PODCAST · business
Open BAR in Tokyo
by Takuji and Jin
What does it truly take to build a business from the ground up? Join Takuji Kitagawa, a seasoned expert who successfully launched international brands in Japan, as he embarks on his most personal project yet.Open Snack BAR in Tokyo is the official English-language companion to the Japanese YouTube series "Where's Takuji Now. " Using AI to translate and summarize his journey, this podcast is a real-time documentary tracking Takuji's progress.
Episodes
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#8 Finding Showa Club and a snack tasting from Ginza.
From Kanda Station North Exit, the video guides viewers past landmarks like Fujisoba, the Chiyoda Rubber red sign, and the Iron Smith sign, before arriving at the Takato Building. Guests ride a retro elevator and push through a hidden heavy door, adding to the club’s secret charm. The second half...
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#7 Defining a Good Experience
In this episode, Takuji Kitagawa and Hiroyuki Jinro explore the question: “What makes a good experience?” Takuji shares his personal definition—the sharing of time and space with people who hold a common understanding or shared recognition. They bring this idea to life with examples ranging from...
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#6 Q&A: Building the Neo Showa Snack - Design, Challenges, and Global Ambitions
The debut Q&A covers Takuji & Jindo’s Neo Snack “Showa Club”: a nostalgic velvet-and-wood interior updated with cashless payments and male staff to welcome solo women. Sourcing the signature “Showa red” fabric and rising build costs are the biggest hurdles, though construction is underway. Plans...
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#5 Showa Club: Neo-Snack Where Anyone Can Host
Showa Club is a members-only “neo-snack” opening in Kanda, Tokyo, where the Mama/Papa host changes daily—from startup CEOs, tea-ceremony masters or/and maybe you. Expect intimate cultural pop-ups, retro-game nights, and brand testbeds that turn every visit into a fresh community experience.
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#4 An Urban Oasis for the Modern Soul
In this episode, we dive into the concept of "Neo-Snack"—a reimagined version of Japan’s beloved snack bars, designed to serve as a stable place of belonging in the ever-changing urban landscape. Targeting businesspeople in their 20s to 50s, the Neo-Snack offers a comforting space without…
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#3 The Art of Store Location: People Over Maps Part 2
Discover the strategy behind b8ta’s location choices and the birth of a new “neo-snack” bar concept. From its Silicon Valley roots, b8ta secured prime spots through strong partnerships—starting in Yurakucho near Ginza, then Shinjuku and Shibuya—before expanding to Osaka’s Hankyu Umeda and…
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#2 The Art of Store Location: People Over Maps Part 1
"Location, Location, Location" Choosing the right store location isn't just important; it's paramount for business success. The guiding principle is simple yet profound: "Don't look at the map, look at the people." This means a deep dive into understanding your target audience and your business's...
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#1 Why opening Snack Bar in Tokyo?
On his quest to build a business from Japan to the rest of Asia, Takuji Kitagawa considered many ideas—from an experiential matcha brand to a fintech platform. So why did he land on opening a "snack bar"? In this episode, Takuji and Creative Director Jin dive deep into the thought process. Learn...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What does it truly take to build a business from the ground up? Join Takuji Kitagawa, a seasoned expert who successfully launched international brands in Japan, as he embarks on his most personal project yet.Open Snack BAR in Tokyo is the official English-language companion to the Japanese YouTube series "Where's Takuji Now. " Using AI to translate and summarize his journey, this podcast is a real-time documentary tracking Takuji's progress.
HOSTED BY
Takuji and Jin
CATEGORIES
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