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“I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no, I won’t shed a tear Just as long as you stand, stand by me “
Talking in front of a campfire.
Walking along the railroad tracks.
Scenes like these come back to me.
Memories are always beautiful.
How much is true, and how much has been touched up?
Even what hurt at the time, in that very moment, becomes beautiful once enough time has passed.
Every time I hear Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” my childhood flashes back along with scenes from the film.
A sentimental start out of nowhere, I know. Maybe it’s because I’ve been listening to “Stand by Me” with a highball in hand?
I love the film and the song, and they mean a great deal to me.
Sometimes I find myself thinking ahead to a future in which I’ll look back on today, too, as something fleeting and beautiful.
Hmmmm.
I’ve been drinking, haven’t I…
What I’m trying to say is: even though this is the very first edition, so many of you have entered Yokohama Open 2026, and we are truly grateful! That’s it, I think.
Maybe it’s the drink, but my writing won’t come together. Still: since you entered with “something” in mind, we want to make this a tournament where you truly feel that something.
That’s the resolve I’m putting into this post, listening to “Stand by Me.” I’m the person behind this blog.
Good evening!
…Wait, this post is going up around midday, so: good afternoon!!!
Side Nine (Wadamachi)
Today we’re introducing one of the qualifying venues for Yokohama Open 2026, Side Nine!
It’s run by pro Hideaki Sakimura.
[Highlights]
Well equipped: 11 pool tables and 1 carom table.
Clean air: Smoking is fully separated, so non-smokers can be comfortable too.
Beginners welcome: Sakimura is keen on giving lessons! He was coaching with real enthusiasm on the day we visited.
[Access & facilities]
By train: 5 minutes’ walk from Wadamachi Station on the Sotetsu Line. Close to the station!
By car: Parking for 10 cars, so it’s easy even if you’re coming from far away.
Sakimura and his wife are both warm and easygoing, and the place feels like home, so please drop by!
There’s still time before the big day on February 23. To get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions at the qualifying venue, we recommend going along to play and get some practice in beforehand!
And Yokohama Open 2026 is still taking entries!!!
If you haven’t entered yet, please do!!!
We look forward to seeing you all at the venue ♪
Let’s make a wonderful tournament together!
We are also looking for sponsors for this tournament.
If your company would like to help us build a culture of watching billiards, please get in touch!
👉 Billiards resources from Japan and around the world, organized by purpose: Billiards in Depth (latest updated hourly)
