【Starting February 2023, we have transitioned to a membership-based, reservation-only system (for regular customers only).】*1 As of May 2025, there will be no changes to the operating style.*2 Reservations can only be made by members.*3 Walk-ins will not be served (you cannot eat by lining up early in the morning as before).*4 Dining is possible if accompanied by a member.*5 In principle, we are not recruiting new members.*6 You can enjoy Tashiro's eel at home through the hometown tax donation rewards.Regarding the hometown tax donation rewards, the restaurant staff feels regretful about the change in style and, after much trial and error, has prepared frozen products so that you can enjoy Tashiro's flavors at home. If you're interested, please do not hesitate to inquire.‪〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜‬【Announcement and Background】Due to the stress of managing reservations from early morning, the owner experienced a sudden illness in early September 2022. After a long period of closure, we reopened on February 1, 2023. However, 【we have changed to a membership-based, reservation-only system】(Generally, we do not recruit new members).(This style will only cater to regular and long-time customers.)(You will not be able to reach the previous phone number.)Below is a transcription of the announcement posted in front of the restaurant in mid-January 2023 by the owner.‪〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜‬【Notice】We will reopen the restaurant on February 1 (Wednesday), but due to the owner's serious illness, we cannot operate as before. Therefore, we will change our operating method. We apologize, but from now on, we will only serve customers who have supported Tashiro for a long time. Even if you line up early in the morning, you will not be able to eat. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to continue the restaurant for a long time.‪〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜‬With the membership system in place, it will be a reservation-only service for members. Please note that even if you line up early or show up at the restaurant, you will not be able to dine.Before the membership system was established (when the owner fell ill and the long closure began), the restaurant gained an incredible reputation online, leading to a surge in reservations starting from the middle of the night rather than early morning. Many people lined up in front of the restaurant from late at night, which caused some disturbances in the neighborhood. In response to this and the desire not to keep customers waiting, the owner started accepting reservations earlier and earlier, leading to a situation where, just before the owner fell ill, he would show up at the restaurant around 3 AM on weekends to take reservations. Naturally, this situation led to an overwhelming number of customers, and the owner had little time for breaks, repeatedly preparing and grilling eels. Despite this, customers who were unwilling to give up or unaware of the circumstances would ask, "Can we eat now?" (even with a sign saying "Sold Out"), requiring a response. Due to the overwhelming busyness, if adequate responses could not be provided, there were complaints about "poor service." In addition to customer interactions, the restaurant was inundated with inquiries from all over the country asking, "Can we make a reservation?" and was overwhelmed by the volume of calls.This intense situation persisted for several years before the membership system was established...Due to such circumstances, the burden on the owner became immense, ultimately leading to health issues. As a difficult decision, the restaurant arrived at this conclusion (membership system).‪〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜‬【Impressions】It has been about two months since my last visit. I ended up visiting a bit earlier than planned, resulting in a shorter interval. As a result, I dined on the first day of this Golden Week, which is an unparalleled luxury...In our household, we have decided not to eat eel anywhere else but at Tashiro (with exceptions for social occasions).During my last visit, I brought a small gift, fully aware that I might get scolded. As expected, the staff said, "You don’t have to be so considerate!" but they were pleased nonetheless (laughs).Given the circumstances of my last visit, I planned to come this time without a gift...However, unexpectedly, I received a delightful surprise from the staff in mid-April. I was truly moved.So, feeling compelled to reciprocate, I brought a gift this time (laughs).It was sweets from "Patisserie Gram" located on Nekodōri in Chikusa Ward (^^). As expected, the staff at this gourmet restaurant seemed to know the place, which made them happy (^^).And the result was a wonderful exchange ( ; ; )In the end, I received more than I brought as a gift.It has been about three and a half years since the current style was established?!I feel that it has stabilized significantly in various aspects. In the beginning, there was a sense of uncertainty about whether it was okay to bring someone along, but recently that atmosphere has disappeared, and many members seem to be guiding others.In our household, we generally dine with my daughter, so it’s challenging to invite anyone who isn’t family. I feel a bit guilty for only visiting on weekends, but since the system was established, I’ve been trying to increase my frequency of visits, feeling a sense of obligation to honor the selection made for me. (I believe that’s why I received such thoughtful treatment this time; I’m so grateful.)Now, regarding the eel, I will refrain from providing too detailed feedback m(_ _)mAs I always say, I am truly grateful just to be able to eat here m(_ _)mI feel incredibly lucky in this regard. While I have made considerable efforts to show my gratitude, it all started because of my daughter and the special treatment from the restaurant. Without that, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to express my gratitude. I truly feel fortunate that things have turned out so well. Once again, I am just grateful.(That’s why I can’t help but push back against aggressive opinions, even if I understand their feelings.)Next time, I plan to visit in the summer. It seems that my wife’s relatives have also taken a liking to the place, so I might invite them again?! In July, there’s a particularly suitable Day of the Eel, but I think it might be better to visit a bit later with a larger group to avoid inconveniencing the restaurant.By the way, I heard that the restaurant will be closed on Sundays, the 12th and 26th of July m(_ _)m