In Japan, listening bars have become a distinct part of late-night culture, with origins dating back to the 1950s. Decades later, they continue to thrive, offering a haven for audiophiles and discerning drinkers. In OFF THE RECORD, we explore establishments where music and atmosphere are central, uncovering the stories, people, and sounds that define them. For the tenth edition, we visit Pub1969 in Ebisu, a British pub-inspired bar with the intimacy of a neighborhood gathering spot, where rock records play and its owner welcomes guests like old friends.
Ebisu is a trendy area home to the upscale complex Yebisu Garden Place, yet it’s equally known for its small, cozy restaurants and bars. Within walking distance of Shibuya but far less bustling, the neighborhood carries a relaxed charm. About a ten-minute walk from the station, down quiet backstreets, you’ll find Pub1969. Looking every bit like a long-standing local fixture, its neon sign and rippled windows glow softly among the surrounding homes. Step inside and the warm interior, styled like a classic British pub, feels momentarily removed from Tokyo. Some come for the classic rock spinning through vintage speakers. Others are drawn by the straightforward bar menu and well-stocked whiskey selection. But most stay for the easy conversation and the warm hospitality of owner Hiromi Hayakawa, which keeps the room lively into the night.
Owner, Hiromi Hayakawa
British Pub Warmth in Ebisu
Formerly a first-floor garage, the space has been completely transformed into Pub1969. Dark varnished wood defines the bar counter and tables, while British racing green shelves and seats, along with brick and plastered walls, evoke the feel of an evening in a traditional London pub. Shelves of records line the right wall, with a row of guitars displayed between the columns, an ode to Hiromi’s love of rock and part of a personal collection that rotates from time to time. Behind the counter, a steady lineup of whiskey, bourbon, and other spirits forms a trove of bottles ready to be explored.
Image 1: The glowing neon sign catches the eye in the evening.
Image 2: A Fender guitar on display, one the first that Hiram bought in high school.
Image 3: The British racing green bar shelves were painted by Hiromi himself.
Image 4: Records collected over a lifetime.
A Sound System Tuned for the Classics
Music is central to the experience, but never overpowering. Sound flows warmly through vintage British-made Spendor speakers, chosen by Hiromi for their softer sound. “There’s richness and color in the tone. I prefer how they reproduce strings and vocals,” he explains. The speakers are powered by a Japanese Triode tube amplifier, creating a rich, rounded tone that fills the room without dominating conversation as Hiromi moves easily between playing host and tending the bar. “I’ve always been particular about sound since I was a music-loving kid” Hiromi says. Having learned to tune the system himself, he enjoys fine-tuning it to his taste.
Concert footage is projected onto the wall from YouTube, adding a visual layer to the music drifting through the bar. Hiromi’s personal collection of roughly 3,000 records is also never far away, and he’s happy to spin them when customers make a request. The soundtrack leans toward classic rock, though older soul and jazz occasionally find their way onto the turntable as well. For those paying close attention, the back table offers the best listening spot, where both speakers can be heard in perfect balance.
Warm Conversations and Whiskey
Despite the carefully curated sound system and the rear section for the best acoustics, Pub1969 isn’t intended to be a hushed listening bar. The atmosphere is warm and sociable, with conversation flowing easily between the counter and tables as Hiromi moves between pouring drinks and chatting. Relaxed, talkative, and welcoming, he carries himself with an easy cheerfulness that quickly puts both regulars and first-time visitors at ease. “It’s not about making people sit quietly and listen to music in the best possible environment. I just want everyone to talk and enjoy themselves together,” he says with a laugh. With this intention, the music becomes more than just background noise. It becomes part of the rhythm of the room, bringing people together and giving Hiromi a chance to share the rock records he loves.
Vintage Spendor speakers are placed above the bar, filling the space with a warm soundtrack for conversation and whiskey.
Behind the counter, the drink selection remains straightforward and easy to navigate. Draft beer is available alongside a range of spirits, but whiskey takes center stage, with Japanese bottles often favored by international customers such as Ichiro’s Malt and Mars Whisky. Familiar staples like Chivas Regal and Maker’s Mark sit alongside bourbons. Limited edition Whiskeys occasionally appear when distributors have them available, and there’s a small selection of shochu that fits the bar’s easygoing atmosphere as well.
Encore: Life Beyond the Office
For Hiromi, opening Pub1969 came as part of a new chapter in life. After retiring from a long career at one of the largest advertising firms at the age of 56, he began thinking about how he wanted to spend his time. “Retirement was getting close, and I was becoming more removed from the front lines. It started to feel less interesting, and I wanted to try something different soon,” he explains. While he jokes that he didn’t possess any particular technical skills, he had spent years building relationships with people and had picked up a fair amount of knowledge about bars and drinking through countless evenings out with clients. A bar ended up being just right.
The bar’s name reflects Hiromi’s lifelong relationship with music, referencing 1969, a defining year for rock. “I was twelve years old, just entering junior high school,” he recalls. “I started listening to late-night radio and discovered bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.” The year holds a special place in music history. It saw the release of Abbey Road, the Woodstock festival, and even the Apollo 11 moon landing. It was a moment when music, culture, and global events seemed to converge, and for Hiromi, the energy of that era still resonates today.
The rear seating area offers the best audio experience. On the wall, artwork of the Apollo 11 moon landing marks 1969, a year Hiromi holds dear.
Rather than settling quietly into retirement, Hiromi approached the next stage of life with curiosity and energy. Opening Pub1969 gave him a place to welcome people, share music, and create the kind of relaxed gathering spot he himself had always enjoyed. Outside the bar, he keeps just as active. Hiromi rides a Harley on weekends, plays guitar and does vocals in a band, and even tends to a collection of more than forty bonsai. In many ways, Pub1969 reflects that same spirit. It’s not simply a business, but an extension of the life Hiromi enjoys, a place where music, conversation, and a sense of easy camaraderie come together under one roof.
Pub1969
Address: 2 Chome-13-21 Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0013
Phone: 03-5423-2908
Hours: 6pm - 12am
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
