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Non: Too much Björk, astrology, black garments of any kind, sportswear, tiny silver T-shirts (last year, honey), sunburn (you knowthe risks, and I don't mean cancer), Donna Karan's boring interpretations ofthis season's best ideas, forgetting you're only a star in Tokyo, having to get up at all during the day.
SPECIAL EVENTS | |
Roppongi | Shibuya & Area |
Nishi Azabu | Others |
The Nightlife listings are updated every month.
* denotes editor's picks.
* Odyssey Gaijin-heavy techno-trance for those who like that kind of thing. 7/8 & 22, Speakeasy. Y3500 (with one drink), plus extra free drink for members. (5410-0356)
Big Knob Vol. 1 Featuring Flim-Flam, Robert Jordan and others. 6/30, 8pm (DJs from midnight), Velvet (formerly Jungle Bass). Y3500. (3796-4745)
Zero Turbo Berlin's Paul van Dyk plus Yo-C and others. 6/30, 10pm, Yellow. Y3500 with two drinks (Y3000 in adv.). (3479-0690)
Wake Up Yo-C, others. Happy house and trance. 7/5, 9pm, Yellow. Y2500 with two drinks (Y2000 with flyer) (see, midweek events are getting cheaper). (3479-0690)
Booyaka #4 Special DJ Kenny Ken from London bringing jungle to Tokyo. 7/6, 10pm, Yellow. Y2500 with two drinks (Y2000 with flyer) (see, midweek events are getting cheaper). (3479-0690)
Toy Boy Trendy party for young and beautiful Japanese boys. Gay mix. 7/8, 8pm, Club Nuba, Shibuya Sta. Y3000 (with two drinks). (3462-4420)
Evolution 7/9 & 23, 10pm, Heaven. Sophisticated fun, live percussion, acid jazz, Brazilian and trip-hop sounds with a host of fab DJs on rotation--Mike McKenna (Urge), B (Mondo Grosso), Kei Kobayashi (Routine),Yabe (UFO) and others. Y2500 (with two drinks). (3589-2964)
Inner Ring Jr. Ring--small scale version of The Ring party. Gay mix. 7/21, 9pm, Delight. Y2500 (with one drink). (3352-6297)
Club Venus Featuring Charlie Hall (from Drum Club), Yo-C and Hirata (Loud). 7/28, 10pm, Liquid Room. Y3500 (Y3000 in adv.). Liquid Room (3200-6831).
Patricia Field Fashion show (from N.Y.). 7/28, Gold. DJ: Toru Takahashi. Y3500 (with two drinks). (3453-3545)
The Ring Everybody-knows gay-mix party, this month, with the theme Tanabata. 7/29, 11pm, Neo Masquerade, Harajuku Sta. Y3500 with two drinks (Y3000 for people in yukata; free for people in only fundoshi). (3746-3240)
BARS
Bali High New bar opened by Baccara group. Just down the street between Almond and Café Miami, on the right. (3746-2598)
Black Velvet A jazz & blues bar on Roppongi Crossing. The new concept from the Mogambo/Geronimo group. Yamamuro Bldg., 3F, next to Seishido Bldg. (3479-1191)
Gas Panic Flying glasses, fists and skirts. Leave a tip . . . or else. 7pm-5am. Near Hamburger Inn. 3-14-13 Roppongi (3405-0633).
Orange Bizarre bar combining '70s rock, fab '60s furniture and table dancing. Y3000 (with one drink, extra for exotic dance). 7-2-5, Roppongi, Minato-ku (5410 6060).
Salsa Sudada Libidinous Latin rhythms and a friendly multinational crowd. 7pm-6am; Fri. & Sat. from 6pm. 30m down the street between Almond and Café Miami, on the left. Sure Bldg., B1, 5-9-22 Roppongi (3405-1967).
Tatou Tokyo A restaurant that changes into a bar from 10pm. Live jazz, R&B, black contemporary, and acoustic bands. 10pm-2am; Sun., until midnight. Y1000, Y1500 (Fri., Sat. & the day before hol.). 1F, 7-6-2 Roppongi (5411-4433).
Ultra Vivid Scene Came and went with our favorite hostess. Cozy hangout nonetheless. 7:30pm-5am. Closed Mon. & Tue. ITO Bldg., 4F, 7-14-6 Roppongi (5474-4366).
