Susumu Yokota Listening Bar World Tour at Behind This Wall
This October, we’re honoured to host a series of special listening sessions as part of the Susumu Yokota World Listening Tour, presented by Lo Recordings.
The tour celebrates the life and work of the late Susumu Yokota — a pioneering figure in Japanese ambient and electronic music whose influence has quietly shaped listening culture around the globe. Across more than 20 cities, 15 countries, and 6 continents, Yokota’s music will be played in intimate listening bars and venues, offering audiences a rare chance to hear his albums as they were meant to be experienced: in full, through high-fidelity sound systems, in hushed spaces that value serene listening over loud chatter.
A Global Celebration of a Singular Artist
The Yokota World Listening Tour coincides with an ambitious reissue campaign from Lo Recordings, bringing all 14 albums originally released on Yokota’s own Skintone label back into circulation. Spread across two deluxe box sets — available on vinyl, CD, and digital — and released individually, this project opens a new chapter in Yokota’s legacy, making his work accessible to both devoted listeners and new audiences alike.
From the abstract textures of Magic Thread and the formative experiments of Image 1983–1998, through to the timeless beauty of Sakura, these albums map out an extraordinary creative journey — one that continues to resonate powerfully today.
Listening Bar Culture
Central to this celebration is the Japanese listening bar, or jazz kissa — a tradition that began in 1950s Japan. These spaces are defined by their low-lit, intimate atmospheres, exceptional sound systems, and a collective focus on listening. Conversation takes a back seat; the music takes centre stage.
Our series at Behind This Wall embraces this tradition fully: a communal, contemplative environment where guests are invited to sit, slow down, and immerse themselves in Yokota’s sound worlds.
📅 Programme at Behind This Wall
🕗 8PM start each night
🎟️ Free entry – we recommend booking to secure a spot
→ Book your spot here
These sessions offer a rare chance to step inside the sonic universe of one of Japan’s most influential electronic artists — in a setting designed for listening. We’re proud to be part of this remarkable world tour and look forward to welcoming you.