Tokyo ‘Secret Base’ Preserves Idol Boom of Showa Era; Izakaya Offers Nostalgic Tunes, Specialty Cocktails at Retro Prices

Candies, Kyoko Koizumi and Masahiko Kondo to name a few — about 900 vinyl records by these idol singers cover the walls from floor to ceiling at an izakaya pub in Tokyo’s Yoyogi district. The pub offers a step into the world of the late Showa era (1926-89), playing the period’s kayokyoku (popular Japanese songs) and serving nostalgic food.