An important moment in global club history: BONOBO
Bonobo is a must-visit spot for anyone chasing club culture in Tokyo. Imagine a space no bigger than a living room, speakers towering up to the ceiling and flooding the room with sound, and an interior design that feels like a neon-lit cave. This is the scene that greets you when you step into Bonobo—alongside sets from some of the finest DJs from Tokyo and around the world. We learn about the story of both the club and of the mixer at its heart, from its creator, Koichi Sei.
“Some of the best clubs in the world are small-sized.”
When did you open Bonobo? What was your vision for this unique and intimate space?
We opened Bar Bonobo in 2004. I was thinking the space having a house party feeling with hi-fi audio. Some of the best clubs in the world are small-sized… I love that Bonobo feels more like a home, than a club.
Can you tell us about the decorations in the space? There are so many interesting elements including the wooden structure above the DJ booth, the tiny disco balls lining the chill-out room ceiling and the rooftop terrace…
The wooden structure is a sound reflection panel, but it also creates an interior that feels as if we are in a forest. On the second floor, tatami room, many tiny disco balls are hanging from the ceiling. We believe tatami and disco balls are an unusual and interesting combination. It evokes the image of an inner trip. The terrace is pure chaos.
Did you have any particular inspirations or influences when creating Bonobo? What are some of your favourite club or DJ spaces in Japan, or elsewhere in the world?
Yes. The Loft in New York. I visited it fewer than ten times when I was in New York City. My favourite clubs are the Loft, Sound Factory in New York, and De School in Amsterdam. I especially loved the sound systems in the main club space and the chill-out room.
I heard that the rotary mixer in the main space was custom made for David Mancuso–the pioneering DJ, party host and the creator of the legendary Loft in New York. What’s the story behind it?
In the main space, we use an original 4-channel tube mixer with 11 tubes. When David Mancuso came to Tokyo as part of his second tour in Japan, the organizer asked Mr. Komatu, a tube amp maestro, to make a special DJ mixer for him. Then David liked the mixer and he used it for the tour. A few years later, I decided to open Bar Bonobo, and I found that mixer in somebody’s storage. That is the story.
Lastly, to offer further listening for our readers, I’d love to share some mixes from you and the resident DJs of Bonobo:
