Otofuke

What can you say about おとふけ (Otofuke)? Open since 2007, it’s another jazz spot that feels almost like you are invading the owner’s personal record space…which is 100% accurate as everything you see in the place is pretty much owner Matsushita-san’s personal things from his listening room converted into a bar. Located in what is basicially the back 1F of a house on a side street deep in Koto-ward in the east part of the city, Otofuke is a true gem.

The sound is incredibly clean! I was entranced by the light fusion album he was playing, as its rare to hear the drums (and bass in particular) sound so clear in your usual listening. There’s is the standard large wall of vinyl, but all the wall space is covered in flyers, posters and a large number of Sumo posters (the master is obviously a huge fan, as well as of Audrey Hepburn..)  He built the audio system himself and was happy to answer questions about it, and his two vintage turntables.

As the space is basically a garage, it can’t hold too many people so try not to visit in a group larger than three, and needless to say, it’s not a place for a loud drinking session. Like all the best tiny jazz bars, Otofuke is for quiet & serious listening. Well worth the trek to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa station on the Hanzomon Subway Line.