“A unique, observant, and fascinating project.” — Roman Coppola, via Variety
Join us January 29 for a night tracing the roots of listening bars and the exclusive North American premiere of A Century in Sound, co-presented by JACCC, dublab, Film Independent, and Zizou.
Not just a film screening, the event features a panel discussion with legends of global music and film about how this uniquely Japanese culture is more vital and necessary in our time than ever before.
A Century in Sound is a beautifully crafted documentary series that traces 100 years of Tokyo’s cultural history through the Japanese tradition of ongaku kissa—music cafés and hi-fi spaces where deep, focused listening becomes a shared, communal experience. Moving from classical cafés to jazz kissas and beyond, the film explores how these carefully curated, intimate spaces mirror the spirit of the times.
At a moment when listening bars are rapidly proliferating across the U.S., A Century in Sound offers vital historical context, revealing the origins of this culture and the philosophy behind intentional listening spaces. For fans of listening bars, vinyl culture, and immersive sound environments, the film provides a rare and deeply resonant perspective on how these spaces became refuges for shared listening—making this North American premiere an unmissable experience.
Three episodes from a six-part documentary will be presented together as a single screening. Runtime: 1hr 41min.