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Sentimental Yamatecho

The intersection at Honmoku St. leads towards Yamate Tunnel (1).
The intersection at Honmoku St. leads towards Yamate Tunnel (2).
An iconic cafe sits along Yamate-Hondori.
An old man walks his dog.
Who?
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Intersection at Honmoku St. towards Yamate Tunnel.

These places aren’t landmarks—not even spots people would photograph. But I visit them every time I’m in Yokohama. I discovered them through two beautiful songs I heard in middle school—songs with music videos set in these exact places.

I remember the first time I visited—I put on my headphones, played both songs, and just stood there for some time—lost in nostalgia until the songs ended. Then I realized I was standing in beautiful places because of those songs—places I once only knew from a screen. I don’t have a word for what this is. People might call it manifestation—something I don’t believe in. Whatever it is… it is—at least to me—sentimental!

Now, every time I visit, even without playing the songs, I still find myself standing there and letting the memories find their way back.

It’s always sentimental Yamatecho.

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