CLUBS
Breakfast Club Grooving after-hours for Roppongi types. House and garage. Membership restriction on weekends. 100m down Roppongi-dori next to Cosmo Gas Station. Togensha Bldg., 9F, 2-4-8 Roppongi (3588-8177).
Buzzzz Cavernous hall and predictable Roppongi crowd. All kinds of music except Eurobeat. Tue.: Ladies' Night. 6pm-5am. Square Bldg., 5F, 3-10-3 Roppongi (3470-6391).
Gas Panic Club Rock, rap and MTV dance. 7:30pm-5am; Fri. & Sat. until 6am. 3-10-5 Roppongi (3402-7054).
Geoid Hard after-hours beats and every anthropological specimen you could ever fear. From 12:30am on weekends. Y2000/members, Y3000/non-members. (3479-8161)
* Heaven Tokyo's best DJs play on rotation at new-ish Roppongi venue. 2nd & 4th Sat.: Evolution--live percussion & visuals. Y2500 (with two drinks). See Recommendations on pages 8 & 9. B1, 5-18-20 Roppongi (3589-2964).
Java Jive Square Bldg.'s world beat with models identifiable by their attitudes more than their looks. Reggae & house. 6pm-5am. Square Bldg., B1, 3-10-3 Roppongi (3478-0087).
Lexington Queen Strike a pose, there's nothing to it. 6pm-4am. 3-13-14 Roppongi (3401-1661).
Misterio Overheard that models were spongeing around here for a while. House and hip hop. Across the street from the Porsche dealership toward Tokyo Tower. Phoenix Bldg., B1, 1-4-3 Azabu-dai (3586-6518).
One Eyed Jack (Casino) Gambling, guzzling and groping in one stop. Young foreign staff and a relatively festive atmosphere. 6pm-2am. 7-15-31 Roppongi (5411-2926).
Seventh Heaven Topless/bottomless "cabaret" featuring "live Playboy & Penthouse magazine centerfold dance models from Las Vegas." Mon.-Sat. 7pm-3am. One min. from Roppongi Crossing. Hosho Roppongi Bldg., 2F, 7-14-1 Roppongi (3401-3644).
Shocking Touted as sexy and stylish, and featuring DJs Snezana, Shige, Yugoslav food and a balcony for a sophisticated chill-out with a cappuccino or a cocktail. Cover to be announced. 2F Aroo bldg., 3-14-7 Minato-ku, Roppongi.
Speakeasy Underground dungeon space with sporadic events worth attending. Off Roppongi-dori, towards Shibuya, 3rd right from Roppongi crossing. (5410-0356)
Tatou Tokyo An executive members' club. No membership fee, but membership is limited, so hurry up and sign yourself in at reception. Y1000, Y1500 (Fri., Sat. & the day before hol.), free for ladies until 8/26. 8:30pm-2am; Fri., until 4am. 2F, 7-6-2 Roppongi (5411-4433).
Velfarre The new Juliana's, and in Roppongi. Corporate clubbing perfected. Y7000 entrance. Closes at midnight. Whoopee. Next to One Eyed Jack and Velvet. 7-14-22 Roppongi (3746-0055).
* Velvet (formerly Jungle Bass) Big venue. Reggae, rap, and serious dance events. Call for schedule info. 7-13-8 Roppongi (3796-4745).
BARS
Acarajé Small Brazilian bar with a big heart. 8pm-3am; Fri. & Sat. until 5am. (3401-0973)
* Acarajé Tropicana Bigger heart, better food. 6pm-2am. B1, 1-1-1 Nishi Azabu (3478-4142).
DJ's Pizzeria Restaurant-cum-happening groove space. On TV Asahi-dori. 11am-11pm; Fri. until 3am; Sat., noon-3am. Takekawa Bldg., 1F, 6-4-5 Roppongi (3479-5711).
Pigeon Skankin' little reggae bar. 1-4-49 Nishi Azabu (3403-2962).
* 328 (San-nippa) Funky DJs, deconstructed decor and a laid-back crowd. At the corner of Nishi Azabu Crossing next to the police box. 8pm-5am. 3-24-20 Nishi Azabu (3401-4968).
Soul Sonic Boogie Groovin' funky DJ à la '70s-'80s. 8pm-2am. 1-2-26 Nishi Azabu (3404-6388).
