#Japan #Shibuya #CASSE #RECOCO #cassette tape

Introduction to CASSE

On December 17, 2025, a novel addition to the café scene will emerge in Shibuya, Tokyo. CASSE, Japan's very first café centered around cassette tapes, will grandly open its doors, brought forth by the team behind the popular RECOCO record café. This unique establishment aims to reinterpret the charm of cassette tapes not just as nostalgic relics of the past, but as vibrant cultural artifacts of today's youth.

Concept and Experience

CASSE is designed to be a serene space where the warmth of analog media meets the modern café environment. Patrons will not only experience music through cassette tapes but will also enjoy the melancholic pleasure that comes with the slightly inconvenient nature of handling tape. The café intends to engage both seasoned cassette lovers and those who have never encountered this format, providing an opportunity for everyone to appreciate its distinct sound quality and tactile experience.

Upon entering CASSE, guests will encounter a straightforward entry system: a cover charge plus a drink. For a modest fee, each guest will receive their own cassette player and headphones, allowing them to create a personalized listening experience. You can peruse the shelves filled with a carefully curated selection of cassette tapes, pick a favorite, sip on a freshly brewed coffee, and delve into the world of sound.

Why Now? The Cassette Comeback

In recent years, there's been a resurgence in interest surrounding cassette tapes, particularly among young people. Following the revival of vinyl records, the accessibility of streaming music has led many to rediscover the charm of physical media. For these teens and young adults, the tactile experience, the minor inconveniences of using cassette tapes, and the ownership of music have become appealing aspects that provide a form of immersive engagement lacking in the digital realm.

Moreover, media representations in films and dramas often highlight cassette tapes, further igniting their nostalgic appeal and capturing the imagination of new audiences. In the USA and the UK, cassette sales have dramatically increased, with figures from the British Phonographic Industry showing a decade-long rise in sales, while in the U.S., cassette sales grew to 440,000 units in 2022, nearly quadrupling in seven years.

In Japan, this trend has also been observed, with 2023 marking a growth in domestic cassette production for the first time since 1999. This rising interest in cassette culture spurred the decision to establish CASSE in Shibuya, a cultural epicenter where visitors can easily delve into this revival.

The Café Ambiance

Housed in a renovated logistics warehouse, CASSE blends stark industrial elements with bright, airy aesthetics due to its large windows that invite ample natural light. The design maintains a minimalist approach while allowing the quaintness of cassette tapes to shine. Vintage and iconic modern furniture have been strategically placed to create a setting that bridges historical significance and contemporary design.

Merchandise and More

In addition to enjoying music, customers will have the opportunity to purchase a range of custom merchandise, including apparel and tote bags featuring the CASSE logo, as well as unique mugs and record-shaped coasters, adding another layer to the cultural experience.

Café Services

• - System: Entrance fee plus one drink
• - Cashless transactions only (credit card/PayPay/IC services)
• - Free Wi-Fi and power outlets available
• - Discounts available for LINE members and students
• - Designated seating, with a 90-minute limit during peak hours
• - Pet-friendly seating available outside
• - All seating is smoke-free
• - No personal cassettes allowed for security reasons
• - No parking available, but nearby coin parking is offered.

Grand Opening Events

Before the official opening, special preview events will occur on December 15 and 16, 2025, for media and influencers to have a first look at the café experience. Registration for these previews is required, with slots available from 1 PM to 7:30 PM on both days.

CASSE aims to be not just a café, but a cultural hub where both nostalgia and new experiences meet, inviting everyone to tune into the unique world of cassettes while enjoying coffee and refreshments.

For more information, visit CASSE's official website or follow them on Instagram.