One of Shibuyaâs funkiest bars is leaving the neighbourhood
Get ready to say farewell â but fortunately not goodbye â to one of Shibuyaâs most reliable purveyors of smooth tunes and spicy bar bites. Diminutive DJ bar Zubar has been a fixture of the areaâs underground scene since 2009, but will be shuttering its current space at the end of August and reopening in Magome down in Ota-ku the following month.
Renowned for its eclectic programming, where everything from electronica to Showa pop is fair game, the enduringly popular Zubar celebrated its 16th anniversary this year. But owner Kenji Kimura reveals that heâs been looking to get out of Shibuya for a while already. âOur rent has been rising, and itâs gotten to the point where weâve had to give up on a lot of things,â he says. âEconomic concerns have gotten in the way of our creative pursuits.â
Photo: Yuki NakamuraZubar
Originally located in a tiny building between Ebisu and Shibuya, Zubar moved to its current spot just south of Shibuya Station in 2018. With a line-up of resident DJs as comfortable with hip hop as they are with noise and proficient in even the most obscure of genres, plus the occasional surprise appearance by luminaries like UK dub legend Adrian Sherwood and DJ Spinna, the venue has established itself as an essential stop on the Tokyo underground circuit.
Kisa ToyoshimaZubar before its move to central Shibuya
Zubarâs regular parties have also been big â and long-lasting â draws. Wednesdayâs Kaidan Club features freestyle rap by a reliably solid cast of MCs, whil