"Hanzawa Naoki" Boosts Sales: Japanese Izakaya "Otokoya" Returns the Favor in Kind

▲ The Japanese drama "Hanzawa Naoki" aired its finale in Japan on September 22 (Photo / fromthe "Hanzawa Naoki" fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The popularity of the Japanese drama "Hanzawa Naoki" continues to spread. Although the finale aired on September 22, its ripple effects are still gaining momentum. The izakaya"Taiko Tea House" (tentatively translated as "Drum Tea House")has not only seen a significant rise in recognition due to the "Hanzawa" craze, but the shop has also introduced a "Hanzawa Set Meal" to attract even more customers.

The Japanese drama "Hanzawa Naoki," which clinched the highest TV ratings in Japan this year, is truly irresistible. As the story progresses, this "Hanzawa"-fueled tourism trend has shifted from Osaka to Tokyo. In Episode 6, Hanzawa Naoki (played by Masato Sakai) heads to the izakaya "Drum Tea House" to counteract the improper lending practices of the Kyobashi branch of Tokyo Central Bank. There, he gets the deputy section chief of the same branch to give decisive testimony. After being featured in the drama, media coverage significantly boosted the shop's visitor numbers by 1.5 times.

The Drum Tea House, made famous by "Hanzawa Naoki," was already well-known prior to the drama. It frequently appears as a filming location in Japanese dramas and is often featured on popular variety shows such as "Golden Kamuy." The owner of the Drum Tea House stated that since the show aired, customer numbers have increased by 1.5 times compared to usual, with many specifically requesting "Hanzawa’s seat." Reservations up to the end of September are nearly fully booked, as everyone wants to live out their own "Hanzawa Naoki" moment.

▲ The "Hanzawa Set Meal" featured in the drama comes with drinks served in double portions. (Photo / fromthe Drum Tea House fan page)

The izakaya also capitalized on the popularity by offering the "Hanzawa Set Meal"that appeared in Episode 6, featuring tuna sashimi along with boiled tuna and edamame as a set of three dishes for 2,200 yen, while also launching a September-limited solo serving of shochu meant for drinking “double,” offering double the usual amount for just 400 yen. From the atmosphere to the delicious taste, it’s all full of “Hanzawa Naoki” style.

To thank customers for the surge in business driven by"Hanzawa Naoki," on September 22 when the finale aired, the Drum Tea House specially installed an 80-inch large screen inside the shop for customers to watch the episode. They also offered the "Hanzawa Special Series Set Meal" along with unlimited drinks for just 4,000 yen, as a way of giving back in kind to show their gratitude.

Drum Tea House (Ohsakana Honpo TAIKOCHA) Information
Address: 0103-0002 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-chome, Centro Pia Building B1F
Phone: 03-3639-8670
Closed: Sundays
Official website of Ohsakana Honpo TAIKOCHA