hakbo (Akasaka Mitsuke)
A music bar that energizes you with sake and prosciutto
On the counter are Sony Esprit APM-8 speakers (made in the 1980s) and a turntable. There are also two large speakers on the ceiling, and the set-up alone shows how serious the venue is.
"Khao Man Gai"
A popular final dish. A classic Thai dish, chicken rice, made with boiled chicken placed on rice cooked in chicken soup and topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is based on Thai miso, Tao Chio, and black soy sauce, and is made with garlic, ginger, chili peppers, etc. The Indica rice is less sticky and has a lighter flavor. 680 yen.
"Cut raw ham from a log"
This Spanish Jamon Iberico was selected by Yuhei Yamada, an importer of aged prosciutto. It is served in thick, chewy slices to bring out the umami. It is garnished with bonito flakes to add a touch of flavor. It goes well with hot sake. 2,600 yen.
"Daikon oden"
This oden is made by simmering thickly sliced daikon radish in a broth made from the bones of jamon iberico, with saikyo miso added. The ham remaining on the log is also used as a topping. The daikon radish, which is rich in umami broth, goes perfectly with sake. 880 yen.
The owner, Shiro Nakanishi, is an advertising agency veteran who moved to the food and beverage industry. He has extensive experience in the service industry and is also the founder of Hainanese Chicken Rice Restaurant. "I was inspired by Bambino, a natural wine bar in Paris that has great music," he said, planning a new establishment from scratch. He opened a bar specializing in his favorite music and sake.
The first thing you should try is Jamon Iberico ham and warm sake. The sweetness of the fat blends with the umami of the red meat, making for an unbeatable pairing. There are simple dishes like bell pepper kinpira and meat tofu, but there are also more unique options like Japanese-style white fish ceviche and Khao Man Gai. The side dish sandwiches, with miso and cheese, are also a great way to pair with sake.
The music selection covers all genres, including jazz and Showa-era pop songs. "The atmosphere changes completely depending on the music," says Nakanishi.
Chef Teruki Takano captivates with his diverse arrangements. 
The sound changes depending on where you sit inside the store, and there's even a subwoofer on the floor.
