The bar where talking is frowned upon

In Japan, people come to listening lounges to hear vinyl records on high-quality equipment, with no distractions. Some venues use speakers that cost six figures, and some DJs don’t even take requests, only picking tunes from their own playlists. Jazz kissa, or jazz cafés, started in the 1950s after the Korean War, when American soldiers passed through Japan and brought jazz records with them. But, at the time, vinyl records were hard for people to afford. Now, the tradition is returning to its roots, with more of them opening up in the US and around the world. For DJ Nobuo “Miya” Miyamae, Western-style nightlife is so lively, it’s hard to find somewhere chill and lowkey, to just enjoy a well-crafted cocktail and good music. He’s an exception to the trend — he says it's ok if people want to have a conversation during his set. He also takes requests. DJ and nightclub owner Shuya Okino said listening lounges are hot right now because younger people are more, in his words, “square.” He’s observed that they don’t want to stay out late partying, unlike back in the day. “They are young,” he said. “But they are more mature [in their] thinking.” 🎧 The World's Matthew Bell reports from Tokyo, Japan 📸 Photos and videos by AP, Matthew Bell and Dixon Wong for The World #ListeningLounge #JazzCafe #JazzKissa #Nightlife