Stalls that always looked like they were there.

It was 1980. A crepe stall appeared at the entrance of the Nichii Fuse Shopping Center. It was called “Wagon Boy. There was no flashy advertisement, and it was not a special place. But it was a treat for high school students on their way home from club activities and for children who followed their parents shopping.

When the sweet smell of the dough wafted through the air, I would end up checking my wallet. The happiness I felt at that time when I could buy something for a little more than 200 yen is still very vivid in my memory.

As time went by, Nichii became Fuse Saty and eventually closed. At that time, Wagon Boy moved to a new location under the elevated railway tracks of the station. But it still has the same atmosphere as it did back then.

Don’t let appearances deceive you, these crepes are heavy.

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary crepe shop in town. But the moment you order one and it is handed to you, you are surprised by its presence.

The “chocolate strawberry crepe,” “chocolate banana crepe,” and other sweet crepes are filled with chocolate sauce, even on the inside of the crust. The cream is dense from top to bottom. I weighed over 300 grams. It is more satisfying than a bad hamburger.

The crust is baked on the spot, so it is slightly sweet and thick. The crust is slightly sweet, thick, and fluffy, and the three elements coexist in perfect harmony. The moment you put it in your mouth, you can’t help but smile. This is a “snack” and a “meal” at the same time.

The choice of a side dish crepe

Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, don’t worry. Prepared dishes like the “Ham, Tuna, and Corn Salad” are also popular here. It is wrapped with plenty of ingredients and is hearty enough to make a full meal on its own.

In a good way, it belies the preconceived notion that crepes are sweets. Wagon Boy is more suitable for a lunch on a tiring day than a convenience store.

Yellow walls and magic mirrors

The first thing that overwhelms you when you stand in front of the restaurant is the 53 menu items lined up on the yellow wall. Unable to make up my mind, I stop and ponder. Even that time is not so bad, as it is a bit like a ritual.

But be careful. The wall is actually a magic mirror, so you can see everything from the inside. It’s embarrassing, but it’s a wagon boy’s trick.

It is a device to start baking immediately after receiving an order. It’s a reasonable but mischievous idea. These little surprises are one of the reasons why people want to come here.

Kindness conveyed with a simple “Yes, sir.

And let’s not forget the famous owner. He is not talkative and a bit brusque. But that is also a sign of his craftsmanship.
He asks, “Do you want it right away? Or do you want to take it home?” When asked, “Do you want to eat it right away or take it home? If you want to take it home, he will seal it tightly. He is quiet, but he is very attentive to the smallest of details. There are not many people like that.

With a crepe in your hand, let’s enjoy the atmosphere of Fuse once again!

The eat-in space is closed for now. But sometimes that’s a good thing. With a crepe in hand, I stroll down the old shopping street of Fuse.

Each time I stop, I see a different view. A sign for a candy shop, the shutters of a closed bookstore, ladies stopping their bicycles for a well-wishers’ meeting. Before I know it, I feel like I have become a part of the scenery of this town.

Wagon Boy’s crepes are more than just food. In one bite, the time of those days and the person I am today are gently reunited.
I am sure that even today, someone is standing in front of that yellow wall, a little worried and a little smiling.