Tokyo-based online broadcaster brings DJs into fish shops and classic cafés
As redevelopment, rising rents and fundamental changes in the cityâs social fabric put an ever tightening squeeze on traditional shops and eateries across Tokyo, many old-school businesses like neighbourhood greengrocers and fishmongers, workerâs caffs and candy stores are becoming endangered species in the urban jungle.
But allâs far from lost for the capitalâs mom-and-pop shops, especially with a new generation of techno and house heads now spotlighting their community value. Yup, you read that right: Online music broadcaster Login.jpâs new YouTube session series The Shoten has sparked buzz on social media by inviting up-and-coming local DJs to play sets in surroundings such as an antique furniture store in Shimokitazawa and an Akabane fish shop run by the same family for four generations.
Photo via Login.jpKanta Ando spinning at the fish shop
The Login.jp crew came up with the idea of channelling the power of tight tunes to champion at-risk sites of urban culture after growing disillusioned with the lack of communication between the Japanese club scene and the wider community. They wanted to bring music and music fans closer to their neighbourhoods and vice versa, encouraging interaction and mutual understanding.
These efforts appear to have struck a chord: the first âShotenâ video, in which Kanta Andoâs chill techno and house tunes soundtrack a morningâs comings and goings at the Uoyou fish shop on Akabaneâs Suzuran-dori shopping street, has racked up over 12,000 views