Open BAR in Tokyo

From Kanda Station North Exit, the video guides viewers past landmarks like Fujisoba, the Chiyoda Rubber red sign, and the Iron Smith sign, before arriving at the Takato Building. Guests ride a retro elevator and push through a hidden heavy door, adding to the club’s secret charm. The second half features a Ginza snack review, ranking favorites into “first-string” and “second-string.” Top picks in...

In this episode, Takuji Kitagawa and Hiroyuki Jinro explore the question: “What makes a good experience?” Takuji shares his personal definition— the sharing of time and space with people who hold a common understanding or shared recognition . They bring this idea to life with examples ranging from music concerts and high-end restaurants to humble gyudon shops, illustrating how a truly good experie...

The debut Q&A covers Takuji & Jindo’s Neo Snack “Showa Club”: a nostalgic velvet-and-wood interior updated with cashless payments and male staff to welcome solo women. Sourcing the signature “Showa red” fabric and rising build costs are the biggest hurdles, though construction is underway. Plans include a house “Showa Club” whisky sour, dream guests from Shoin Yoshida to Jony Ive, and outr...

Showa Club is a members-only “neo-snack” opening in Kanda, Tokyo, where the Mama/Papa host changes daily—from startup CEOs, tea-ceremony masters or/and maybe you. Expect intimate cultural pop-ups, retro-game nights, and brand testbeds that turn every visit into a fresh community experience.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "Neo-Snack" —a reimagined version of Japan’s beloved snack bars, designed to serve as a stable place of belonging in the ever-changing urban landscape. Targeting businesspeople in their 20s to 50s, the Neo-Snack offers a comforting space without demanding social intensity—a kind of urban oasis where loneliness quietly fades. 📍 The first locat...

Discover the strategy behind b8ta’s location choices and the birth of a new “neo-snack” bar concept. From its Silicon Valley roots, b8ta secured prime spots through strong partnerships—starting in Yurakucho near Ginza, then Shinjuku and Shibuya—before expanding to Osaka’s Hankyu Umeda and Koshigaya Lake Town for family appeal. Now, Takuji and Jin take on a different challenge: creating an experien...

"Location, Location, Location" Choosing the right store location isn't just important; it's paramount for business success . The guiding principle is simple yet profound: "Don't look at the map, look at the people." This means a deep dive into understanding your target audience and your business's unique character , then meticulously finding an area that perfect...

On his quest to build a business from Japan to the rest of Asia, Takuji Kitagawa considered many ideas—from an experiential matcha brand to a fintech platform. So why did he land on opening a "snack bar"? In this episode, Takuji and Creative Director Jin dive deep into the thought process. Learn about the business ideas that didn't make the cut and the unique strengths of the humble snack bar: a p...