The Restaurant of Many Orders (1) (2)

by Kenji Miyazawa

"Our restaurant is one that receives many orders, so please understand that point."

"It's quite bustling, isn't it? In the middle of these mountains."

"Indeed. Look, even large restaurants in Tokyo aren't often found on main streets, are they?"

As the two men said this, they opened the door. Then, on its reverse side,

"We have many orders, but please wait for each one."

was written.

"What on earth does this mean?" one gentleman frowned.

"Hmm, it must be because they have many orders and are having trouble preparing them, so it's like this."

"That's right. I'd like to get into a room somewhere quickly."

"And sit at a table, wouldn't we?"

However, there was yet another door. A mirror hung beside it, and a long-handled brush was placed beneath it.

On the door, in red letters, was written:

"Customers, please tidy your hair and wipe the mud from your shoes here."

was written.

"This is certainly reasonable. I was looking down on it earlier at the entrance, thinking it was just in the mountains."

"It's a restaurant with strict etiquette. Surely, very important people visit frequently."

The two men neatly tidied their hair and removed the mud from their shoes.

Then, what do you know? The moment they placed the brush on the board, it suddenly blurred and disappeared, and a gust of wind rushed into the room.

Surprised, the two men huddled together, yanked open the door, and proceeded to the next room. Both of them thought that if they didn't eat something warm quickly and regain their strength, things would become dire.

Inside the door, something else unusual was written.

"Please place your guns and bullets here."

Looking, there was a black stand right next to it.

"I see, it would be strange to eat with a gun."

"No, very important people always come here."

The two men removed their rifles, unbuckled their belts, and placed them on the stand.

There was yet another black door.

"Please remove your hats, coats, and shoes."

"What should we do? Should we take them off?"

"No choice, let's take them off. It seems there's a very important person inside."

The two men hung their hats and overcoats on a hook, took off their shoes, and entered through the door with soft thudding sounds.

On the other side of the door, it read:

"Please place all tie pins, cufflinks, glasses, wallets, other metal objects, especially sharp ones, here."

Next to the door, a splendid black safe stood open, with a key even attached to it.

"Aha, it seems they use electricity for some kind of cooking. Metal objects are dangerous. Especially sharp ones, I suppose."

"That's right. So, will we pay the bill here on the way out?"

"It seems so."

"Yes, definitely."

The two men took off their glasses, removed their cufflinks, put everything into the safe, and snapped the lock shut.

After walking a little further, there was another door, and in front of it was a glass jar. The door read: