Why Sumiyoshi Ward’s Quiet Stations Are Perfect for Classic Cafes, Tattoo-Friendly Baths, Cherry Blossoms, and Street Photography
Nankai Abikomae Station and its neighboring stops including Nankai Sawanocho, Sumiyoshi Higashi and JR Sugimotocho are among the most overlooked stations in Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Ward, quiet residential points that most travelers pass without noticing. Yet these calm neighborhoods offer a rare look at everyday Osaka and become especially beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms brighten streets, small parks and riversides. For visitors hoping to escape crowded hotspots and experience a slower, more local side of the city, this stretch of Sumiyoshi offers far more than meets the eye.
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Nankai Abikomae Station 我孫子前駅
Abikomae is a quiet stop on the Nankai Koya Line between Sumiyoshi Higashi and Sawanocho stations. It’s located in a low-rise residential area with very little pedestrian traffic. The streets around it are narrow and local, with small shops and homes blending together.
New Louvre ニュールーブル
[Map] 2 Chome−8−18 Sawanocho, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0031. Open: 7:30-16:00. 06-6695-2868 Closed: Thur.There’s not much reason to get off at Abikomae unless you have a specific errand. It’s far from major attractions like Abiko Kannonji Temple, the temple the station takes its name from. In recent years, though, more people have been making the trip to this quiet corner of Osaka for New Louvre, a cafe founded in 1974 that went viral starting in 2023. Why this place? Osaka has no shortage of older kissaten in more central locations. The answer comes down to a single menu item.
Viral Egg Toast: 5 million Views and Counting
New Louvre’s popularity centers on its unusual egg toast: a thick slice of soft white bread wrapped in a thin layer of egg, forming an inside-out sandwich that reads instantly on camera. By the time it began circulating widely online, Japanese egg sandwiches were already a global trend, driven by convenience store chains like 7-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, and Lawson. Its simple, unusual form made it easy to film, easy to share, and easy to understand, helping it spread quickly across social media. It remains a popular subject for content creators. One video shot seven months ago, well after the initial boom, still pulled in over 1.2 million views.
In a video from 2023, the master of the cafe mentions that he is 83 years old. He passed away later that year, and the shop is now run by his wife and daughter. Before I had a chance to visit myself, I asked Osaka.com photographer John Podeszwa to stop by and take some photos, especially of the egg toast. He tried to order it on three separate visits and found it sold out each time, a predictable side effect when a small neighborhood shop suddenly goes viral. You just hope the attention hasn’t disrupted the regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
First Visit
When I finally visited in February 2025, I understood the appeal immediately. The walls have a textured, aged finish, and the shelves behind the counter are packed with cups, jars, ornaments, and old appliances. An old sign announces that morning service runs from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The ceiling is dark and stained, with exposed wooden beams, while green pendant lights cast a warm glow over the narrow counter. Coffee is brewed the old-fashioned way, using a siphon setup behind protective glass. There are tables, but the counter is where you want to sit, close enough to watch everything unfold.
We ordered the egg toast, which was still only 400 yen and coffee. The woman who owns the cafe doesn’t speak English, but I could tell that she was used to dealing with foreign visitors from the slow and measured way she spoke to us in Japanese, even though we had no trouble understanding her. Watching short clips on your phone does not come anywhere close to seeing the egg toast being made before your eyes. The owner isn’t making it for millions of viewers; she’s making it for you. Enjoy the moment to the fullest, because old places like this won’t be around forever.
Nankai Sawanocho Station 沢ノ町駅
Sawanocho Station, located between Abikomae and Sumiyoshi Higashi stations, may seem like another local stop on the Nankai Koya Line, but there is actually a lot to do in this charming residential neighborhood. The streets hide historical spots that almost no foreign visitor sees, and at night the area takes on a cinematic glow.
Wakamatsu Shrine 若松神社
[Map] 1 Chome-10-4 Sawanocho, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0031. 06-6671-0443. Open: 9AM-5AM. WebsiteWakamatsu Shrine (formal name: 止止呂支比賣命神社 / Todoroki-hime-no-mikoto Shrine) is an Engishiki-listed shrine, meaning it officially existed by the early Heian period (10th century or earlier). The exact founding date is unknown, but it’s estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The story of how the shrine got its name is interesting. In 1221, Emperor Go-Toba passed through the area and built a grove of pine trees on the site. From that moment, on the shrine became known at Wakamatsu (young pine tree) Shrine.
