Open BAR in Tokyo

The debut Q&A covers Takuji & Jindo’s Neo Snack “Showa Club”: a nostalgic velvet-and-wood interior updated with cashless payments and male staff to welcome solo women.

Sourcing the signature “Showa red” fabric and rising build costs are the biggest hurdles, though construction is underway. Plans include a house “Showa Club” whisky sour, dream guests from Shoin Yoshida to Jony Ive, and outreach to tourists via TikTok, YouTub...

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "Neo-Snack"—a reimagined version of Japan’s beloved snack bars, designed to serve as a stable place of belonging in the ever-changing urban landscape.

Targeting businesspeople in their 20s to 50s, the Neo-Snack offers a comforting space without demanding social intensity—a kind of urban oasis where loneliness quietly fades.

📍 The first location, Showa Club, is currently under co...

Discover the strategy behind b8ta’s location choices and the birth of a new “neo-snack” bar concept. From its Silicon Valley roots, b8ta secured prime spots through strong partnerships—starting in Yurakucho near Ginza, then Shinjuku and Shibuya—before expanding to Osaka’s Hankyu Umeda and Koshigaya Lake Town for family appeal.

Now, Takuji and Jin take on a different challenge: creating an experience-driven cultural hub in the form o...

"Location, Location, Location"

Choosing the right store location isn't just important; it's paramount for business success. The guiding principle is simple yet profound: "Don't look at the map, look at the people." This means a deep dive into understanding your target audience and your business's unique character, then meticulously finding an area that perfectly aligns with those core elements.

In ...

On his quest to build a business from Japan to the rest of Asia, Takuji Kitagawa considered many ideas—from an experiential matcha brand to a fintech platform. So why did he land on opening a "snack bar"?

In this episode, Takuji and Creative Director Jin dive deep into the thought process. Learn about the business ideas that didn't make the cut and the unique strengths of the humble snack bar: a place for accidental connection, a bu...