A café with a focus on sound quality has opened in Yoyogi-Uehara. The place is called “Higher,” and it might become a new hub for the neighborhood.

There’s a space called “OPRCT” in the residential neighborhood of Yoyogi-Uehara. Sometimes it hosts live events, sometimes photo shoots, and sometimes movie screenings. It’s a versatile space—like a box—that can take on various forms in the best possible way.

A café called “higher.” will open on the first floor. It opens on Friday, June 26.

The menu centers on specialty coffee and wholesome food. However, it seems that wasn’t the sole purpose behind its creation. The goal is to become a hub for creators. The vision is for food, music, space, media, and people to intersect, with dining serving as the starting point for that experience.

The sound design for the space is overseen by “SWEET SOUL RECORDS,” an independent label that has introduced up-and-coming music from around the world, with a focus on soul, R&B, and jazz. The speakers feature a custom-made system by Berlin-based H.A.N.D HiFi. The space was designed by Hiroaki Kawanami. He designed original furniture inspired by sound waveforms, which clearly conveys his deep respect for sound.

From morning through the evening, it seems to serve as a place where coffee, food, and music blend seamlessly into everyday life, while after dark, it functions as an event space hosting listening sessions, workshops, and other events. If you follow their updates on their website or Instagram, you might have an interesting experience.