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 to the experience, uncovering the stories, people, and sounds that define them. In our fourth edition, we head to Shimokitazawa and slip into No Room For Squares, a cozy speakeasy that channels the essence of the Prohibition era while championing Tokyo’s evolving jazz scene.
Shimokitazawa is known for its live music, vintage fashion, and eclectic crowd. This intersection of cultures makes an ideal place for No Room For Squares. With the entrance cleverly hidden behind a vintage vending machine, stepping inside the dimly lit space feels like slipping back into the Prohibition era, when speakeasies were vital hubs for drinks and jazz. Run by Kohei Nakata, the bar is a product of his love for music, past career, and inspiration from the New York jazz scene. On weekdays, LPs are curated alongside finely crafted drinks, telling the story of jazz music and cocktail culture. Come the weekend, it transforms into a packed live venue, spotlighting the vibrant talent of Tokyo’s jazz scene.
Kohei, a Tokyo native from Higashikurume, developed a love for jazz at a young age. In college, he played saxophone in the jazz club and worked part-time at a jazz bar. After graduating, he spent over a year in New York, soaking up the jazz scene before returning to Japan, where he delved into the liquor industry. As a sales rep for wholesalers and major manufacturers, he encountered many bars, sparking his desire to create his own. At 28, he quit his job and spent a year training at a mixology bar in Ginza. After learning the craft, he went on to open his own establishment, No Room For Squares.
Kohei Nakata behind the bar. His warm hospitality, passion for jazz, and cocktail making leave a lasting impression.
From New York to Tokyo: Challenges and Inspiration
While it may sound like a smooth success story, Kohei’s journey had its challenges. Reflecting on his time in New York, he laughs as he recalls the hurdles he faced. Although his plans to live and work there didn’t pan out, he still immersed himself in the jazz scene, and it was during this time that he discovered speakeasy culture.
Enamored by New York’s scene, he envisioned bringing that essence to Tokyo. “During that time, both jazz and cocktail culture experienced a kind of ‘big bang.’ In the 1920s, speakeasies represented the most hip of culture.” He reflects on jazz and cocktail culture’s history in the U.S. and how speakeasies served as spaces where those in the know could gather, exchange ideas, and experience the best in music and mixology. As a strong advocate for contemporary jazz, he wanted to create a place that honors the past without being confined by it, where people can enjoy both classic and modern jazz along with expertly crafted cocktails. A speakeasy that carries the past’s spirit forward while embracing the present.
Creating an Authentic Speakeasy Atmosphere
During the initial planning, Kohei spent six months refining the layout and design, working with a Japanese interior firm that also operated an antique shop. After obtaining speakeasy specifications from the U.S., he sourced fixtures and furniture, including century-old lights and tables, to create an atmosphere that feels both authentic and timeless. The entrance, disguised as an old Coca-Cola vending machine, sets the tone before revealing a dimly lit basement-like interior. Cozy, with nostalgic charm, it exudes the essence of the underground venues Kohei cherished.
The front door disguised as a Coca Cola vending machine, and decorations inside the bar including the antique lighting fixtures.
In 2019, the pandemic hit just six months after the bar opened. With Tokyo under a state of emergency, Kohei’s business was severely impacted. As payment deadlines loomed, he took on UberEats deliveries to stay afloat. Even when recalling those tough times, Kohei remains cheerful, amused by the irony of opening a speakeasy when bars were forced to shut down, much like the Prohibition era. His passion for music and upbeat outlook remain clear. When he talks about jazz, his eyes light up, and with his ever-present smile, it is evident how much he loves what he does.
Eras of Jazz and Vintage Sound
Some of Kohei’s favorite records spanning from the 1930’s to the present day, along with the extensive record collection. Among his favorites are records from The Herb Pomeroy Orchestra, Walter Bishop Jr., R+R=NOW, and the record Electric Rider by Japanese Saxophonist, and friend, Tomoaki Baba.
