EVENT | Shuya Okino x DJ KAWASAKI: A Mentor-Protégé Conversation! (1) The Room's 18th Anniversary Event "GAMBLE" Held

EVENT | THE ROOM 18th Anniversary

Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive) x DJ KAWASAKI: A Mentor-Protégé Conversation (1)

Shuya Okino's home, "THE ROOM," celebrates its 18th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, its first-ever anniversary party will be held over three days: Thursday, March 25th, Friday, March 26th, and Saturday, March 27th. Aptly named "GAMBLE" for its 18th year, the party boasts a stellar lineup, from rising stars currently energizing the club scene to seasoned veterans who have crafted countless legendary nights. Just before this major event, we spoke with "THE ROOM" producer and DJ Shuya Okino, and DJ KAWASAKI, a star player nurtured by "THE ROOM," about the trajectory of their shared home.

Photo: Mizuho Takada

I wanted to do something different from the club styles that existed then—Okino

—Did you always dream of owning a club?

OkinoActually, when I was young, I managed a club in Kyoto. Even after moving to Tokyo, I went to various clubs, but as a manager, my role was to attract customers, so it felt awkward to be a customer myself, hopping from one club to another. Therefore, I thought it would be better to have my own home ground, a place where people would come to me, just like in Kyoto. And maybe I could get free drinks, too (laughs).

—I see (laughs). Was that as an artist?

OkinoNo, I just love clubs. Playing music I like at high volume, drinking, and talking. I was inspired by the club culture I encountered in London when I was 20. At that time, there wasn't much of that in Japan.

It's not so much the case now, but back then, Tokyo clubs could be a bit cold with their staff, and if you tried to talk to a woman, you'd be shut down with "No pick-up attempts!" (laughs).

But at overseas clubs, the staff and customers were very friendly, and the barriers between people were very low. I strongly yearned for that kind of atmosphere, so when I decided to create my own club, I wanted it to be friendly and different from the club styles that existed then.

—Did you do anything specific to achieve that?

OkinoPerhaps it was the strict adherence to greetings like "Good evening" when customers arrived and "Good night" when they left. At the time, "Welcome" and "Thank you for coming" were standard. The feeling of welcoming friends has remained unchanged since we opened.

The first club I visited after moving to Tokyo was THE ROOM—KAWASAKI

—KAWASAKI, you were originally a customer, weren't you?

KAWASAKIYes, the first club I visited after moving to Tokyo was THE ROOM. Coincidentally, I arrived in Tokyo on the opening day and was brought by an acquaintance who said a jazz club was opening. Mr. Okino was DJing, and it was the first time I saw a DJ in a suit playing jazz. I was about 19 years old then. I was so impressed that I started going five days a week.

OkinoYou came more often than I did (laughs).

KAWASAKIEventually, I became friends with the DJs and staff, and I started helping out at THE ROOM.

—Was that because you wanted to become a DJ?

KAWASAKIAt first, it was simply to enjoy the club. At the time, my understanding of a DJ was limited to someone wearing a cap and scratching records.

OkinoThat's a narrow view (laughs).

KAWASAKIInitially, my interest was only that much. But seeing Mr. Okino, I realized it was such a stylish profession. That's when I told him I wanted to become a DJ.

—To Mr. Okino?

KAWASAKIYes. I used to visit frequently, especially when Mr. Okino was DJing. I would go up to the booth to ask about the records he was playing, and sometimes he would take me to record stores, and we started talking more. I began DJing about four or five years after I started working at THE ROOM. I also started producing music quite late, so I had a long period of apprenticeship (laughs).