Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig!

St. Patrick's Day in Japan 

Every March 17th we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in Okazaki City. As Yamasa likes to do things properly, our party is always on the 17th, regardless of which day of the week the 17th happens to be, and regardless of whether there are any exams. We open for breakfast at 7am, the only day of the year we do so. Please note that breakfast is optional - you can eat breakfast at home and just drop in for a pre-class pint, or if it is a weekend, drop in for the proverbial hair of the dog). We usually close about 24 hours later. Even in Japan, St. Patrick's Day is something of a religious festival, so in addition to wearing something (suitably) green, please clap twice and pray whenever you're passing our sacred whiskey shrine. Chanting is OK, but only if you're particularly attractive or an accomplished baritone.

Breakfast is our usual traditional fry up fare: Bacon & (2) eggs with sausages, fried onions, mushrooms, tomato and 2 pieces of toast (with butter, honey etc). Price is 1100 yen if enjoyed with a pint of the finest, and slightly more or less if you prefer orange juice, coffee etc - not that we would encourage that sort of behaviour. Black and white pudding is provided if available. If it is available, then sadly, you have to eat it. In short, the 17th is a traditional Irish breakfast in Okazaki, the same one described in Wikipedia as thus... "Because of its high content of meat, and consequently fat and cholesterol, the Irish breakfast is considered by dieticians to be unfit for frequent consumption".

Zig Zag only serves breakfast once a year, so washing your Irish fry up fare down with a lovely pint of Guinness is very much the epitome of moderation. What would a dietician know about good food anyway? In any case, it is a long and grand tradition that those who are observing a fast for Lent may break their fasting for Saint Patrick's Day. Genuflect, feast, imbibe. Its good for you.

Breakfast is available all day or until stocks are depleted. Lunch is the usual, including our famous sandwiches and hearty soups. In the afternoon Zig Zag is the focus of the shortest organised Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Japan (from Aoi Hall to Zig Zag, about 15 metres). The evening meal is usually centered on Declan's not too shabby Guinness, beef and vegetable stew. Vegetarians are more than welcome to watch.

Happy hour prices apply all day for all beers on tap, and all Irish whiskey and liquers. Try something new? There is no green beer, so don't ask. Saint Paddy didn't drink green beer, so why on earth should you. Yes, Zig Zag is an Irish pub in Japan, but not an Irish pub in the theme pub sense, just in terms of owner & operation. Anyone who persists in asking for green beer will be kicked out on their arse, and deservedly so.

Zig Zag always need musicians, so if you are in town, good, and interested in singing for your supper (or singing for more than your supper, if you are very very good), please contact Declan in advance. Some instruments are available (piano, guitars, tin whistle, bodhran etc), but if you need to bring your own orchestra try not to eat all the food please.

If you need overnight accommodation in Okazaki City please contact us in advance. All designated drivers are requested to ensure that engines are not left idling, and to drive carefully, avoiding bicycles, intoxicated leprechauns and full fee paying Yamasa students. Enjoy St. Patrick's Day in Japan!

After all, you could do a hell of a lot worse!

Oh and ummm, come and join us for a drink or few at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Nagoya - (Saturday, March 22nd) or St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tokyo (Sunday, March 16th).

To main page

"Many people die of thirst but the Irish are born with one." - Spike Milligan

© Declan Murphy - All rights reserved.