Wakamatsu Jinja is a local guardian shrine (ujigami) Sawanocho, Minami-Sumiyoshi Ward and surrounding neighborhoods. It’s the type of local shrine that families visit for New Year. During the summer festival (natsumatsuri), visitors can participate in a bon odori dance and buy dishes such as yakisoba and karaage from stalls. The autumn festival (akimatsuri) includes portable shrine processions through the streets. Although it doesn’t attract many foreign visitors, Wakamatsu Jinja is worth seeking out if you want to experience a quiet moment at a “power spot,” one with a long and celebrated history, without having to deal with crowds of people found at tourist spots.
Asahi Onsen 朝日温泉
[Map] 3 Chome-11-8 Minamisumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0041. Tel: 06-6692-9808. Open: M-F 10:00-24:00. Sat/Sun: 6:00-24:00. http://asahi-onsen.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/asahionsen/.Asahi Onsen traces its roots to a family of bathhouse operators originally from Ishikawa Prefecture, whose first sento in Osaka was destroyed in the Osaka Air Raid in 1945. After the war, they returned and continued operating bathhouses before opening Asahi Onsen at its current location in 1960. The building has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, most notably in 1986 and again in 2007, balancing preservation with modernization. Today it maintains traditional practices such as heating well water with firewood, producing a soft, gentle bath, while also using soft water throughout, which leaves skin clean and hydrated and enhances the bathing experience.
The bathhouse offers a range of facilities, including indoor baths such as a rare round tub, electric bath, and jet baths, as well as a Japanese garden-style outdoor area with a cold plunge and rotating daily bath. Skylights bring in natural light during the day, and the combination of hot and cold baths encourages a slower, restorative rhythm. Beyond the baths, the front area functions as a social space, with drinks and snacks. Morning bathing is available from 6 AM on Saturdays and Sundays only. If you choose to come for an early soak, traditional morning sets of coffee, toast, and soft-boiled eggs are available for breakfast starting at 500 yen.
Asahi Onsen positions itself as more than a place to bathe, aiming to connect people through shared routines and create a small, everyday community within the neighborhood. One of the ways they do this is by holding live shows on the premises. I imagine the acoustics in the bathing area must sound incredible.
Tattoo-Friendly Community Bathing
Let me start this part off by admitting that I am not a fan of bathing in a sento (public bath). Don’t get me wrong, I love going to an onsen (hot springs) when traveling throughout Japan. But the thought of disrobing and entering a bath with people you see every day in the neighborhood has always been a bridge too far for me. I was surprised to learn that my parents loved visiting the local sento every time they came to Japan. The apple has fallen far from the tree.
For this article, I decided to suck it up and go. Get out of your comfort zone and all that. So my wife, M., and I took the train to Sawanocho and walked to Asahi Onsen from the station. It only took ten minutes, but I spent the entire walk dreading it. We purchased two tickets (¥600 each) and went our separate ways, she into the ladies’ bath. I walked into the men’s changing room trying not to make eye contact with anyone. All I needed was a quick dip for the “experience.” How long could that take? Five minutes, tops.
Mission Aborted
Although I tried to look away, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of large men with tattoos, walking around in puris naturalibus without any trace of Western shame. Yakuza? No. These were what I like to think of as “dad tattoos.” Nothing to do with organized crime. Maybe they were skaters or played in bands when they were younger and got inked up. Now they’re married with kids, the tattoos a visible reminder of another life. Or maybe they just like tattoos. Same as anyone else.
So far, I was doing okay. I folded my clothes neatly and placed them in a basket. But when I opened the door to the bathing area, I pretty much had one of those “gaijin in Japan” meltdowns you hear about every so often. The bathing area was smaller than I expected, and everyone inside seemed to know each other. I have no problem squeezing into the last space at a standing bar, but there was no way I was going to soap up and soak next to a group of tatted-up regulars who probably play on the same softball team on weekends. Mission aborted. I got dressed and got out.
