This September, brand new venue Room 86 launches and will be the host of Toki-O Nights, a music series inspired by Japan’s kissaten listening-bar culture and the growing appetite for more intentional, hi-fi-led nights out in London. These events centre on the idea of slower, more immersive social listening, with Technics providing the sound set-up and Toki Japanese Highballs (the traditional drink served in Tokyo listening bars) served across the evening.

The first night, on 9th September, sees DJ Kay Suzuki hosting an intimate storytelling evening and curated listening session, “Tradition Remixed – How Japan Made Foreign Sounds Its Own”.
Across the evening, Kay will guide you through two specially curated listening sessions, sharing the stories and influences behind his selections. Between sessions, you will explore the significance of the Highball within Japanese drinking culture and the principles behind the perfect serve, before building your own Toki Japanese Highball. Tickets are £23 and include Toki Whisky Highballs. Purchase tickets via Resident Advisor here: https://ra.co/events/2500864

The second evening, on 23 September, is free to attend and welcomes Alex from Tokyo to the decks. Paris-born and Tokyo-raised, Alex came up through Tokyo’s underground club scene in the early 1990s and has since built an international career connecting Japanese and European music culture. Expect a genre-spanning set moving through deep house, Detroit techno, jazz, soul, disco, Balearic and Japanese selections.

The wider series is rooted in the traditions of Tokyo listening bars, where music, atmosphere and the Japanese Highball sit at the centre of the night. Guests will also have the chance to win complimentary Toki Highballs and Technics prizes on the nights.

Address: Room 86, 86 Wardour Street, London
Timings:
Wednesday 9th September: ticketed 7 pm to 10 pm | £23 | https://ra.co/events/2500864
Wednesday 23rd September: free music from 7 pm