If Japan is struggling to shake off a recession, then clearly nobody has told Tokyo’s party people as dance floors heave and thud to techno-house raves at the city’s clubs.
With summer gone and the nights drawing in, DJ events continue to pack in club-goers, like those of events organiser Phonika, which hosts outdoor parties around a rooftop pool in Tokyo.
Tokyo models, fashion designers, cash-flashing expats and well-connected OLs (office ladies) sip champagne and cocktails overlooking the city, blissfully unaffected by the credit crunch, or simply intoxicated by the brief sense of escapism.
The events have taken off over the past year despite the economic gloom. Restaurants are closing, but queues outside club events snake around corners.
“We haven’t felt the economic pinch,” said Phonika Tokyo’s co-organiser Mark Oxley. “In fact, over the past 12 months numbers through doors have steadily increased.
“In a downturn it’s about catering to demographics. The events are solid, and promotional and VIP offers have proved a good draw, bringing in repeat customers.”
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4 comments so far
Yes parties at pool was great. Is it Summer Sounds? Do they have any ‘Winter Sounds’?
already I miss summer. Thank you.
- Posted by Mayumi IgarashiIt’s a valid point. We’re all suffering with the economic downturn, but a good party certainly helps take the edge off things. What I loved about Phonica’s events is always having something to look forward to & knowing that you’d always meet cool, like-minded people who are up for a laugh and want to forget about the daily grind. The Tokyo party scene, thanks to Phonica and the like, has really gone up a gear.
- Posted by JonWow! Thanks!
- Posted by EmiAfter I read you’re blog I decided go to their event at the club 57. It was so cool.
Thank you.
Emi
Yes clubs seem to be getting more and more crowded (sometimes too crowded and a total fire risk) — lines for ‘guests’ snaking round corners while punters paying full price walk straight in is weird, but a different story. You are right — you wouldn’t know money was tight.
- Posted by Markie