Sunset Strip Cozy gathering hole for the cool crowd. 1-8-4 Nishi Azabu (3404-9988).
CLUBS
J.Men's Tokyo An all-gaijin male strip revue; shows 7pm, 8:30pm & 10pm. Reservations required. From Y4000 (free drink). 4-2-4 Nishi Azabu (3409-7607).
* Yellow The city's most progressive events and the sleepiest, most packed-in flock of adolescents. 1st & 3rd Fri.: Zero (techno). 2nd & 4th Fri.: Jazzin' (jazz/soul/funk). Sat.: World Connection (house). Others: X-Stasy (reggae), Jamaican Night (reggae), etc. Drop by for their complete calendar of events. 8pm-midnight. Turn left off Roppongi-dori three streets up from Nishi Azabu Crossing towards Roppongi. B2, 1-10-11 Nishi Azabu (3479-0690).
BARS
* Apollo Funky, funky. Featuring James Vyner's "The Right Touch" on Saturdays (acid jazz, Brazilian, hip hop). Y2500 (with two drinks). Aoyama NH Bldg., B1, 3-2-4 Kita Aoyama (3478-6007).
* Bar Aoyama Groovy, arty hang-out with a diverse mix of DJs. 8pm-4am; Sun., 7pm-2am. About 8 min. up Roppongi-dori from Shibuya Sta. Daikyo Bldg., 4-5-9 Shibuya (3498-4415).
China Rose Ebisu's newest DJ bar. Ajima Bldg, 1-12-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku (3280-4436).
Colors Excellent neighborhood dive in Ebisu. Fri.: Neo-acoustic guitar. Sat.: Reggae. 8pm-2am; Fri. & Sat. until 4am. From Ebisu Sta., turn right at Meiji-dori, then turn right at the first signal. B1, 1-15-6 Hiroo (3448-0317).
DJ Bar Inkstick World-famous space, recently renewed energy. 6pm-2am. Kanpari Bldg., 4F, 1-6-8 Jinnan (3496-0782).
D-Zone Small bar with nice vibes and nice DJs. Thur.-Sat. Vision Network Complex, 5-17-6 Jingu-mae (3407-6845).
* Feel New little club in Shibuya. Best night is Toby's techno gig on Thursdays. Y2000 (with one drink). Etowaru Bldg., B1, 3-13-9 Shibuya (3797-3338).
Grass Little dive emphasizing hip hop, reggae and house music. Cute midweek hangout. 3-25-12 Jingu-mae (3497-0303).
Jirocho Boogaloo and ethnic music in Ebisu. 7pm-2am; Sun., 6pm-midnight. Sat (vary).: Shin'ichi Ito. Sato Bldg., 2F, 2-8-7 Ebisu Nishi (3477-2600).
Kaba Hangout for the DJ union near Ikejiri-Ohashi Sta. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line). 9pm-5am. Toya Bldg., B1, 3-21-29 Ikejiri (3418-1996).
Pylon Aoyama's newest club open only on Sat. 10pm-5am. DJ Duzzle from J-Wave & guest DJs playing soul, funk, hip hop, jazz funk, reggae, etc. Y2500 with two drinks (Y2000 with Tokyo Journal). For more info, call M-Plan (3465-1525). Le Deco, B1 in the same building as Wendy's, Omotesando Sta. 3-5-11 Kita Aoyama (3478-1870).
* Sad Cafe Almost 24-hr cafe with DJs on Fridays and Saturdays and inexpensive if unremarkable food plus drinks the rest of the time. 11am-5am. Kind of behind Condomania. Asaina Bldg., 2F, 6-28-3 Jingu-mae (3406-6692).
Shinkukan Cozy club with a cool bar. Y2500 (with one food dish & two drinks). Harajuku FS Bldg., B1, 4-4-14 Jingu-mae (3478-4946).
Silk Bring-your-own-music DJ place in Shibuya. 5pm-midnight. Fri. & Sat.: Eurobeat. 1-17-7 Jinnan (5458-1507).
* Web Stylish little mingling space. At the Mishuku Crossing between Ikejiri-Ohashi and Sangenjaya stas. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line). 3-30-10 Ikejiri (3422-1405).
