The famous collection of dialogues, "Walking on Water? Ten Rounds of Jokes at the Bar," featuring a joke battle between Akutagawa Prize-winning author Ken Kaiko and Katsuhiko Shimaji, the legendary editor-in-chief who grew "Weekly Playboy" into a magazine with a circulation of 1 million copies, has finally been revived after a quarter of a century. To commemorate the long-awaited republication, Mr. Shimaji opened "salon de SHIMAJI," a space at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th floor = Isetan Men's Residence, where he teaches the refined tastes of the adult man, from fountain pens to fashion and whiskey. From June 5th (Fri) to July 6th (Mon), it appeared at Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore under the title "What Katsuhiko Shimaji Talks About, Things He Loves - Salon de Shimaji Pop-Up Store No. 2 -".

On the final day, July 6th (Monday), a talk show was held at "Anjin," a lounge located within the store, featuring essayist Takeo Koizumi, also known as a "food adventurer," and Hiroshi Tani, former editor-in-chief of Suntory Quarterly, who also worked on the planning of the book. The theme was "Alcohol, Jokes, and Ken Kaiko," and the three shared memorable anecdotes as well as new jokes.

What is the story behind the creation of this famous collection of dialogues, as told by Mr. Tani?

"In 1978, I conspired with my boss at the time to revive 'Western Liquor Paradise,' and we visited Ken Kaiko's hideaway in Chigasaki. I consulted with him about creating a new cultural magazine using print, amidst the rise of gravure and color magazines. He readily agreed, saying, 'That's a good idea, it's a blend of timeless tradition and modern trends.' I also received the approval of President Keizo Saji (then president of Suntory Holdings Ltd.), who told me, 'Go ahead and try it.'"

The collection of dialogues between Ken Kaiko and Junnosuke Yoshiyuki, "On Fine Wine," was also edited by Mr. Tani. Their first meeting was when Mr. Tani visited Mr. Shimaji, the editor-in-chief of "Weekly Playboy," at Mr. Kaiko's suggestion, to ask him to write a review of the book. They immediately hit it off, and before they knew it, they were drinking together four times a week at a bar in Ginza.

"Shimaji-san's jokes in bars are hilarious and absolutely hilarious. On the other hand, Kaiko-san had advised President Saji and me to include one or two jokes in speeches given overseas. I was wondering what would happen if these two, who were already good friends, started telling jokes to each other, when we happened to see a fierce joke battle unfolding in a bar. It would be a shame to keep this to ourselves, and we thought it would be so much fun if we put it into print. That's how the conversation for 'Suntory Quarterly' began. Let's do it 10 times! 'Ten Joke Battles in a Bar.' The title was decided first, and then we left the rest up to them (laughs)."

"Whenever I learn a funny joke from someone or get an idea for one, I think of Mr. Kaiko." - Katsuhiko Shimaji

"I usually have a picture of Mr. Kaiko displayed in my workplace, and I have a Churchill figurine there, and the three of us drink together. I find drinking alone more enjoyable than going to some mediocre bar."
You'll all understand this when you reach my age, but the key to life is how to live happily on your own. I'm not joking, I'm serious (laughs).

But the unfortunate thing is that Mr. Kaiko drank his alcohol straight. Even bar and distillery owners in Scotland never drink it straight. Only Japanese and Americans drink it that way. Is it an admiration for Western movies, or is it that they think it's cool to gulp it down...? That was the main reason Mr. Kaiko died at the young age of 58. He developed esophageal cancer. At the bar where I work as a bartender in Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building we absolutely forbid drinking it straight or on the rocks. The reason is... it reduces our customers and it's a lot of work (laughs).

I saw Mr. Kaiko the other day, and he was in great spirits, drinking straight as usual. He said, "It's heaven here, so it's okay to drink it straight, I'm not going to die anymore, after all." (laughs)


The venue erupted in laughter during the "Ten Rounds of Live Bar Jokes."

Mr. Koizumi, an unparalleled joke lover and fan of "Ten Jokes in a Bar," said, "There are three people I want to meet in my lifetime: Takeshi Kaiko, Naomi Uemura, and Katsuhiko Shimaji." He considers Mr. Kaiko his "writing mentor," but says he has never actually met him. "I couldn't meet him, but I've always followed Mr. Kaiko. I've read 'Walking on Water? Ten Jokes in a Bar' more than 120 times, until it was worn out." Mr. Koizumi then proceeded to share one of his favorite jokes after another, and Mr. Shimaji responded in kind. Gradually, the talk show transformed into a joke battle. Fueled by alcohol, new jokes were even being thrown out. However, they were all rather risqué and best left unsaid in public. The audience was filled with laughter, and before they knew it, an hour had passed. Even after the host announced the end of the event, the "live Ten Jokes in a Bar" continued.

Articles about "salon de SHIMAJI" can be found here. Series "salon de SHIMAJI" Katsuhiko Shimaji's Quote of the Week

Center / Katsuhiko Shimaji
Born in 1941. After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, he joined Shueisha. In 1983, he became the editor-in-chief of "Weekly Playboy," and grew it into a magazine with a circulation of 1 million copies. Subsequently, he served as editor-in-chief of "PLAYBOY Japan" and "Bart," and as a director, before becoming the representative director of Shueisha International. After stepping down in 2008, he became a writer and essayist. He has authored numerous books, including "The Bar Counter is a Study Desk for Life."

Left: Takeo Koizumi
Born in 1943 in Fukushima Prefecture to a family of sake brewers. Graduated from the Department of Brewing, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture. Holds a PhD in Agriculture. Specializes in brewing science, fermentation science, food culture studies, and more. Famous for his essays on delicious food, he is also a well-known and likable figure on television. His books include "Hunter's Meat Doesn't Spoil," "An Adventurous Tongue," and "A Journey Through the World's Strangest Foods." Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Agriculture. Currently also serves as a visiting professor at Hiroshima University, Kagoshima University, and Ryukyu University.

Right / Hiroshi Tani
Born in 1953. After graduating from the Faculty of Human Sciences at Osaka University, he joined Suntory Holdings Limited. He was mentored by senior colleagues at the company, writers Ken Kaiko and Hitomi Yamaguchi. While serving as head of the public relations department, he was the editor-in-chief of "Suntory Quarterly," where he planned and moderated the dialogue between Ken Kaiko and Katsuhiko Shimaji titled "Walking on Water?". He is currently a director at Street Media Co., Ltd. He also serves as a lecturer at Yokohama College of Commerce and a member of the public relations committee at Shinshu University. He is a member of the Japan Travel Writers Association.


Originally a series running in issues 22-31 of Suntory Quarterly, this project was published as a book by TBS Britannica in 1989 and has now been reissued on June 22, 2015. The two authors engage in a lively and endless exchange of witty jokes from around the world. This book contains all 174 of their stories. First-time readers may be a little surprised. To borrow Mr. Shimaji's words, "Please read with caution." With those words in mind, please open the book.
"Revived Edition: Walking on Water? Ten Rounds of Jokes at a Bar" (by Takeshi Kaiko and Katsuhiko Shimaji / CCC Media House) 2,160 yen (tax included) Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence

And you can enjoy fresh Shimaji at "Salon de Shimaji" on the 8th floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .
"salon de SHIMAJI" Katsuhiko Shimaji's Visit Schedule

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