felt so strongly about, and in March this year Mission Bay opened for the first time. With the claim to fame of being the only New Zealand themed bar in Japan, he hopes that people will be curious enough to come on in and have a look.

The bar itself is located in Ibaraki and is a small but comfortable affair with a well lit and friendly atmosphere. You’re never left wondering about the theme no matter where you look, with the walls covered with numerous types of ‘kiwiana’ (New Zealand memorabilia) such as road signs, maps and flags. The music is all from the land of the long white cloud, and no we’re not just talking Crowded House people.

Now for the serious stuff. The beer. New Zealand has some fine examples of that wondrous brown liquid, but I myself have never seen anywhere in Japan where you can partake of one. Finally this problem is solved for a mere ¥700. Brands include Speights, Steinlager, Tui, DB Draught, Lion Ice and Export Dry. At any one time at least three of these will be available, depending on stock. This stuffs hard to find you know! If beers not your thing, but you still want to sample some Kiwi liquor, then you can opt for a glass of wine, whisky, gin or the highly recommended 42 below vodka, which comes in flavors such as passion fruit, feijoa and manuka honey.

Whilst not providing full course meals, there are plenty of options that Tom can whip up if you’re feeling peckish. All priced at ¥500, these include Nachos and salads, as well as things like smoked sausage, today’s roast and even red wine-poached chicken livers. For dessert try the kiwi brand Tip Top vanilla ice-cream with golden syrup and kiwi sorbet, also priced at ¥500. It contains an enzyme called CQ10, which is apparently great for your skin. You’ve got to battle the polluted Osaka air somehow right?

Future plans for Tom and his unique establishment are already rolling. Next he plans to start stocking and selling different types of goods from New Zealand, instead of just displaying them on the shelves. Another idea which he is keen to get started is a support system for the working holiday visa program. Having experienced the wonderful opportunities presented by this first hand, he would like to help fellow travelers, not only Japanese going to New Zealand, but also the other way round too. Finding jobs, accommodation and help whist in the country are just some of the thoughts in mind.

If you’re curious about New Zealand, or just plain homesick then Mission Bay might be the place for you. If you look hard enough, you might even find a hobbit!


Mission Bay
3-26 Nakatsu-Chuo, Ibaraki-City, Osaka
Open 1800-0100. Closed Wednesdays
Phone 072-632-3112
Email mission-bay@hcn.zaq.ne.jp