YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter

YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

This area was like a magnet and attracted youthful Japanese and young servicemen. It was the happening place with the Peanuts Club open 24 hours featuring a variety of live bands on an elevator that moved up and down four floors of spirited, smiling customers.

I remember hearing a Japanese band singing Country and Western for the first time. Their outfits looked like they were from the Grand Ol' Opry with sparkling sequins and saddle-stiching. They did an excellent job, but it was the rock and roll that really got the place moving.

Young Japanese students in their mid to late teens frequented this club as did servicemen in their late teens. Oftentimes, dependents of the servicemen stationed in Japan would wander off base housing to get into the scene. It was a most eclectic group of young people rocking around the clock and sipping coffee, wine Kirin, Asahi and Coca Cola mixed with Suntory's version of Crown Royal.