Tokyo's Studio Mule is a bar and record shop for audiophiles

Japanese audiophiles can get their fix at Tokyo bar and record store Studio Mule, created by Mule Musiq’s DJ Toshiya Kawasaki.

Kawasaki tapped Japanese designer Koichi Futatsumata – principal of studio CASE-REAL – to design the Shibuya hub, which uses an earthy colour palette and long stone bar to set the ambience.

Bespoke furniture includes simple metal counter stools detailed with back supports that reference the record label’s moniker: ‘Its back is “M” of MULE MUSIQ’ says Futatsumata.

Walls are skirted by built-in vinyl storage shelves which house Kawasaki’s vintage audio collection, used in his role as host at Studio Mule, and there’s a vintage hi-fi as well as a telephone-box sized record store tucked in the corner.

‘The “studio” doesn’t mean music studio,’ says Kawasaki. ‘It’s a small place to enjoy an eccentric elegant music with lovely vintage audio and real natural wine, craft liquor and beer.’

3E 16-4 Kamiyamacho, Shibuyaku Tokyo, Japan

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