Cocktail Bar | Bar Gyu+ | Niseko Japan

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The Sounds of Bar Gyu. The record that started everything.⁠ The first vinyl Hisashi ever bought. Everything else in this collection traces back to this one purchase.⁠ ⁠
すべての始まりの一枚。⁠
これは、ヒサシが初めて手にしたレコード。⁠
今ではたくさんのレコードが並ぶコレクションも、すべてはこの一枚から始まりました。⁠

The Sounds of Bar Gyu. The record that started everything.⁠ The first vinyl Hisashi ever bought. Everything else in this collection traces back to this one purchase.⁠ ⁠
すべての始まりの一枚。⁠
これは、ヒサシが初めて手にしたレコード。⁠
今ではたくさんのレコードが並ぶコレクションも、すべてはこの一枚から始まりました。⁠

Japan's ski story, long before the powder boom. It's come a long way since then. Japan's snow sport history runs deeper than you think. See you on the hill next winter ❄️⁠
パウダーブームが訪れるずっと前から、日本にはスキー文化がありました。⁠
そこから長い年月をかけて、今の姿へ。⁠
日本のスノースポーツの歴史は、想像以上に深く、面白いものです。⁠
また来年の冬、雪山で会いましょう ❄️

Japan's ski story, long before the powder boom. It's come a long way since then. Japan's snow sport history runs deeper than you think. See you on the hill next winter ❄️⁠
パウダーブームが訪れるずっと前から、日本にはスキー文化がありました。⁠
そこから長い年月をかけて、今の姿へ。⁠
日本のスノースポーツの歴史は、想像以上に深く、面白いものです。⁠
また来年の冬、雪山で会いましょう ❄️

Work with us this winter! Applications open - click on the linkin.bio to apply! ⁠
この冬、一緒に働きませんか？募集を開始しました！応募はプロフィールのリンク（linkin.bio）から！

Work with us this winter! Applications open - click on the linkin.bio to apply! ⁠
この冬、一緒に働きませんか？募集を開始しました！応募はプロフィールのリンク（linkin.bio）から！

Do you know the story behind the name of the bar? Gyu means cow in Japanese. Say hello to Gyu #2000. Hisashi worked on a farm in Obihiro, where he met this friendly cow. The cow was huge and became a bit of a mascot for the farm. The cow's tag was #2000 and that made Hisahi like him even more, because Hisashi had heard the rumours that the world was about to end in the year 2000 (remember Y2K?) ⁠
⁠
One thing Hisashi wanted to do before this happened was build a bar. So in 1999, he got to work and opened it. ⁠
⁠
When it came to deciding on a name for the bar, he laughed and remembered his friend at the farm. Also, "Gyu-Gyu" in Japanese means "cosy" or busy like on a Tokyo morning train all gyu-gyu in there. Hisashi hoped that his bar would become just that one day.⁠
⁠
He added "+" to the name, three years later when installing the door. He thought this would be a good time for an extension of the bar. Bar Gyu is an art project that Hisashi thought would only last one year. But here we are 27 years later. Thank you Gyu #2000 ⁠
⁠
Bar Gyu+ の名前の由来を知っていますか？⁠
「Gyu（牛）」は日本語で“牛”という意味です。⁠
写真の牛は Gyu #2000。⁠
ヒサシは昔、帯広の牧場で働いていて、そこでこの人懐っこい牛と出会いました。とても大きな牛で、いつしか牧場の人気者になっていたそうです。⁠
耳標番号は「#2000」。⁠
当時は「2000年に世界が終わるらしい」という噂があって、その番号がなんだか面白くて気に入っていたそうです。⁠
もし本当に世界が終わるなら、その前にやりたいことがある。⁠
それが、自分のバーを作ることでした。⁠
そして1999年、ヒサシはBar Gyuをオープンしました。⁠
バーの名前を考えていた時、ふと牧場で出会った牛のことを思い出し、「Gyu」にしようと決めたそうです。⁠
また、日本語の「ぎゅうぎゅう」には、⁠
「人でいっぱい」⁠
「にぎやか」⁠
「居心地よく集まる」⁠
そんなイメージもあります。⁠
いつかこのバーも、そんな場所になってほしい。⁠
そんな願いも込められていました。⁠
そして3年後、入口のドアを取り付けたタイミングで「＋」を追加。⁠
少しずつ広がっていくバーになればという思いから、Bar Gyu+ が誕生しました。⁠
ヒサシは当時、このバーを「1年くらい続けばいいかな」と思いながら始めたそうです。⁠
それが気づけば27年。⁠
ありがとう、Gyu #2000.⁠