I’m sure the regulars who witnessed my cowardice had a good laugh. I don’t blame them. It was a real George Costanza moment.
Drinks in The Lobby
I took a seat in the lobby and waited. You can choose from 70 varieties of snacks while you wait, but I wasn’t in the mood to munch on potato chips or nibble on chocolate. I needed alcohol, preferably the good stuff. Fortunately, they carried Minoh Beer, the best independent brewery in Kansai, if not all of Japan. I bought a Minoh Style Dark Mild and downed it a little too quickly. Imagine how refreshing it would have tasted if I had just come out of a steaming hot bath. I bought a few snacks, mini sausages and cheese, and a can of Kirin Lager.
My wife came out around 45 minutes later feeling fully refreshed. I don’t want my experience to put anyone off. If you are the type who enjoys visiting sento, you will absolutely love Asahi Onsen.
Note: Many bathhouses don’t clearly state tattoo rules online, but neighborhood sento tend to be more relaxed than large spas.
Hosoe River Stream (Seseragi) 細江川のせせらぎ
Minami-Sumiyoshi 2-chome Approximately 100m east of Sentai (大阪シティバス千躰) on the municipal bus line.
The Hosoe River once flowed from the old Yorimi Pond into the Sumiyoshi-tsu inlet, shaping a marshy landscape near today’s Sumiyoshi Taisha. This area, known as Asazawa-no-Ono (Asazawa Marsh) was celebrated for its kakitsubata irises and often appeared in the poetry of Heian-period nobles.
As the city grew, the natural water sources disappeared and the riverbed dried out, until Osaka restored a 600-meter section in 1989 using purified water from the Hirano Sewage Treatment Plant. The restored section is called Hosoe-gawa no Seseragi, with seseragi referring to the soft, murmuring sound of a shallow stream. It sits in a quiet residential area of Minami-Sumiyoshi 2-chome, about 100 meters east of the Sentai City Bus stop.
The restored path is described as having three zones, The Four Seasons Zone (四季のゾーン), the Play Zone (遊びのゾーン), and the Manyō Zone (万葉ゾーン), but these are not rigid sections with clear boundaries. The features blend into one another and form a single continuous 600-meter walkway with subtle shifts in atmosphere.
Four Seasons Zone
Four Seasons Zone is planted to highlight how the riverside changes throughout the year. A small gazebo offers a quiet place to look out over the riverside foliage. In the spring the area features kakitsubata irises and cherry blossoms. Early summer brings fresh grasses and wildflowers, while midsummer fills the edges of the stream with dense green foliage and groundcover.
As autumn comes in, the plants along the banks start to change color, and a mix of seasonal greenery and late-season flowers gives the walkway a softer look. Winter brings a landscape of evergreens, dried reeds, and winter grasses that hold their shape through the cold months.
Play Zone
The water runs shallow and clear between arranged stones, reflecting nearby apartment buildings and trees in soft, wavering patterns. Open spaces along the banks offer benches and low steps where people can sit and relax. It offers families with small children a chance to experience a touch of nature without leaving the city.
The term “Play Zone” might suggest that children can wade into the water, as they often do at family-oriented river parks, but that isn’t the case here. The restored Hosoe River is designated as a shinsui kasen (親水河川), a “waterside river” meant to be enjoyed visually from the paths. It is not a ryūsui-gata jabujabu ike (流水型じゃぶじゃぶ池), a flowing-water splash pool intended for children to enter.
Manyō Zone
“Manyō” refers to the Man’yōshū, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, often invoked when a place appears in classical verse. Low pedestrian bridges cross the stream at intervals, their simple concrete forms blending naturally into the setting. Grasses and small plants grow along the edges and between the rocks, giving parts of the channel a slightly untamed feel despite its planned design. Traditional homes and modern apartments frame the path, creating a quiet blend of old and new Sumiyoshi. Even with roads and buildings nearby, the atmosphere remains calm and serene, an almost poetic backdrop that suits the area’s Manyō-inspired theme.
