Five Great Avenues

Tucked in a small alley of the post-colonial city Tianjin, lies a speak-easy bar. From the Japanese liquors and spirits, to the decoration, to the devotion of serving cocktails without a menu - this bar traces the line between admiration and forgiveness.

A Japanese-style bar, five chairs, and a door that is always locked. The two bar operators have created a safe space, because anyone who is too drunk unfortunately has to stay outside.

The Japanese concept is also unusual. Despite the The Japanese concept is also unusual. Despite the crimes committed against Chinese women until 1945 by the Japanese invasion, it does not dampen David and Dali's enthusiasm for Nihon in any way. A characteristic that has always fascinated me about Chinese people and also about the two bar owners: the ability to forgive and to look ahead.