Yoshio Nojima has been refining the soundsystem at SHeLTeR, an audiophile venue on the quiet outskirts of Tokyo, for 30 years. It’s a never-ending quest in the pursuit of one humble goal: to share special musical experiences with friends.

Produced by Resident Advisor in partnership with Asahi Super Dry Beer.

[Series] Japan’s hidden listening bars
We are exploring Japan’s rich culture of listening bars and audiophile venues. It’s a culture rooted in the joy of discovering music, and listening to that music in the best possible environment—that means precision-made speakers, amps, turntables and mixers. Tucked away in basements, back-alleys and high-rise buildings, these bars come in different shapes and sizes, but they are united by their pursuit of quality, with owners endlessly fine-tuning their audio setups to create an enriching experience for anyone who visits. These are wonderful settings for people to share their love of music, serving as a “third place”—somewhere to unwind in between their time at work and home. Though they’re the result of long-standing traditions, listening bars offer a glimpse into progressive Japan, one of the world’s most vibrant places for music discovery.

Read the full feature on RA:
ra.co/listeningbars