Documentary series charting 100 years of Japan's listening bar culture premieres in London

A documentary series charting 100 years of Japan's listening bar culture has premiered in the UK.

UK audiences first saw A Century In Sound hit UK in May 2025 as part of Sheffield Doc Fest, though the series is now getting a limited run of screenings at London's The Barbican Centre, with the first having taken place on March 22, and two more planned for tomorrow, April 2, and April 18.

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The series explores the last century of Japanese music history against the backdrop of the country's music cafes, also known as "Ongaku Kissa", and the audiophiles who have frequented them, from the 1920s until the present day.

A Century In Sound was created by New Zealand filmmakers Nick Dwyer and Tuataroa Rapana Neill, who visits three distinct listening bars "specialising in classical music, jazz and rock".

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Last month, A Century In Sound's creators hosted a series of panels and events at listening bars across London, including JUMBI, Jazu, Mad Cats and Space Talk, with appearances from DJ, producer and Time Capsule label head Kay Suzuki, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy and Mari Kimura. 

Watch the full trailer for A Century In Sound below. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X