Ever since the word "disco" disappeared from our vocabularies to be replaced by the word "club," one man, perhaps more than any other, has helped shape Tokyo into the exciting place it is. Akira Kado is, or has been, a central figure behind the clubs MZA, Neo Japonesque, Gold, So Bar, Mother and Casa del Japon.

Kado, usually behind the scenes, has designed the interiors and exteriors of venues like MZA and Neo Japonesque, constructed avant-garde art objects for the interior and exterior of Gold and has resurrected (in his words, "recycled") the then-defunct Giger Bar and the vacant, former Chinese ambassador's residence into cool, funky bars and artists' hangouts. Personally, I had some of the best times I can remember partying at Neo-Japonesque. Kado's layout and interior planning gave the bar an ambiance and ease of access that made it one of Tokyo's most enjoyable places to meet people and have a great time.

Though many of Kado's past projects are now up in club heaven, his contribution to the city's night life continues at lightning speed, virtually 24-hours a day. Last October saw the launch of his new project, the Aoyama Internet bar Vagabond Off, to an enthusiastic response. And following up the opening of the bar, he has established the 10,000-member strong (and growing) underground BBS (computer bulletin board) network, Vagabond 23.

Focusing on clubs, bars, DJs and other late-night happenings, Vagabond 23 has quickly become the most interesting night life BBS in Tokyo. Late night partygoers can now stay in tune with ever-changing club schedules, charts and video interviews. Currently, Kado is working on a range of club and DJ videos that will be viewable online, an English-language service and a series of CD-ROMs. For a man who has been around for such a long time, Kado is still faster off the mark than most.