As you follow the river path, four stone monuments come into view, each engraved with a waka that recalls the Hosoe River and the long-vanished Asazawa marsh. Together, they turn the walkway into a small open-air anthology. Standing before them, it’s easy to imagine how this landscape once inspired court poets. Below are the closest English renderings of these verses.
Akesada (顕昭)
Even the reeds along Sumiyoshi’s Hosoe fade with the winter frost,
as if dressed in the same pale white as distant Miotsukushi.
Prince Munenaga (宗良親王)
A fisherman’s boat rows out on Sumiyoshi’s Hosoe;
through the reeds, the midnight moonlight shimmers.
Fujiwara no Teika (藤原定家)
How is it that the kakitsubata of Asazawa Marsh
can bloom with such deep, fragrant purple?
Fujiwara no Shunzei (藤原俊成)
Come—let us gather young greens here,
even if Asazawa-no-Ono lies far from our village.
Sidetracked in Sawanocho: Umarell in Osaka
In Italy, the term umarell refers to retired men who pass the time observing construction sites, often roadworks, usually with their hands folded behind their backs as they dispense unsolicited guidance to the workers below. I had to stop and watch this building being demolished. I didn’t assume the umarell pose, but I enjoyed every minute of seeing the wrecking ball in action.
Sawanocho Station Area After Dark
The wide, almost empty streets of the Sawanocho Station area are basked in cinematic lighting, making it ideal for night photography. Streetlights and shadows create scenes that could have stepped straight out of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. All of these shots were taken with an old iPhone 12 Mini without using filters or photo editing software. Just imagine what you can do with a proper camera.
Man Looking into a Soroban (abacus) School
Could he be a proud father waiting for his child or a passerby thinking about his younger days?
Bicycle in front of a Shuttered Shop
A bike waiting for it’s owner to return. Is it possible for an inanimate object to feel loneliness?
Hokahoka-tei Bento Shop
Hokkahokka-tei is famous chain that sells hot bento boxes when you don’t have time to cook. This is the smallest one I’ve ever seen.
Barber Sitting in the Barber’s Chair
I spotted this gentleman from across the street. Could he be waiting for his last customer or ready to call it a day?
Long Day at the Usagi After-School Program
Usagi means rabbit. This young woman looks like she has had a long day looking after school kids.
Karaoke Izakaya Sakae
A beloved neighborhood place. One of the best izakaya in Osaka. It was so good that I had to write an entire article about it.
Bar Wild Angels ワイルドエンジェル
[Map] 2 Chome−2−14 Sentai, Sumiyoshi Ward, 558-0047 Osaka. Tel:06-6672-9955. Open: 18:00-24:00. https://www.instagram.com/bar_wild_angels/ |www.facebook.com/bar.wild.angelsThe exterior of Bar Wild Angels has a bold, gritty, Americana look that immediately stands out on the street. The front is covered in dark paneling with a large, retro-style sign reading “American Shot Bar Wild Angels – Bourbon & Music”, designed in orange and green tones that echo classic biker-movie graphics. Below the window, a large illuminated panel shows winged biker-inspired artwork, American flags, and the promise of “Bourbon, liquor 400 kinds bottle.”
The bar takes its name from the 1966 biker film The Wild Angels, starring Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra, Bruce Dern, and Diane Ladd. Step inside and you’re greeted by a massive American flag and a flickering neon WELCOME sign that sets the tone immediately. The bar is decorated with American memorabilia such as cowboy hats, electric guitars Harley Davison, Playboy, Coca-Cola, Jack Daniels and Budweiser posters and signs, the last one is slightly humorous because they don’t serve Budweiser here.
200 Bottles of Bourbon
During Japan’s 1980s boom, American culture was hugely popular and bourbon, strong and inexpensive compared to Japanese whisky, matched the country’s tastes at the time. U.S. distillers exported large quantities to Japan, where bourbon bars emerged and stocked dozens of brands. Major importers such as Suntory promoted bourbon heavily, and bourbon highballs helped broaden its appeal. As a result, Japan became one of the biggest bourbon importers and remains a place where older export-only bottles still surface today.
