Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

Courtesy of Nakata.net Cafe

People who were here for the last couple of World Cups might remember Nakata.net Cafe, the temporary hangout that sprang up during the tournament in 2002 and 2006. After stints in Tokyo International Forum and Omotesando, it’s back—this time near Harajuku station in what looks like an unused car showroom. Tables ring the interior, with low-rise cushion sofas occupying the center ground, and matches are projected onto a screen that looks bigger than my apartment.

The cafe is the brainchild of Hidetoshi Nakata, internationally feted soccer star turned style guru. A “Concept Book” accompanying the menu details his travels along the length of the country, and the traditional foods and crafts that he discovered on the way. Remind yourself: you’re here to watch a game.

The drink selection is avowedly sponsor-oriented, although that’s both a good and bad thing, depending on the sponsor. Hakushika supplies the sake (¥1,200 for 300ml, ¥2,800 for 720ml), which is nice. Budweiser supplies the beer (draft or bottled, both ¥600), which isn’t. Wines are all South African, and affordably priced. I start with a glass of refreshing Fairvalley Chenin Blanc ’09 (¥550/¥2,500 bottle) after misreading the menu’s mention of “crisp apples” as “crisp angles,” then follow up with a smoky Libertas Cabernet Sauvignon (¥550/¥2,500).

The food menu is more intriguing: predominantly Japanese and carefully sourced. The “Hide Recommends” section includes dishes like “Okinawa Prefecture Ganaha Husbandry Yanbaru Island Shabu-Shabu” (¥1,350) and “Oita Prefecture Nishi Family Rice with 2 kinds of raw eggs” (¥1,200), which must be the fanciest tamago-kake gohan I’ve ever seen. It’s delicious, too, if you don’t mind the half-hour wait while they cook the rice.

While it’s standing room only on big match nights, otherwise, Nakata.net Cafe is that rarest of creatures: a soccer haunt for people who don’t even like soccer.

Nakata.net Cafe will be open until July 12.