Nakazato Live House

Lore & Background

The Nakazato Live House is a beloved local spot for up-and-coming bands in the Tokyo area. It features a modest stage, basic sound equipment, and a cozy seating area for audiences. The venue is run by a friendly middle-aged owner who is passionate about supporting young musicians. It becomes a significant location for the girls of Houkago Tea Time as they take their first steps into the professional music world, performing their set to a small but enthusiastic crowd. The live house represents a rite of passage for many local bands, offering a welcoming space for live performances outside of school festivals.

Reader's Guide

Nakazato's couture collections have been presented at venues including Palais de Tokyo, Maison des métallos, House of Culture of Japan in Paris, Eléphant Paname, Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, École de Médecine Paris Descartes, Théâtre National de Chaillot, Oratoire du Louvre, Osanbashi Hall in Yokohama, The 55 Haussmann, and The American Cathedral in Paris. Since 2022, Nakazato has collaborated with choreographers and theatre directors to design costumes for opera and ballet productions in both the US and Europe.

In 2022, he designed costumes for Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's artistic directorial debut at Geneva Grand Theatre, followed by a second collaboration for Hanjo, an opera produced by Bavarian State Opera in Munich. In 2023, he designed costumes for Boston Ballet's new production La Mer, created by Dutch choreographer Nanine Linning. In 2024, he designed costumes for Geneva Grand Theatre's new production Idomeneo directed by Cherkaoui, making it his first costume design for a full opera production.

Did You Know?

• The live house's name is never explicitly explained in the series, but it is believed to be named after the neighborhood or a local landmark.
• The venue's interior is modeled after real small live houses in Tokyo, capturing the intimate, DIY spirit of the city's indie music scene.
• This episode marks a turning point for the band, as they gain confidence and experience performing in front of a non-school audience.
• The owner of the live house is shown to be encouraging and gives the girls helpful feedback after their performance.