Gate One jazz club, located near Takadanobaba station in Tokyo, Japan (website, map).
Tokyo’s Gate One is a classic neighborhood jazz bar, a local favorite for jazz fans and musicians around the Takadanobaba area. This basement live spot was started by husband-and-wife pair Shinji Hashimoto and Mariko Kajiwara with assistant manager Mai twenty-five years ago. Most fortunately, Gate One is still filled with their spirit of genuine jazz appreciation and communal love of live music.
Ever warm and friendly, the guitarist and singer brightened up the tiny room as proprietors, performers, and simply lovely people to sit next to while enjoying the music. When not working or hanging out here, owner Mariko Kajiwara can also be found singing at spots in Tokyo like Polka Dots, Sometime, and others.
The musical acts at Gate One are typically vocalist-led shows, such as piano or guitar-based duos and trios featuring regular vocalists leading the band on most days. Instrumental combos are sprinkled in from time to time. On nights when a piano trio is the featured act, bar owner Mariko may even join the band for a few tunes, singing jazz standards like those featured on her CD Pitter Patter.
The Gate One performance schedule includes several monthly recurring vocal acts with duos, trios, or combos typically made up of piano, guitar, bass, and drums. There have also been occasional jazz jam sessions for amateur and student musicians on certain Sundays or holidays (although these may be rare events these days).
The friendly vibe mixed with the live energy of Gate One makes this a comfortable place for listening to music and relaxed conviviality during the set breaks. It’s a winning combination that keeps regulars coming back and checking in from time to time for the shared family feeling of an authentic love for jazz in an at-home atmosphere.
For customers who may feel nervous about entering a neighborhood locals bar, the coziness of Gate One may initially come off as a “friends and family” space with an exclusive atmosphere. However, anyone should feel welcome to enjoy the music here with an honest smile and attitude.
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