Bourbon Expert: Helpful Master
The master asks me what I would like to order, and I nervously scan the shelves of liquor behind him. There are so many selections to choose from that I’m paralyzed by indecision. J.T.S. Brown, Henry McKenna, Old Grand-Dad, Yellowstone, Woodford Reserve, Peaky Blinder (!). There must be more than 200 bottles of bourbon here alone. I ask the master for a recommendation, nothing too strong. He selects Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand, an 80-proof Kentucky straight bourbon. I later find out it’s a budget bourbon, which is fine, because one of the top-shelf selections would have been wasted on me.
Then I ask something that is going to sound incredibly foolish to connoisseurs: “Do you have any Japanese bourbon?” Rather than laugh in my face, the master patiently explains that bourbon has to be made in the United States and must be mostly corn, at least half the mash. It has to be distilled below a certain strength, aged in brand-new charred American oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher, with no flavoring or coloring added. Because of those rules, Japan cannot make real bourbon.
No Bourbon, No Life
I don’t think I’m ever going to appreciate bourbon, and beer will probably always be my poison, but I really enjoy meeting people like the master, who is passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to share what he knows. He told me about riding around Japan on a motorcycle, inspired by seeing Easy Rider in his youth. He is also a fan of American TV dramas and even has Netflix in the bar; I recommended Breaking Bad because I thought he would like it.
A few months later, I brought my wife, M., and he made her a virgin cocktail that she really enjoyed. Bar Wild Angels the kind of place that welcomes both serious bourbon lovers and anyone who just wants to wander in and enjoy a friendly neighborhood bar.
Nankai Sumiyoshi Higashi Station 住吉東駅
Sumiyoshi Higashi Station(住吉東駅) is located between Tezukayama and Sawanocho on the Nankai Koya Line. It serves a calm residential pocket of Sumiyoshi. The area is sparse in terms of attractions but very close to Shogon Jodoji Temple on foot.
Shogon Jodoji Temple 荘厳浄土寺
[Map] 5 Chome-11-14 Tezukayamahigashi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0054. Tel:06-6672-3852 Open: 8:00-18:00. https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/kyoiku/page/0000207597.htmlShōgon Jōdo-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple site with origins likely dating back to the Heian period. It was rebuilt in the 11th century under imperial order, making it an imperial prayer temple (勅願寺). The name comes from a discovered bronze ornament inscribed with imagery of the Pure Land, giving the temple a direct link between its identity and an archaeological find.
Main hall of Shōgon Jōdo-ji (本堂 Hondō)
The main hall of Shōgon Jōdo-ji is a beautifully preserved wooden temple building with a wide, gently sloping tiled roof. The structure sits slightly elevated on a stone foundation, with deep eaves and wooden lattice doors. In front of the hall stands a metal incense burner beneath a small green-roofed canopy, positioned on a stone platform.
Grave Markers: Muentō (無縁塔) and Gorinto (五輪塔)
A muentō (無縁塔) is a memorial tower dedicated to honoring the souls of people who have no surviving family to tend their graves. Temples use these towers as a place to collectively pray for such forgotten souls, and visitors may offer incense or small memorial tablets to support those prayers. Behind the memorial tower you can see several gorinto. A gorintō (五輪塔) is a five-tiered Buddhist memorial stone whose stacked shapes, square, sphere, triangle, inverted bowl, and jewel, represent the cosmic elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and space. It symbolizes the return of all beings to these fundamental elements. On the left, a bank of blooming pink azaleas spills over a row of stones, bringing a burst of color and softness to the scene.
Amida Hall (阿弥陀堂)
Amida Hall (阿弥陀堂) is dedicated to Amida Buddha, the central figure of Jōdo Bukkyō, or Pure Land Buddhism. On the left side, sits a statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion symbolizing mercy and protection for all who visit.
JR Sugimotocho Station (杉本町駅)
Sugimotocho Station sits on the JR Hanwa Line between Asaka and Abikocho Stations. The area has a slightly busier feel due to nearby Osaka Metropolitan University. The streets are more open, with a mix of student life and local businesses. It marks a transition from tight residential lanes to a broader neighborhood layout.
