When in Japan, Make Sure You Visit the Cambiare
Posted by Daniel Mann
During my stay in Tokyo Japan this past week, I have been on a mission to find a new bar in Shinjuku named the Cambiare. An Italian Bar that has been meticulously themed after Dario Argento’s Giallo Masterpiece Suspiria. After three nights of searching for the said bar, including one slightly terrifying night which landed me dead smack in the heart of the red light district of Kabukicho, I finally managed to find the bar and indulge in its Argento inspired delights. The place is rather small but don’t let its size deter you from visiting as it manages to pack a tonne of charm and style into its small confinements. Upon arriving, I was greeted by our lovely bartender who, despite having very little experience of the English language, was nothing short of entirely endearing, engaging and friendly. The bar is appropriately moody and atmospheric as it is soaked in that typical Argento flavour of blood red ambience with its lighting scheme. The stained class windows, floor and wallpaper designs are all very much 1 to 1 replicas of Giuseppe Bassan’s amazing production design. Deep Red plays silently on the LCD Screen above the bar while the sounds of Goblin fill the room. The attention to detail in replicating is nothing short of stunning. There is no cover charge upon entry and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Five beers and a pizza set me back about 4,500 Yen (or roughly $40) Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better. As I sat at the bar having a great time soaking in the ambience, who should walk into the bar but two men by the name of Yoshihiki Takahashi and Norman England. The former being the screenwriter of Sion Sono’s devastatingly brutal film Cold Fish and the latter being a former writer for Fangoria now transitioned into the multi faceted role of acting, subtitle manufacturing, writing and directing. In walk both men who introduce themselves casually and start drinking and chatting the night away. An experience I could have never imagined in my wildest dreams and an experience that was only provided by the Cambiere. It just goes to show that you never know whom you may run into when abroad. If you ever get a chance to come to Japan and visit the Cambiare then you too may have a similar experience of a lifetime. If you’re a fan of Suspiria and Argento in general and you ever happen to find yourself in Tokyo then make sure not to miss it. You can check out the newly founded website over here http://cambiare666.com/ -------------------------------------------