Do you know the story behind the name of the bar? Gyu means cow in Japanese. Say hello to Gyu #2000. Hisashi worked on a farm in Obihiro, where he met this friendly cow. The cow was huge and became a bit of a mascot for the farm. The cow's tag was #2000 and that made Hisahi like him even more, because Hisashi had heard the rumours that the world was about to end in the year 2000 (remember Y2K?) ⁠
⁠
One thing Hisashi wanted to do before this happened was build a bar. So in 1999, he got to work and opened it. ⁠
⁠
When it came to deciding on a name for the bar, he laughed and remembered his friend at the farm. Also, "Gyu-Gyu" in Japanese means "cosy" or busy like on a Tokyo morning train all gyu-gyu in there. Hisashi hoped that his bar would become just that one day.⁠
⁠
He added "+" to the name, three years later when installing the door. He thought this would be a good time for an extension of the bar. Bar Gyu is an art project that Hisashi thought would only last one year. But here we are 27 years later. Thank you Gyu #2000 ⁠
⁠
Bar Gyu+ の名前の由来を知っていますか？⁠
「Gyu（牛）」は日本語で“牛”という意味です。⁠
写真の牛は Gyu #2000。⁠
ヒサシは昔、帯広の牧場で働いていて、そこでこの人懐っこい牛と出会いました。とても大きな牛で、いつしか牧場の人気者になっていたそうです。⁠
耳標番号は「#2000」。⁠
当時は「2000年に世界が終わるらしい」という噂があって、その番号がなんだか面白くて気に入っていたそうです。⁠
もし本当に世界が終わるなら、その前にやりたいことがある。⁠
それが、自分のバーを作ることでした。⁠
そして1999年、ヒサシはBar Gyuをオープンしました。⁠
バーの名前を考えていた時、ふと牧場で出会った牛のことを思い出し、「Gyu」にしようと決めたそうです。⁠
また、日本語の「ぎゅうぎゅう」には、⁠
「人でいっぱい」⁠
「にぎやか」⁠
「居心地よく集まる」⁠
そんなイメージもあります。⁠
いつかこのバーも、そんな場所になってほしい。⁠
そんな願いも込められていました。⁠
そして3年後、入口のドアを取り付けたタイミングで「＋」を追加。⁠
少しずつ広がっていくバーになればという思いから、Bar Gyu+ が誕生しました。⁠
ヒサシは当時、このバーを「1年くらい続けばいいかな」と思いながら始めたそうです。⁠
それが気づけば27年。⁠
ありがとう、Gyu #2000.⁠

Bar Gyu × Mars Distillery Limited PX Sherry Peated Whisky ⁠
Age: 5 yrs⁠
Single Cask : 218 bottles ⁠
⁠
We released whisky as a collaboration with @mars_tsunuki distillery in Kyushu - and its a whisky we are really excited about sharing! Last season we soft launched it at the bar, and this year guests will have the opportunity to purchase a bottle to take home when they are in Niseko. ⁠
⁠
Sales at the bar only this winter, or delivery in Japan. DM us if you want a bottle ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Bar Gyu × Mars Distillery⁠
Limited PX Sherry Peated Whisky⁠
▪️熟成年数：5年⁠
▪️シングルカスク限定：218本⁠
九州のMars津貫蒸留所とのコラボレーションから生まれた特別なウイスキーです。⁠
昨シーズンはBar Gyuでひっそりとお披露目しましたが、今シーズンはニセコでの思い出とともにお持ち帰りいただけるよう、ボトル販売も行います。⁠
販売はこの冬、Bar Gyu店頭限定。⁠
日本国内への発送も可能です。⁠
気になる方はぜひDMしてください。

