Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
The jazz kissa, a unique café-bar experience where patrons can enjoy expertly played records in a welcoming atmosphere, has roots that stretch back a century in Japan. This cultural phenomenon gained substantial traction post-World War II, largely influenced by European cinema featuring jazz scores and American touring bands. During that time, many Japanese citizens lacked access to high-fidelity audio equipment or jazz vinyl, turning public spaces into communal listening venues. Recently, similar establishments have emerged in cities such as London, Paris, and New York, but Tokyo’s jazz kissas remain unparalleled in their authenticity and immersive ambiance. Here are three notable examples to explore.
Shigetoshi Shirasawa, the proprietor of On a Slow Boat To…, makes a subtle adjustment to the volume.
On a Slow Boat To…
As you stroll through Ochanomizu, a tranquil district renowned for its musical instrument stores and one of Tokyo’s oldest universities, keep an eye out for a discreet entrance marked by the sign “On a Slow Boat To….” Inside, you’ll likely encounter young couples savoring rich coffees and individuals engrossed in literature at the bar. This establishment is named after the classic 1948 song by Frank Loesser and boasts orderly shelves brimming with vinyl records, premium TEAC turntables, and vintage Altec Lansing speakers that dominate the space.
Studio Mule
Perched on the third floor of an unassuming building in Shibuya, Studio Mule features an elegant wraparound granite bar designed by the esteemed Koichi Futatsumata. With nearly a thousand varieties of wine, predominantly sourced from Italy and France, this kissa is also home to a resident Shiba Inu who enjoys lounging at the bar during its operational hours. Tokyo’s kissaten have diversified to embrace a variety of musical styles, and here, you’re likely to be immersed in the sounds of Brazilian pop and bossa nova, courtesy of the venue’s owner, who is associated with one of Japan’s premier electronic music labels.
Eagle
Situated near Yotsuya Station in Shinjuku, this atmospheric, wood-paneled bar has cemented itself as a serious destination for jazz aficionados since it opened in 1967. Owned by the well-respected jazz critic Masahiro Goto, known as masuta, Eagle maintains a strict no-talking policy until 6 p.m. Even later in the evening, many patrons can be found deeply engaged with jazz literature, as classic and contemporary tracks flow from vintage JBL studio monitors. The sound quality here is impressive and robust, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a Dexter Gordon record from the original Blue Note label.
Source
www.cntraveler.com