Takeao owns and manages a small coffee and fresh juice bar called “Hoff”, near Harajuku St. in Tokyo, Japan. After spending nearly a week in the bustling, fast-paced concrete jungle known as Tokyo, it can be overwhelming to try and find a piece of solitude. We began to desperately crave a quiet, secluded atmosphere where we could take a time-out from the hustle and bustle. Luckily, while battling the crowds and masses, we noticed a small wooden sign pointing down a secluded alleyway advertising Takeao’s cafe. After walking down the alley, we came to a small wooden-door opening, leading up a very narrow concrete staircase. When we reached the top of the staircase we had no idea what to expect, but were delighted to find a tiny open-air courtyard that rested on the rooftop of a local clothing store. “Hoff” sits on top of this courtyard, and almost looks like an urban tiki-bar, nestled into the corner. Takeao offered us samples of his freshly pressed juices and gourmet coffee. Everything that he shared with us was delicious (especially the rice milk infused with cocoa)! Truth be told, even if the offerings hadn’t been so impressive, we would have been happy just to find a quiet place where if only for a moment, the sounds of silence were present!

Musically,

MV