Asaka Central Park 浅香中央公園
[Map] 1 Chome-6 Asaka, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0021. Dogs Allowed
Asaka Central Park (浅香中央公園) straddles the border of Sumiyoshi Ward and Higashisumiyoshi Ward. The park, which was built in the site of a former train depot, is designed for everyday use rather than tourism, with wide paths for walking, jogging or cycling, playgrounds, and seasonal greenery. This is a peaceful neighborhood spot where residents can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, shaded benches in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn. There is even a baseball field on the premises where local teams play.
Perfect for Families with Small Children
If you’re visiting Japan with small children and want to give them room to run around or a chance to play with local kids, this is the perfect choice. A colorful neighborhood playground surrounded by trees sits on a wide sandy lot, featuring metal slides, swings, and simple spring-loaded rides that little ones can bounce on. The park facilities also include toilets with diaper-changing stations.
Bonus: JR Abikocho Station
Abikocho is a practical commuter stop on the Hanwa Line. Around the station are everyday shops, small restaurants, and services geared toward locals. I already wrote about Abikocho Station last year in an article entitled Osaka Barhopping around Abiko and Nagai Station, but sometimes you go back to an area and find a place you’ve missed. I couldn’t end this article without including AIBO.
AIBO
[Map] 3 Chome-9-13 Abiko, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0014. Tel:070-2430-1864. Open: 7:30-17:00.Any restaurant that misspells the word “restaurant” gets my business. You know the food has to be awesome. And you’ve got to love the misplaced apostrophe in caf’e. It seems like the owners scribbled the name on a napkin and just handed it to the signmaker. William Least Heat-Moon, author of Blue Highways, would flip out about this place—and I mean that in a good way. How could I not go in? This place was practically calling my name, and I was in dire need of a cup of coffee.
The first thing you notice when you enter Aibo is that it appears to be a small grocery store inside a coffee shop. They’re selling things like discounted snacks, even fruits and vegetables! I’m sure you’ve heard about all of those so-called “hidden” bars in Tokyo and Osaka; well, this place tops them all. If I owned Aibo, I would market it as Kissa-Konbini. Bring in some speakers and a turntable, and you’ve got the hippest listening bar in Japan. The influencers would go wild: “Japan is living in the year 2050 and the year 1950!”
In an era of rising prices and inflation, Aibo has kept its morning set one of the most affordable in all of Osaka: for just ¥300, you get toast, a hard‑boiled egg, salad, and a cup of coffee. This prices were valid through all of 2025, but in light of recent events I expect the set to go up in price. Since I arrived in the afternoon, I decided to order coffee and purchased three of the classic snacks: Miss Kate’s Assorted Biscuits from Singapore, Kajitani Shokuhin’s Crispy Biscuits from Okayama and JCC Butter Peanuts.
Shino Snack Mura 志のスナック村
Heading toward Abiko Station, I stopped to admire a building that can best be described as “retro-futuristic”: Shino Snack Mura (Village). In Japan, a snack (スナック) typically refers to a small bar offering drinks, light snacks, and often karaoke, where customers sit at the counter and chat with the female staff—often called mama.
This narrow, seven-story building houses two snacks on each floor, for a grand total of 14 drinking establishments. Turnover must be high, because the sign on the building reads “mamasan boshu chu”, which means “now hiring mamas.” I can only imagine that a night of bar-hopping on all seven floors would be a blast, and much cheaper than Kitashinchi in Osaka or Ginza in Tokyo.
Flashback: Bubbly Ikuyo
Seeing Shino Snack Mura reminded me of a high-end bread shop called Bubbly Ikuyo that did not survive the pandemic. The shop was the brainchild of Takuya Kishimoto, the CEO of a company that helped jump start the specialty bread shop boom that was popular in the 2010s. Bubbly Ikuyo was opened to capitalize on renewed interest in the excess of the Bubble economy of the 80s. The catchphrase “bubbly” was created by comedian Nora Hirano.
I purchased a loaf of bread, which I remember was over 1,000 yen. It came in a nice bag with a character straight out of an Osaka Obachan video. The bread was rather average and didn’t live up to the hype. You can’t replace quality with manufactured nostalgia which is why the places I’ve covered in this article have managed to survive for so many years, while this place failed.