Bar Gyu × Mars Distillery Limited PX Sherry Peated Whisky ⁠
Age: 5 yrs⁠
Single Cask : 218 bottles ⁠
⁠
We released whisky as a collaboration with @mars_tsunuki distillery in Kyushu - and its a whisky we are really excited about sharing! Last season we soft launched it at the bar, and this year guests will have the opportunity to purchase a bottle to take home when they are in Niseko. ⁠
⁠
Sales at the bar only this winter, or delivery in Japan. DM us if you want a bottle ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Bar Gyu × Mars Distillery⁠
Limited PX Sherry Peated Whisky⁠
▪️熟成年数：5年⁠
▪️シングルカスク限定：218本⁠
九州のMars津貫蒸留所とのコラボレーションから生まれた特別なウイスキーです。⁠
昨シーズンはBar Gyuでひっそりとお披露目しましたが、今シーズンはニセコでの思い出とともにお持ち帰りいただけるよう、ボトル販売も行います。⁠
販売はこの冬、Bar Gyu店頭限定。⁠
日本国内への発送も可能です。⁠
気になる方はぜひDMしてください。

We rode to Mars Whisky's Tsunuki Distillery! This is where our collaboration began. Our Bar Gyu × Mars Private Cask is something we will be talking about for a long time.⁠
⁠
Mars Whisky 津貫蒸留所へ!⁠
ここは私たちのコラボレーションが始まった特別な場所。⁠
Bar Gyu × Mars プライベートカスク。⁠
これから先も、長く語り継がれていくストーリーになりそうです。⁠

We rode to Mars Whisky's Tsunuki Distillery! This is where our collaboration began. Our Bar Gyu × Mars Private Cask is something we will be talking about for a long time.⁠
⁠
Mars Whisky 津貫蒸留所へ!⁠
ここは私たちのコラボレーションが始まった特別な場所。⁠
Bar Gyu × Mars プライベートカスク。⁠
これから先も、長く語り継がれていくストーリーになりそうです。⁠

The History of the Fridge Door. The door got dropped off at Hisashi's home as a gift from a friend, who found it in the trash at Kyogoku. The following year, Hisahi was renovating the bar with a new construction method he had previously studied in New Mexico, using straw bales as the insulation. It was then he accidentally discovered that the coca cola vending machine was the perfect size for the front door. ⁠
⁠
Hisashi also tells the story about how at this time, Hirafu was a quiet town. He thought well if no-one is coming anyway, let's make it as difficult to find as possible!⁠
⁠
At this point, Hisashi knew nothing about the concept of a "speakeasy". And at the time, japanese speakeasy and music bars didn't exist. ⁠
⁠
27 winters later, Hirafu is a bustling ski town and guests continue to enjoy looking for the small fridge door tucked into the snow. Some people walk past it three times before they find it.⁠
⁠
Along the way, guests started adding their own stickers on it. ⁠
⁠
And with that, the door has become an integral part of the Gyu experience ever since.⁠
⁠
冷蔵庫ドアの歴史⁠

2002年、京極町の粗大ゴミで友人が見つけてきたもので、贈り物として届けられました。その翌年、ヒサシはメキシコで学んだ新しい工法（ストローベイルを断熱材として使用）を取り入れ、バーの改装を行っていました。その時、偶然にもコカ・コーラの自動販売機のドアが正面入り口にピッタリのサイズであることに気がついたのです。⁠

またヒサシは、当時のニセコがとても静かな町だった頃のエピソードも語っています。「どうせお店に誰も来ないなら、いっそのこと見つけるのをできるだけ難しくしてやろう。」と考えたのです。⁠

この時点では、「スピークイージー（隠れ家的バー）」というコンセプト自体ありませんでした。まだ世界にはスピークイージーやミュージックバーという概念は存在しませんでした。⁠

それから27年の冬が過ぎ、ひらふは活気あふれるスキーの町へと変貌を遂げましたが、今もゲストたちは雪に埋もれた小さな冷蔵庫のドアを探すのを楽しんでいます。ドアを見つけるまでに、同じ場所を3回も通り過ぎてしまう人もいるほどです。⁠

そのうち、いつからかゲストたちが自分のステッカーをドアに貼るようになりました。⁠
そうしてそのドアは、それ以来「Gyu+」の体験に欠かせない象徴的な一部となったのです。