CLUBS
* Blue Art and acid jazz. Intimate club with weekly Johnnie Walker exhibitions and parties. On Kotto-dori. 6-2-9 Minami Aoyama (3797-1591).
* Cave Worth the one-hour search for the front door. Energetic and enthusiastic young crowd. Near Tokyu Honten Dept. Store. 34-6 Udagawacho (3780-0715).
Club Maruyama Small split-level basement dance hall, located in the love-hotel district. From 6pm. B1, 7-9 Maruyamacho (5489-1600).
Crazy Moon Another gaijin male strip revue. Dai-ni Toho Bldg., B1, 1-22-10 Shibuya (3407-6229).
FFD Warehouse space on Dogenzaka featuring sporadic events. (5489-5459)
* Maniac Love It's lost that comfortable sleazy quality since the re-modeling but still come only if you're fierce. Mon.: Ambient & New Age. Tue.: Mellow & lovers. Thur.: Gorgeous deep-house groove. Fri.: Garage. Sat.: Pure chunky techno grind until 5am (Sublime Records night). Then hard-house and happy-techno after hours until 10am. Just off Kotto-dori. 5-10-6 Minami Aoyama (3406-1166).
The Room Acid jazz and hip hop ricochet off the concrete walls of this popular shoe-box size club. Funk, hip hop, reggae. From 9pm. (3461-7167)
Arty Farty Young, sexy gay crowd clashes with Santa-Fe-at-Christmas decor. Shinjuku-nichome. Mixed on Sun. 2pm-5am. 2-4-17 Shinjuku (3356-5388).
* Atomage One floor under Automatix, Clockwork Orange-styled weirdness and lounging. No cover week-nights. Y1000 (with one drink). Friday and Saturday. 2-15-26-Shinjuku (3358-2256)
* Automatix Hard dancing, techno and grooviness on two floors. Recommended--Fine Time, Tuesdays, DJs Shinkawa and Yamamoto. FAB, Wednesdays, DJs Patrick and Nao. Hard house and techno on Fridays with Wada, Yama, and others. Y2000 (with one drink). 2-15-26 Shinjuku (3358-2256).
B-Vibe Tiny, genki, friendly gay bar in Shinjuku-nichome with nightly DJs. (3959-3633)
Catalyst Funky, intimate club in Shinjuku with young crowd and fresh mix of DJs. 8pm-5am. Dai-roku Tall Star Bldg., 5F, 1-16-6 Kabukicho (3209-4102).
Danceteria Funk and soul in Shirokane. 8pm-2am; Fri. & Sat. until 4am. 1-29-13 Shirokane (3444-0097).
* Delight Fresh, mixed clubbers. House and garage. Men only on Sat. Women only 3rd Thur. Just next to the cruisy park in Shinjuku-nichome. Dai-ni Hayakawaya Bldg., B1, 2-14-6 Shinjuku (3352-6297).
Fine Line Bar/gallery space recently opened in Akasaka. Produced by the team behind Maniac Love. B1, 8-12-15 Akasaka (3402-4441).
* Gold Big glamorous space, excellent sound system: a clubber's club. Take a cab from Tamachi Sta. or you'll get lost. Thur.: Club Tokyo. Fri.: Peach Friday. DJ Toru Takahashi (3F), Nyoro, Aki & other girl DJs (2F). Sat.: Emma tries, or does he? Free entrance for women until 11pm. 1-13-10 Shibaura (3453-3545).
Kinsmen Established favorite in Shinjuku-nichome where boys and girls, gay and just happy hang easy. 2F, behind BYGS Bldg. (3354-4949)
Kinswomyn Women-only bar for gorgeous gay women and their friends. (3410-3628)
* Liquid Room Mainly a live venue but also featuring the fabulous Club Venus and other one-off club specials. Check schedule for details. Shinjuku HUMAX Pavilion, 7F, 1-20-1 Kabukicho (3200-6831).
* Plug New, funky, jazzy club space for the genuinely groovy. Latin, funk, roots and soul. Sun. to Wed.: no charge. Thur.-Sat.: Y2000 (with two drinks). Nakano Station, N. Exit under the Kuishinbo Steak House near Broadway Center.
Rolling Stone Cool dive in Shinjuku. A tribute to you-know-who. DJ dishes 'em out by request. 6pm-4:30am; Sat. & Sun. from 5pm. 3-2-7 Shinjuku (3354-7347).