"FO KITCHEN" - Shimokitazawa -
This time on APPLE TREE, we introduce "FO KITCHEN," a restaurant located a 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, a town known for its subculture.
It's a hidden kitchen tucked away in an alley, which opened last year in November 2025.
The owner is Aoyagi's friend from his student days.
This time, we informally asked him about his life from his origins to the present.
[The beginning of FO KITCHEN was a "frying pan"]
Aoyagi:
I don't think I've ever really heard about how you started your restaurant.
FO:
After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, I vaguely thought, "I want to create something."
Since I couldn't make clothes, I started making hats and frying pans, and then I got into cooking.
I often went to events and clubs, and I wanted a place where I could gather with my friends for music and food, so it's an extension of that, I guess.
Aoyagi:
You originally started your business in Kojimachi, right?
FO:
That's right.
At Kojimachi Gallery, which I was introduced to by a senior I befriended in the smoking area of my part-time job back then.
At that time, I was making hats, iron frying pans, and kitchenware under the name Fryingpan Owner, and I think that's when I first started serving food while exhibiting my work.
That's where the name "FO (Fryingpan Owner) KITCHEN" comes from.
[After many nights]
Aoyagi:
After Kojimachi Gallery, it was SOBER, right?
How did you end up working at SOBER?
FO:
I used to drink a lot in Golden Gai back then, and a friend I met there invited me.
I was completely roped in (laughs).
Around 2017 or 2018.
I was 30 when SOBER opened.
Aoyagi:
How long did you work there?
FO:
A full 8 years.
I was thoroughly put through the wringer (laughs).
It was a tough time, full of dramatic nights.
[Restarting in Shimokita]
Aoyagi:
After going through a lot at SOBER, you opened your own restaurant last year in 2025, right?
FO:
That's right.
It feels like the name I first created has returned after 8 years.
Though I think many people don't know it (laughs).
Aoyagi:
Why Shimokita?
FO:
It's close to my house (laughs).
And Shimokita has good access.
Compared to Shibuya (when I was at SOBER), it felt more laid-back, and I thought I could stay there for a long time.
The lively atmosphere of the South Exit with McDonald's and the relaxed vibe of Ichibangai are just right.
[About the in-store BGM]
Aoyagi:
How do you choose the in-store BGM?
I really love the DJ CAM album (Soulshine) that's playing now!
FO:
Sometimes I match it to the customers who are there, or play songs they've told me about.
At home, I listen to the radio, so I play songs that caught my attention on the radio.
I listen to "TOKYO M.A.A.D SPIN" and things like that.
[About the food and atmosphere of the restaurant]
Aoyagi:
You have a lot of menu items.
It's funny that you even have ramen (laughs).
FO:
Yes, we do (laughs).
We have a lot of menu items. It's a casual vibe.
I'm not interested in three-star restaurants or anything like that; what's important is for everyone to gather and have a good time.
Recently, I've also gotten into dashi and seasonings.
Things that are good for the body.
Aoyagi:
You naturally lean towards that as you get older.
What do you recommend?
FO:
Our teppan Napolitan.
And the seasonal special.
Aoyagi:
The teppan Napolitan is delicious, isn't it?
What kind of customers do you usually get?
FO:
Friends probably make up more than half of them (laughs).
People in the food industry, DJs, models, and so on.
We're also increasing the number of events so that various people can enjoy themselves.
Not just music events, but also events to enjoy food and drinks.
Just the other day, we had an event where people could enjoy several kinds of shochu highballs made with imo shochu.
It's a great place to chat with friends over a rich menu.
It's also great to drop by for a casual drink with dinner after work.
On event days, it's a little livelier than usual.
When you're in Shimokita, please feel free to stop by.
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FO KITCHEN
Arizona Building 3F, 2-33-11 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station
Opening hours: 18:00 - 02:00 (Irregular holidays)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fokitchentokyo/
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