Inside a Restaurant in Sapporo

The most heard sound in Japanese restaurants is the sound of workers greeting the customers. Yes, waiters in Japanese restaurants greet their customers as a form of appreciation. This culture feels very Japanese. The Waiters usually greet customers by saying ‘irashaimasee!’. Other greetings can be “hai, dozo” when giving a customer the menu, and “arigatou!” when a customer is done eating and on their way out. Even the chefs greet the customers, such as in a ramen restaurant, where the kitchen can be seen from outside. Even in a fast food restaurant, the workers will greet their customers. This reflects the hard working and polite way of life of the Japanese people.

I recorded this when I was having lunch in a restaurant in Sapporo. Pop and rock Japanese music can be heard being amplified by speakers in the room. The greetings of the workers can be heard every time a customer come and go. The activity in the kitchen can also be heard. The soundscape of restaurants in Japan is irreplaceable. The only way to cure your longing of this sound is to visit Japan.