Super Bar DJs – Nagoya’s Coolest DJ Events

Mar 31, 2022

Super Bar DJs – Nagoya’s Coolest DJ Events

If, like Edwin Starr, you like the sound of funky music (and that it sho nuff turns you on) then you will want to find some awesome places to check out the best DJs spinning their stuff. Now that the covid-19 regulations have been relaxed somewhat, you may also want to get out and meet like-minded people.

Though Nagoya has a rich music scene, it is mainly associated with rock, particularly the Visual Kei of the 1990s. However, today there are a number of top bars and events playing the funkiest of tunes in the dopest of settings.

Below are a few spots, with both local and international DJs, that are definitely worth checking out to get yourself started.

Music Pour @ Binge

Just a three-minute walk from Nagoya Station, Binge is one of Nagoya’s top craft beer bottle shop bars, but not only that, but it is also the venue for Music Pour, a (roughly) monthly DJ event. Music Pour has a rotating cast of DJs, but is generally headlined by Hayassen of Totalize, with regular guests including xxKOOGxx, you-key morikawa, and Dope Jams‘ T Plays it Cool and Chris Ollier.

With a wide selection of Japanese and international craft beers in cans or on draft, Binge is a great venue for this laid back event thanks to its open-air veranda, with room to mingle, dance, and enjoy some great pop-up grub, with a mix of local and international communities. The next event will be held on April 16, 2022, and is a celebration of a new Vortex Records 7″ release.

Where: Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 4 Chome−10−22 Kohaku Building 6F (map)
Website: craftbeerbinge.com
When: One Saturday per month (check website for details) 15:00-22:30
Admission: One draft beer included in admission. 1000 JPY (half a pint) or 1500 JPY (pint)

Vinofonica

Just across the road from Binge, on the third floor of 7 Days’ Kitchen Craft beer bar, you can find Vinofonica. If you couldn’t tell from the name, Vinofonica is a perfect symbiosis of wine and sound, and three or four days a week you can find guest DJs playing a variety of genres.

Unlike Binge, this is more of a chill out with a glass of craft wine (or craft beer or craft gin) and some top food kind of affair. Vinofonica is a super funky chill out spot to spend a weekend – or prekend – evening with mates, or meet like-minded heads. There is generally something going on on Thursdays to Sundays, so either just rock up and see what’s on, or check their instagram for what’s coming up.

Where:  4 Chome-4-21 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002 (map)
Website: 7craft.kitchen
When: Thursdays to Sundays
Admission: Free

Bar Shiva

One of Shinsakae’s best kept secrets is Bar Shiva, where all the coolest heads hang out. A sister store to Club Buddha, Bar Shiva is small, intimate and the most welcoming of Nagoya’s DJ bars. Serving up fantastic cocktails – the mojito being a specialty – it is an ace place at which to kick back and bob your head to some tunes.

With a rolling rota of guest performers, to see what’s coming up it’s best to check their twitter feed, but in all honesty, it is unlikely that you’ll pick a bad day – they are all bangers.

Where: Nagoya, Naka Ward, Shinsakae, 1 Chome−5−25 Dai 2 M Building 2F  (map)
Website: clubbuddha.com
When: Monday to Saturday (times are currently irregular, so it’s advisable to check the website or call in advance)
Admission: Free

Other great DJ bars

While the above three are probably the places to go if your appreciation of fine drinks is as important as your love of the music, there are also a few honorable mentions if you are just there for the tunes. In the day, Out Record in Sakae is a record shop, but on selected evenings it becomes a party space, with events such as Dope Jams, which is perhaps the most eclectic, funkiest soul and hip-hop (and lots more besides) night in town.

Also, on the south side of Nagoya Station is Callejera Stand and Garage, which holds a semi-regular event Twilo. Perhaps one of the more diverse events in town – hip hop, soul, funk accompanied by an opera singer was one event –  it is well worth checking out.

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Image via https://www.instagram.com/p/CbUWEMQJ1gj/
Image via https://7craft.kitchen/
Image by Franz Jachim via flickr.com [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]
Image via https://twitter.com/djbarshiva/status/928836621524377600/photo/1