Neighborhood and venue spirit united: AMP CAFE
AMP Cafe is one of the key venues in Koenji—a neighborhood where Tokyo’s underground and countercultural veins are alive, still (for now) away from tourist appeal—whose doors are open to independent art, fashion, and music productions, greatly contributing to the area’s current spirit. Koji Saito, one of the figures who gives the place its soul and keeps it running, shares his thoughts with us about AMP Cafe’s spirit, mission, and its connection to the neighborhood below. He notes that since several people are involved with AMP Cafe, the following responses represent his personal opinions only.
“I would like to see more respect for ‘margins’ and ‘unnecessary spaces’ in Tokyo.”
How would you describe the mission of AMP?
Connecting people and cultures through artistic expression. Respecting the creativity and freedom that Koenji embodies, while creating a space that is not just for passive appreciation but serves as a catalyst for dialogue and the emergence of new perspectives.
What role does AMP play in Koenji’s local community and art scene?
Providing a place where people can encounter diverse forms of expression, fostering new values and sensibilities. While respecting Koenji’s unique atmosphere, we aim to contribute to the formation of new communities.
Can you tell us about a favorite local artist or exhibition that has been featured at AMP?
Though not a local artist, the exhibition by the Jakarta-based punk band Marjinal left a strong impression on me. Through several days of exhibitions and workshops, we had a rare opportunity to engage with their activities and reflect on how music and artistic expression can create positive feedback for society, communities, and the individuals involved.
In your opinion, how has Koenji changed in recent years, both positively and negatively?
A positive change is the increased number of visitors from overseas and other regions, creating more opportunities for interaction. On the other hand, commercialization and redevelopment are progressing, and I feel that the cityscape is undergoing significant changes.
Could you share five songs that represent the AMP Cafe spirit?
Matsumoto Kichizō – “Kujira-uta (Ō-uta, Shōgatsu-uta)”
Naffi Sandwich – “More Like Beans”
Pekka Airaksinen – “Ratnasikhin”
Khaki Blazer – “Drum and Bastard”
Shofuku – “Senjō no Bon Odori”
One thing KOJI SAITO would wish to change in TOKYO
I would like to see more respect for “margins” and “unnecessary spaces”.
Recommended art and music spots in TOKYO, by KOJI SAITO
For art, rather than traditional galleries and museums, I recommend seeking out experimental exhibitions held in restaurants and various urban spaces. For music, my personal recommendations include Pool (Sakuradai), Soup (Ochiai), and Forest Limit (Hatagaya).
