Yota Tsunoda | "Tokyo Romantic Izakaya" | Vol. 6 Kunitachi "Karasu no Ie"

Sipping Denki Bran while surrounded by fine audio.

Karasu no Ie in Kunitachi: Part 6

Head south from Kunitachi Station and walk along Fujimi-dori for a while. The shop is near Kunitachi College of Music High School. It’s quite a distance from the station. With its Technics sign, lanterns, and multiple signs, the exterior looks rather mysterious. The establishment calls itself a “karaoke bar,” and perhaps that’s why its name is derived from the legendary soprano Maria Callas.

Photographs by SHIRAISHI KazuhiroText by KAKUDA Yota

A Deep Zone in the Depths of Kunitachi

The interior of Karasu no Ie is astounding. It’s overflowing with a jumble of items that lack any sense of unity, yet somehow, they create a unique atmosphere.

Upon entering, you are greeted by a unique space. It feels like a small universe, far removed from ordinary life. The back area of the shop is lined with classic velour sofas and vintage speakers.

It transcends mere interior design; in a way, it’s a form of “attire” far beyond the ordinary.

While not very active currently, during the day it operates as “CIMA Audio,” manufacturing and selling vacuum tube amplifiers. Naturally, the shop is equipped with high-quality tube amps, and I’ve been bringing my records here since my student days to have them played.

The records weren’t connected this time, so I’m enjoying a bottled beer while listening to the shop’s CDs.

As mentioned, the place is filled with objects. Despite the dim lighting, there are many lamps. Desk lamps hang their heads over the counter.

The variety of lamps is also impressive: some with cables hidden within pipes, shades made with beautiful spun metal, a motorcycle headlight mounted on the ceiling, and paper lanterns. They are all quite fascinating.

A crow character, designed by a customer in the past, appears in various places around the shop, including on the original shochu bottles, which adds a touch of charm.

Sipping a Denki Bran while surrounded by fine audio and nibbling on nuts. Most of the menu consists of dried snacks, so I highly recommend experiencing this deep zone in Kunitachi, perhaps as a second stop of the evening.

Karasu no Ie
1F, Dai-ni Murakami Bldg., 2-20-10 Nishi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo
Tel. 042-575-2556
Hours | 19:00–25:00
Closed | Sundays

YOTA KAKUDA
Designer. Born in Sendai. Moved to the UK in 2003, gaining experience at various firms. Completed his studies at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in 2007. After returning to Japan in 2008, he worked as a product designer for MUJI before establishing YOTA KAKUDA DESIGN in 2011.
http://www.yotakakuda.com/

KAZUHIRO SHIRAISHI
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1980. Studied under photographer Yoshihiko Ueda from 2007. Became independent in 2011 and has been active as a freelance photographer since.