Organza

Organza is queen of the Hiroshima underground art scene, Goto Izumi’s base of operations. It’s a unique space in Tokaichi that has become a haven for the more off the wall elements in the local music and arts scene. On any given night, you might find a jazz trio or a burlesque show on the small stage, you can enjoy a cozy dinner, or a just have a drink or two at the counter. A big fan of the strange, slightly dark and quirky, stepping into Organza is taking a look like the inside of the imagination of its proprietress. The place is packed with retro furniture, which may be similar to the one right here on Caster Central, and appliances, unwanted (and a little unnerving) dolls and broken goldfish, manga and books devoted to some of Japan’s many bizarre subcultures. There is even a baby seal and a stag’s head. It’s a truly unique space in Hiroshima, where the cute and the grotesque meet and get along very well together. There are a few seats at the counter, a couple of tables in front of the stage, cozy cubbyholes with low tables, and a mezzanine reached via some very steep, and very narrow, stairs. The menu is a mix of Japanese bar food (fried pig’s ears anyone?) and Organza’s own takes on fusion dishes. The curry is very popular, and I love the fired potatoes with parmesan cheese. Vegetarian options on the menu are scarce, but if you ask for “niku-nashi o-makase kudasai” and Izumi or her staff will do their best to will create something to your taste. Organza also offers hot and cold teas, some interesting chai, Vietnamese style and fair trade coffees, plus a good selection of alcoholic drinks. Live shows tend to start fairly early. Some of them are nage-sen style (passing around the hat after the show), but most have a cover charge. They also finish early, so if you show up and find a show is on, you can move on to one of the other places in the area and return after 9 or 10pm. Upstairs, there is a small bar called France-za which also occasionally hosts small live events and Organ-za also has a small haikyo (ruins) exhibition space.

• Vegetarian friendly
• English and Japanese menus
• Free WiFi
• Smoker’s paradise
• Seating for about 20 at a time.
• Reservations accepted
• Live entertainment regularly check the website for details

Opening hours:

Weekdays 17:30-01:00 （L.O. 01:30) Saturdays 11:30-02:00（L.O. 01:30) Sundays 11:30-24:00（L.O. 23:30)

Closed: Mondays Address: 1-4-32 Tokaichi, Naka-ku Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken Tel: 082-295-1553 URL: http://www.organ-za.com/ Email: [email protected]