Lining the shelves are over 1,500 records, all personally selected by Kohei from friends’ record stores. There are many genres such as big band, bebop, modern jazz, cool jazz, avant-garde, bossa nova, and more, taking listeners on a journey from jazz’s roots to its present. Kohei selects records by observing the room. Rather than switching song to song, he plays LP to LP, changing every half hour or so. “This is more jazz kissa style,” he comments. While guests can expect classics, he ensures to include contemporary artists. He’s not in favor of sticking only to the 50s jazz most lovers in Japan cling to. To him, active artists putting their own spin on classics and carving their own lane is what jazz is all about.
The bar’s name is a nod to Hank Mobley’s album No Room for Squares, which also inspired the artwork across the back wall. Kohei recalls first getting the record on CD and learning what a ‘square’ meant. “I thought that slang was so cool, a great meaning,” he says, seeing it as the antithesis of what he stands for. As an advocate for pushing jazz forward and appreciating the present, his bar is for the hip, the ones who appreciate all there is to offer, it isn’t a place for those who reject contemporary jazz in favor of drowning in nostalgia. Simply put, there’s no room for squares.
The Denon turntables, and 1 of 2 JBL speakers which are tucked in the corners of the bar.
Music fills the space through massive JBL speakers, which Kohei says took up most of his budget, leaving no room for a McIntosh amplifier. Instead, he opted for a Sansui, which he considers “Not McIntosh, but good, because 50 years ago, Sansui was the most important, they fit JBLs,” he says, noting that Sansui was the official distributor for JBL speakers in Japan at the time. The vintage equipment gives the sound a rich, warm quality, while his choice of Denon turntables was driven by practicality, avoiding belt-driven models that are difficult to repair.
A Tailored Drinking Experience
For drinks, there is no menu, a style more common in traditional Japanese bars than speakeasies. With his wealth of knowledge and expertise, he tailors drinks to each guest, crafting cocktails that match their preferences and set the mood. As for his personal favorite, it’s The Last Word. He excitedly shares its history, explaining how the gin-based Prohibition-era cocktail remained largely unknown until its rediscovery in the early 2000s. Complex, herbal, and slightly tart, it delivers a well-balanced sweetness that makes it a timeless classic.
Live Jazz and the Growing Scene
On weekends, the bar is often packed, shifting from an intimate speakeasy to a lively jazz venue, free of formalities and brimming with energy. For Kohei, this kind of performance was missing from Tokyo’s jazz scene. “In New York, live jazz is something you can enjoy casually in everyday life. But in Japan, most people think live music is like a concert, very formal, like you be quiet and no drinks. I wanted to bring back that energy of a casual live music scene,” he explains. With many friends and contacts in jazz, he fills every weekend with performances. “The most important thing is that they play jazz for the now. Maybe they play past styles, but in a different situation, with a new arrangement, another chord phrasing. This is jazz.” His passion for the genre is clear as he remains committed to showcasing active musicians and the ever-evolving nature of the music.
With content creators’ growing presence, bars like Kohei’s have seen an influx of visitors looking to capture Instagrammable moments, and live performances consistently fill up the small venue. When asked about the surge, he says, “So many tourists come, but our performances help get more income for the musicians than other jazz clubs,” explaining how it ultimately builds the scene. If the demand remains this high in two or three years, he jokes he may need to open another venue.
For first-time visitors, Kohei emphasizes that No Room For Squares is a bar first, not a concert hall. He suggests coming on a weekday to experience the cozy vinyl bar, soak in the curated music, and enjoy cocktails tailored to individual tastes. Then, return on the weekend to see how live jazz transforms the space.
The art inspired by Hank Mobley’s No Room For Squares adorns the rear wall, where a piano and other equipment are kept for live performances.
No Room For Squares is a vital part of Tokyo’s jazz scene. Whether you come for the records, drinks, or music, it all reflects Kohei’s vision. His passion for jazz, reverence for the past, and love for the contemporary scene shine through in every detail. Paired with his expertise in mixology and warm hospitality, the bar invites you to be part of something special, where the past, present, and future of jazz are savored in every note and sip.
No Room For Squares
Address: Housing Kitazawa Building 2 4F II, Kitazawa, 2-1-7, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Website and Live Music Schedule: https://www.nrfsbar.com
Hours:
Mon-Tue: 8pm-2am
Wed-Fri: 3:30pm-6pm, 8pm-2am
Sat: 1pm-6pm, 7pm-12am
Sun: 2pm-5pm, 7pm-12am
