Juha in Nishi-Ogikubo is not a jazz kissa or a music bar; it’s more like a ‘local coffee shop.’ However, its selection of background music is quite distinctive, attracting fans not only from the neighborhood but also from afar. Music critic Mitsutaka Yanagaku explores its charm in the eighth installment of his series “Places to Meet Good Music.”
INDEX
Juha: A Model of Perfection
In Tokyo, there are several places that I consider to be “highly polished establishments.” These places meticulously design every detail—interior decor, ambiance created by the clientele, the menu of drinks, and fitting music—that aligns with the vision the owner wants to create or the ideal space they find comfortable. These spaces are a reflection of the owner’s taste but harmonize seamlessly without overpowering. Examples like ‘BAR MEIJIU’ in Iidabashi and ‘Bar Music’ in Shibuya, featured in this series, epitomize this approach.
Alongside the aforementioned two, there’s another place that I feel is “highly polished” in my mind. It’s a café named ‘Juha,’ located a bit south from Nishi-Ogikubo Station. The name is taken from a film title by Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki.
The owner, Shunsuke Ohba, is roasting coffee in this cozy and brightly lit store, which I would call a “coffee shop” rather than a “café,” and the interior is filled with the delicious aroma of coffee beans. From time to time, Ohba-san selects a record, sets it on the turntable, and puts the jacket in place. Then, austere music that goes well with a cup of deep coffee starts to play.