The History of the Fridge Door. The door got dropped off at Hisashi's home as a gift from a friend, who found it in the trash at Kyogoku. The following year, Hisahi was renovating the bar with a new construction method he had previously studied in New Mexico, using straw bales as the insulation. It was then he accidentally discovered that the coca cola vending machine was the perfect size for the front door. ⁠
⁠
Hisashi also tells the story about how at this time, Hirafu was a quiet town. He thought well if no-one is coming anyway, let's make it as difficult to find as possible!⁠
⁠
At this point, Hisashi knew nothing about the concept of a "speakeasy". And at the time, japanese speakeasy and music bars didn't exist. ⁠
⁠
27 winters later, Hirafu is a bustling ski town and guests continue to enjoy looking for the small fridge door tucked into the snow. Some people walk past it three times before they find it.⁠
⁠
Along the way, guests started adding their own stickers on it. ⁠
⁠
And with that, the door has become an integral part of the Gyu experience ever since.⁠
⁠
冷蔵庫ドアの歴史⁠

2002年、京極町の粗大ゴミで友人が見つけてきたもので、贈り物として届けられました。その翌年、ヒサシはメキシコで学んだ新しい工法（ストローベイルを断熱材として使用）を取り入れ、バーの改装を行っていました。その時、偶然にもコカ・コーラの自動販売機のドアが正面入り口にピッタリのサイズであることに気がついたのです。⁠

またヒサシは、当時のニセコがとても静かな町だった頃のエピソードも語っています。「どうせお店に誰も来ないなら、いっそのこと見つけるのをできるだけ難しくしてやろう。」と考えたのです。⁠

この時点では、「スピークイージー（隠れ家的バー）」というコンセプト自体ありませんでした。まだ世界にはスピークイージーやミュージックバーという概念は存在しませんでした。⁠

それから27年の冬が過ぎ、ひらふは活気あふれるスキーの町へと変貌を遂げましたが、今もゲストたちは雪に埋もれた小さな冷蔵庫のドアを探すのを楽しんでいます。ドアを見つけるまでに、同じ場所を3回も通り過ぎてしまう人もいるほどです。⁠

そのうち、いつからかゲストたちが自分のステッカーをドアに貼るようになりました。⁠
そうしてそのドアは、それ以来「Gyu+」の体験に欠かせない象徴的な一部となったのです。

And tonight it’s a wrap for the season! Thank you all for such a wonderful winter!! Closed from tomorrow until Dec 2026 🙏 see you next winter !

📸 @sukeveler & beautiful family 💛💛💛

And tonight it’s a wrap for the season! Thank you all for such a wonderful winter!! Closed from tomorrow until Dec 2026 🙏 see you next winter !

📸 @sukeveler & beautiful family 💛💛💛

Bar Gyu Team 2025-2026 ❤️

Bar Gyu Team 2025-2026 ❤️

Closed until April 2! Thank you for an incredible season from all of us at Bar Gyu!! 🫶🫶🫶 And the biggest thank you to our incredible team for making this all worth it. We will miss you all so much this summer.

Our staff are the best - if you want to join our team, please watch this space, we will be posting shortly about how to apply to work for us next season (applications from May 2026)

Closed until April 2! Thank you for an incredible season from all of us at Bar Gyu!! 🫶🫶🫶 And the biggest thank you to our incredible team for making this all worth it. We will miss you all so much this summer.

Our staff are the best - if you want to join our team, please watch this space, we will be posting shortly about how to apply to work for us next season (applications from May 2026)

Last night of March & @mindfullpeace is on the decks tonight 🫶Thank you for the season. Opening in April Thus Fri Sat for the first two weeks.

Last night of March & @mindfullpeace is on the decks tonight 🫶Thank you for the season. Opening in April Thus Fri Sat for the first two weeks.

Opening Hours Update: From March 23-28 we will open from 19:00-23:30 [last order 23:00]

We will also open for the first two weeks in April on Thursday Friday and Saturday, same hours as above.

Thank you so much for your support and enjoy the rest of your 2026 winter ✨

🎥 @davidelings

Opening Hours Update: From March 23-28 we will open from 19:00-23:30 [last order 23:00]

We will also open for the first two weeks in April on Thursday Friday and Saturday, same hours as above.

