Speaks Volumes with Derrick Gee How Japanese Listening Bars Took Over the World, with Filmmaker Nick Dwyer
Jul 3, 2024
Filmmaker Nick Dwyer delves into the rich history of jazz kissa and Japanese hi-fi culture. Topics include the evolution of Japanese listening bars, the role of cultural translators, and the global trend of Japanese-inspired record bars. The podcast explores legendary jazz kissa, the challenges of maintaining authenticity outside Japan, and efforts to preserve these cultural spaces.
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Life-Changing Visit to Cafe Lion
- Nick Dwyer discovered his love for ongaku kisa by stepping into Cafe Lion in Tokyo, a 100-year-old classical music cafe.
- The immersive experience profoundly changed his life and inspired his decade-long research and documentary work.
Origins of Ongaku Kisa
- Ongaku Kisa evolved from Western-style coffee shops popularized in Japan's Meiji era as people embraced foreign culture.
- These cafes transformed into refined spaces focused on deep musical appreciation, distinct from their rowdier predecessors.
Jazz Kisa as Community Hubs
- Tokyo is made of many villages where jazz kisas serve as local community hubs.
- These spaces prioritize music served with state-of-the-art sound to present it as authentically as possible.