Kuwata Naonori (Live Lover, Sometimes I Plan)
He has visited 175 live music venues across Japan and has attended over 1,650 shows in his lifetime. He is a fan of shoegaze and alternative guitar rock. He likes being at the forefront of music.
There's always a live music venue nearby
I love music. I love listening to live music soaking up the energy. That's why I call myself a live music lover. I've experienced about 90% of the live shows I've been to in the past at live music venues. When I find out about a band I'm interested in, I simply register the schedule on my smartphone, reserve and purchase tickets, and go to the show. Sometimes I naturally become close with the band members as I chat with them at the merchandise booth or on the dance floor. It's like I'm casually "going to see them."
There are a variety of venues, from venues with around 20 seats exclusively for singing and playing the guitar to Toyosu PIT, which can accommodate 3,103 people. The largest group in Japan is the Sony-affiliated Zepp Hall network, which operates nine venues in six cities across the country, with venues in Odaiba, Haneda, and Shinjuku in Tokyo.
CLUB QUATTRO, operated by PARCO, originated in Shibuya, Tokyo, and has four locations nationwide. In Shibuya, four O-Group locations, for which Spotify holds the naming rights, and WWW/WWW X, operated by Space Shower TV, also have a strong presence, along with nearby Ebisu LIQUIDROOM and Daikanyama UNIT.
We are always grateful to the various affiliated stores of TOOS CORPORATION, which owns Shimokitazawa SHELTER, the mecca of the manga/anime "Bocchi the Rock!", LOFT PROJECT, which includes Shinjuku LOFT, Rinky Dink Studio, which operates 14 studios including Shimokitazawa ERA, Kichijoji WARP, and Shinjuku NINE SPICES, Shibuya LUSH/HOME, Chofu Cross, etc.
Shinjuku MARZ, Koenji HIGH, Aoyama Tsukimiru Kimi Omofu, Shimokitazawa's Daisy Bar, mona records, LIVE HAUS, and other venues are also great places for live music lovers.
Shimokitazawa BASEMENT BAR
BASEMENT BAR has been supporting the Shimokitazawa live music scene for many years. And THREE, which operates on the same floor, has wonderful staff who respect not only the audience but also the performers and organizers. It's a place that reminds you that it's the people who make the "place." Part of the TOOS chain. Photo: pei the machinegun
Address: Calabash Building B1, 5-18-1 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku | Map
Shimokitazawa Chikamatsu
It opened in June 2017 on the site of the Shimokitazawa CAVE-BE live music venue. It is a live music venue that promotes the various cultures that live in Shimokitazawa, including not only music but also theater, film, and comedy. Its sister store, Chikanmichi, which opened in January 2011 as a successor to the long-established GARAGE, is also nice with its simple design.
Address: Kitazawa Plaza B1, 2-14-16 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku | Map
Nishi Eifuku JAM
Opened in June 2018 as a relocation of Shinjuku JAM. The 250-seat venue allows for a immersive live performance experience. With woofers embedded on both sides of the stage, the acoustics and visibility are excellent. This is probably the only venue in Jimbocho where you can pair craft beer with the Lu Rou Fan from March Water. Part of the Rinky Dink chain.
Address: B1, 3-34-14 Eifuku, Suginami-ku | Map
NEPO Kichijoji
Opened in March 2019 next to Inokashira Park, this convenient "next-generation live music venue" allows you to pay with a wristband with a QR code given to you at reception, and streams live performance footage in real time on multiple displays on the stage wall. The food and drink area on the first floor offers a full menu and also operates as a cafe during the day.
Address: B1, 1-17-4 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City | map
Shibuya TOKIO TOKYO
Opened near Shibuya Parco in March 2021, this venue has surprised many with its unique bookings, with major artists performing live there since its opening. It leaves a strong impression of challenge and trial and error, with options like "FREE!!!" where you can enjoy two drinks with the purchase of one. The drink menu is extensive, and cold-brewed coffee is also available.
Address: B1, 3-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku | Map
Shindaita FEVER
Located in front of Shin-Daita Station, just one stop from Shimokitazawa, this venue has a unique presence. Powerful artists from Japan and abroad perform here one after another, showcasing the venue's impressive brand power. Fans are also delighted to see performers often come out onto the dance floor after the show. You can exchange your Dream Ticket for the fried chicken at the adjacent restaurant, Pootle. Lemon sours are also available for 300 yen, which is a nice touch.
Address: 1-1-14 Hanegi, Setagaya-ku, 1F | Map