Thank you so much for your support and enjoy the rest of your 2026 winter ✨

🎥 @davidelings

We will be open until March 28th, and then re-open for a week in April. Currently open 3pm-11pm // March 16 ~ 5pm - 11pm

We will be open until March 28th, and then re-open for a week in April. Currently open 3pm-11pm // March 16 ~ 5pm - 11pm

March 1 2012
14years ago……

March 2 closed for private event
We will open March 3 15:00〜

@ioanna_morelli @senjihisashi

March 1 2012
14years ago……

March 2 closed for private event
We will open March 3 15:00〜

@ioanna_morelli @senjihisashi

Feb 25 Closed for a Private Event from 5pm. [Open from 3pm-5pm only today] 🙏

Feb 25 Closed for a Private Event from 5pm. [Open from 3pm-5pm only today] 🙏

27 years and still shaking! Who was here in the old days, when @senjihisashi was still spinning records and pouring drinks all night? 🙃

🎞️@davidelings

27 years and still shaking! Who was here in the old days, when @senjihisashi was still spinning records and pouring drinks all night? 🙃

🎞️@davidelings

Exclusive event: Bar Gyu x Mars Japanese Whisky Tasting 🥃 Feb 19 & 20 [Reservations only, Limited 15 tickets each day, ¥22,500/p]

To celebrate the release of our first private cask whisky in collaboration with @marswhisky we are hosting a tasting event at Bar Gyu including:

🥃5 premium Japanese whiskies
Highball for each guest
Curated chocolate pairing
Takeaway gift for every guest

🗓️
Feb 19th + 20th
15:30 - 17:00

Click the link in our bio to buy your tickets now. Don’t miss out - limited number of tickets only!

Exclusive event: Bar Gyu x Mars Japanese Whisky Tasting 🥃 Feb 19 & 20 [Reservations only, Limited 15 tickets each day, ¥22,500/p]

To celebrate the release of our first private cask whisky in collaboration with @marswhisky we are hosting a tasting event at Bar Gyu including:

🥃5 premium Japanese whiskies
Highball for each guest
Curated chocolate pairing
Takeaway gift for every guest

🗓️
Feb 19th + 20th
15:30 - 17:00

Click the link in our bio to buy your tickets now. Don’t miss out - limited number of tickets only!

We are open from 15:00 everyday with a few exceptions as we will be Closed for Private Events:
Feb 25
Mar 2

��📸 @_f7

We are open from 15:00 everyday with a few exceptions as we will be Closed for Private Events:
Feb 25
Mar 2

📸 @_f7

Closed Jan 29 for a private event. ✨Open from 15:00 Jan 30 for regular service! ✨Second floor of the bar is also open (pictured) from 15:00 everyday.

📸 @_f7

Closed Jan 29 for a private event. ✨Open from 15:00 Jan 30 for regular service! ✨Second floor of the bar is also open (pictured) from 15:00 everyday.

📸 @_f7

We’re excited to launch our Bar Gyu Birch Gin by @distillery_shakotan_blue as part of our Mountain Gin Series🌲❄️

To celebrate we’re hosting Hokkaido Gin Week with a special G&T cocktail menu!

📅 Jan 28-30
🍸 Special menu of 3 Hokkaido Gin & Tonics

If you’re in Niseko this week, our staff would love to share more about the limited release of this gin with you 🤍

#HokkaidoGinWeek

We’re excited to launch our Bar Gyu Birch Gin by @distillery_shakotan_blue as part of our Mountain Gin Series🌲❄️

To celebrate we’re hosting Hokkaido Gin Week with a special G&T cocktail menu!

📅 Jan 28-30
🍸 Special menu of 3 Hokkaido Gin & Tonics

If you’re in Niseko this week, our staff would love to share more about the limited release of this gin with you 🤍

#HokkaidoGinWeek

We’re opening a little earlier✨From tomorrow we will open at 15:00 (previously 15:30) on both floors!

We have been seeing long lines at opening and the guests that come early are some of our favorites- so we would love to welcome you in sooner.

We have 70 seats with both floors open.
Thank you for everyone that has been waiting to get into the bar! We see you!

📸 @gabbiciacia

We’re opening a little earlier✨From tomorrow we will open at 15:00 (previously 15:30) on both floors!

We have been seeing long lines at opening and the guests that come early are some of our favorites- so we would love to welcome you in sooner.

We have 70 seats with both floors open.
Thank you for everyone that has been waiting to get into the bar! We see you!

