A Cultural Hub Hidden in the Backstreets of Nogizaka

In a quiet corner of Tokyo’s Nogizaka neighborhood, there once existed a salon-like space where filmmakers, theater professionals, and other lovers of culture gathered to exchange ideas. Over time, that haven faded away—until now.

In the Reiwa era, the spirit of that place is being revived in a new form: a space for emerging culture to take root.

The project is led by filmmaker and photographer Tatsuya Utsuno. He has renovated what was once a gathering place for his creative predecessors into a space open to the public—part shop, part gallery. The result is a new cultural complex made up of Hitsu Coffee Stand, 102 Gallery, and the apparel brand Council.

Art director Kentaro Sato (Studio Funnel) oversaw the project’s creative direction, handling both the spatial and communication design, while the architectural design was carried out by Ken Kamiya (Lapyard).

‘I’ve always wanted to create a space where people from across disciplines could come together. Through a series of connections, it finally came to life. Each space is also a place for people from various fields to explore ideas beyond their main professions. It could become a hub where film, theater, and fashion intersect,’ explains Utsuno.

At the forefront of the space is Hitsu Coffee Stand, a takeaway-only coffee bar. Roasting is handled by Takeshi Nishida of Kamin Coffee Roasters, based in Wakayama Prefecture—a roastery known for its focus on specialty coffee.

‘At Hitsu Coffee Stand, we want to offer coffee that fits seamlessly into the everyday lives of people who value quality and are in search of excellent coffee,’ says Nishida. ‘The finished product is a well-balanced, classic blend made with specialty beans. Eventually, I hope this coffee becomes part of the fabric of the neighborhood—a beloved local staple.’

The resulting blend is deeply flavorful yet refreshingly smooth—one of those cups that instantly clears your head and resets your mood.

True to its concept of fostering conversation, Hitsu Coffee Stand uses a sleek Italian espresso machine known as a Modbar, with most of its parts housed below the counter. This keeps the counter uncluttered and allows for more natural interactions between barista and customer. In time, brief chats and greetings exchanged over the counter may become part of the daily rhythm here.

Just beyond the coffee stand lies 102 Gallery, a compact 16.6-square-meter space designed for exhibitions. One of its walls features 18 shelves that will also be used to display works.

Sachiyo Iguchi, who curates the gallery, explains: ‘The focus will be on works that blend practicality and beauty, often linked to clothing, food, or living. On the walls, we’ll exhibit photography and art, and on the shelves, handicrafts and products. We’re currently preparing for our first exhibition in June 2025 with a participating artist. I hope visitors experience not just the works themselves, but also the overall ambiance—a gentle, calming light that feels like being held in a womb.’

Sharing the same space as the gallery is Council, a new brand that will present and sell pieces intermittently. Stylist Saori Kitagawa explores the meaning of ‘universal, standard, and basic,’ focusing on making what she truly wants to make, with a strong commitment to single-style, single-color collections. The brand’s debut piece is a white T-shirt.

‘With Council, I want to create refined everyday wear for adults,’ says Kitagawa. ‘This time, I wanted to design a white T-shirt that adults would actually want to wear, so I gave the sleeves a longer length for a more elegant silhouette. I think it turned out to be a white T-shirt that works as a standalone piece.’

The T-shirt comes in three sizes—1, 2, and 3—but they’re not simply scaled up or down. ‘We adjusted the patterning for each size to maintain balance. You could include all three in your wardrobe and choose one depending on your mood or outfit. Alternatively, wearing a slightly larger or smaller one might give you a look that just feels right. I’d love for people to try it out.’

Though the main draw may be the coffee stand and the gallery, there is also a secret space hidden somewhere within the complex. What lies there remains a mystery—one you might discover by deepening your connection with the staff. It’s yet another reason to visit and explore this emerging cultural enclave.