Issue #24

Words by Cory Ohlendorf | Photography courtesy of minibar MIDORI

Japan’s renowned listening bars—those stylish, dimly-lit enclaves, celebrated for their meticulously curated music and high-fidelity sound systems—have taken an unexpected turn with Tokyo’s first mobile listening bar. The roving audio bar hit the streets last month and is slowly but steadily growing a following that’s clocking its location via social media posts.

If you’ve spent any time in Tokyo’s trendy neighborhoods (think Jinbocho, Koenji, Ebisu and Sakurashinmachi), you might’ve seen it. Dubbed minibar MIDORI, the mobile listening bar is housed in a retrofitted British Mini 95L van painted a vibrant shade of apple green, with an accompanying ‘listening room’ camper van towed behind.

In a city known for its quirky pop-ups and dedication to audio perfection, this roving audiophile sanctuary might’ve seemed inevitable. But interestingly, it wasn’t even supposed to be a listening bar. The brains behind the project—automotive guru Shogo Jimbo from Drivethru magazine and the founders of the co-working space Village—were developing a “mobile sustainable work station” equipped with solar panels and rechargeable batteries when they discovered their ride’s exceptional acoustic properties.

Knowing it was too good of an opportunity to pass up, they invited Komatsu Acoustic Laboratory’s sound engineers in to fully transform the camper into a proper listening bar, complete with vacuum tube amplifiers and pristine speakers. The result is an intimate interior that allows you to experience high-quality, rich sound that makes every song from the collection of vintage vinyl and CDs sound better. Plus, the original plan wasn’t completely lost: The whole system is powered completely by electricity generated with solar panels.

Of course, you can’t forget about the “bar” part of a listening bar. The wood-paneled bar within the Mini features a small, but substantial collection of spirits. Belly up to the plexiglass counter, bathed in the warm glow of handsome lamps, and order a whiskey highball or a gin and soda using organic Italian gin that’s fittingly packaged in a metal oil can.

Right now, the bar is in a trial phase, testing the concept until the spring to see if it can and should be made permanent. If you’re in Tokyo and want to grab a drink and stay for a few songs, be sure to check out the bar’s Instagram to catch it before it motors off.

Experts in leather craftsmanship since 2010, Hender Scheme has earned a converted reputation for luxurious yet hardwearing goods. First recognized for its luxurious leather sneakers, the Japanese label brings its minimalist approach to accessories and homeware, like these versatile leather trays. Ideal for an entryway, coffee table or desk, each one is handmade from assorted vegetable tanned leather hides and is finished with nickel snap fasteners on the corners and an understated embossed logo. They make for a soft landing for your keys, jewelry and any other daily carry pieces.

Honne (本音) refers to a person’s true intentions and authentic feelings. These desires and thoughts are often kept private or only shared with the closest friends and family. They represent how someone really feels, as opposed to what they express outwardly—in order to conform to societal expectations. In most situations, strangers and acquaintances receive tatemae, which is a pleasant, although superficial, surface-level way of communication. If you’ve ever been invited to do something in Japan but there was no follow-up plan, then you’ve experienced honne and tatemae.