📸 @gabbiciacia

To launch our TAKE ME NORTH IPA made in collaboration with our friends over at @streetlightbrewing, we are giving some Bar Gyu goodies at the bar Mon Jan 19🌟 If you are visiting the bar tomorrow evening, order an IPA for your chance to win.

We made this beer with our dear friend Yohei @boku_ha_brewer at @streetlightbrewing

Well known all over Japan for his beer making skills, we love collaborating with him each season to make our series `Take Me North’, (For movie lovers, its a fun take on 私をスキーに連れてって, the famed movie from the 80’s that created the ski boom in Japan)

🇯🇵❄️🍺

To launch our TAKE ME NORTH IPA made in collaboration with our friends over at @streetlightbrewing, we are giving some Bar Gyu goodies at the bar Mon Jan 19🌟 If you are visiting the bar tomorrow evening, order an IPA for your chance to win.

We made this beer with our dear friend Yohei @boku_ha_brewer at @streetlightbrewing

Well known all over Japan for his beer making skills, we love collaborating with him each season to make our series `Take Me North’, (For movie lovers, its a fun take on 私をスキーに連れてって, the famed movie from the 80’s that created the ski boom in Japan)

🇯🇵❄️🍺

Snow nights, music and friends
@shafferj tonight IYKYK

Snow nights, music and friends
@shafferj tonight IYKYK

@8cid 🔊 tonight with the rare stuff 🌙

@8cid 🔊 tonight with the rare stuff 🌙

Bartenders Aya & Liv lighting up the second floor ✨
Open 15:30 first floor, 17:30 second floor. DJ second floor most nights.

Bartenders Aya & Liv lighting up the second floor ✨
Open 15:30 first floor, 17:30 second floor. DJ second floor most nights.

DJ @mindfullpeace Sundays 🪇

DJ @mindfullpeace Sundays 🪇

About the line! [Update: We open both floors at 15;00!! Line is shortest at 15:00 ✨] We open at 15:30 on our first floor, and we have 30 seats. We open on our second floor at 17:40 at which time we have a lot more space -70 seats!

If you are a group of more than 4 people, please come a bit later as we struggle to seat large groups early.

Thank you to all our guest who wait to get into the bar!! We are always so grateful for your support. We will do our best to seat everyone as fast as possible while making sure you are cozy and have a great time once inside! 💛

About the line! [Update: We open both floors at 15;00!! Line is shortest at 15:00 ✨] We open at 15:30 on our first floor, and we have 30 seats. We open on our second floor at 17:40 at which time we have a lot more space -70 seats!

If you are a group of more than 4 people, please come a bit later as we struggle to seat large groups early.

Thank you to all our guest who wait to get into the bar!! We are always so grateful for your support. We will do our best to seat everyone as fast as possible while making sure you are cozy and have a great time once inside! 💛

🎄⭐️Happy Holidays! The bar will be closed Dec 23rd from 22:00 for a private event but otherwise we are open everyday 15:30-24:00!

🎄⭐️Happy Holidays! The bar will be closed Dec 23rd from 22:00 for a private event but otherwise we are open everyday 15:30-24:00!

Our menu has been hand drawn by owner @senjihisashi every year - for the past 27 years! After noticing some people would, um, accidentally take them home, we started to print them for you to buy as souvenirs of your time in Bar Gyu. Just ask one of us when you come to the bar!

Our menu has been hand drawn by owner @senjihisashi every year - for the past 27 years! After noticing some people would, um, accidentally take them home, we started to print them for you to buy as souvenirs of your time in Bar Gyu. Just ask one of us when you come to the bar!

Bar Gyu+

Hours

Milk Punch cocktail by Bar Gyu+, Niseko Japan

BAR GYU

Late Season
OPENING HOURS
19:00~ 23:30
(Last order 23:00)

We open in the winter from early December to late March (and sometimes in April, snow permitting).

No reservations

Adults only after 19:00

*Families with children welcome until 19:00

Contact

BAR GYU

北海道虻田郡倶知安町ニセコ　ひらふ２条３丁目１−５０

+81 136-23-1432 | info@gyubar.com | @gyu_bar

1-50, 2 Jo 3 Chomei, Niseko, Hirafu, Hokkaido, Japan, 044-0081

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