Time Stands Still in the Midst of the Showa and Heisei Eras

Just outside Fuse Station, when you take the escalator at Vernol Fuse (formerly Vivre) up to the fourth floor, there’s a moment when the atmosphere suddenly shifts.

Colorful parfaits, glossy doria, udon, hamburger steaks, spaghetti… Standing in front of the display case packed with food samples, you’ll feel a strange flutter in your chest.

Ah, I know this. I’ve seen it somewhere before. No, rather, it’s a scene that’s remained vividly within me.

“Pia Jolie, Fuse Branch.” This family restaurant, which first opened in 1986 at the Daiei Kurashiki store, remains here in Fuse. It once had locations in Korien and Nagayoshi as well, but now this Fuse branch is the only one still in operation.

The name “Pia Jolly” may have been inspired by the founder projecting a sense of great hope onto the scenery of a port town he encountered while traveling.

As soon as you settle into the green vinyl sofa, you’re enveloped by a sense of nostalgia that feels like a gentle pat on the back. The amber-colored pendant lights, the horoscopes on the tables, the faint sounds from the kitchen… it’s a moment to savor the atmosphere of the Showa era, undisturbed by anyone.

The quintessential Western-style feast: Seafood Doria

Naturally, I started my order with the “Seafood Doria.” What was brought to the table was that “classic feast”—cheese melting behind a veil of steam.

When I dug in with my spoon, buttered rice appeared from beneath. Packed with shrimp, squid, and clams, a gentle sense of happiness spread through me with every bite.

I seem to recall that doria used to be a special-occasion treat. When I was little, it was so hot it was hard to eat, but I still longed for it—I remember eating it even though I’d burn my mouth. That feeling from long ago suddenly comes flooding back.

Another detail that shows this restaurant’s thoughtfulness is the “half-size” option.

With dishes like spaghetti, omelet rice, and curry—each of which is quite hearty—this is a welcome choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a little bit of everything. Whether you’re dining with small children or on your own as an adult, it makes ordering much less daunting.

Even as an adult, it’s okay to be a “kid” once in a while

One of this restaurant’s specialties is the “Kids’ Meal for Adults.”

Served on a red car-shaped plate, it features rice topped with egg furikake, fried chicken, fried shrimp, French fries, and a small side of salad to add a splash of color. It doesn’t come with a drink or a toy, but it truly satisfies the heart.

As adults, we rarely treat ourselves unless we use a bit of playfulness as an excuse.

But this dish brings “the things I loved as a child” right to me as I am now. It has that kind of warmth and包容力.

I’ll succumb to the temptation of a parfait again today

After a meal, finding yourself drawn back to the display case is probably a path everyone takes. “Pudding Parfait”—just the sound of those words is enough to make me give in.

Topping the glass that arrived were soft-serve ice cream, a cherry, whipped cream, and a pudding sitting proudly in the center. Beneath that were fruits and cornflakes, and finally, two canned mandarin oranges. With layers of sweetness and nostalgia, it felt as though I were tasting my memories themselves.

Parfaits exist on the same continuum as happiness. I don’t order one every time. But the fact that there are shops that make me think, “It’s okay just this once,” might be a small comfort.

“Staying the same” is something very precious right now

Family restaurants used to be symbols of efficiency and standardization. “Pia Jolie,” however, goes against that trend. From the menu to the atmosphere inside the restaurant, right down to the smallest details, almost nothing has changed. But these days, that feels incredibly precious.

The cityscape changes day by day. While new things are constantly emerging, others quietly fade away. Amidst all this, it’s somehow comforting to know there’s a place that tells you, “This place has stayed just the same as it was long ago.”

An Afternoon Like the Old Days in Fuse

Outside the window, the shopping district buzzes with activity. Inside, however, time flows at a leisurely pace. A place where you can pause, eat slowly, and lose yourself in memories for a while—a place to spend such a luxurious afternoon.

If you’re staying at SEKAI HOTEL, we highly recommend experiencing this “afternoon time slip.” On the fourth floor in Fuse, there’s a place where, for just a moment, you can reconnect with “the person you used to be.” That place is “Pia Jolie Fuse.”