Dug
Well-regarded and oft-mentioned, the dark and soulful jazz cafe Dug may be one of the first stops on a jazz seeker’s quest in Japan. For many years, Dug has been one of the few jazz bars listed in popular guidebooks and tourist information.
Upon entering Dug, a short staircase leads visitors down into a classic, cool basement bar with appropriate music filling up the space. The atmosphere is simple and intimate, and depending on the hour can be subdued and quiet, suitable for listening, reading, and quiet conversation. Customers are offered coffee, alcohol, and light snacks while enjoying the comfortable setting with quality music choices playing through the shop. For visiting jazz fans, Dug is a must-stop, and often a first-stop, on the list of venerable Tokyo jazz spots, and this classic Japanese jazz cafe can also be a satisfying respite for curious walkers and general adventurers as well.
Yet, as with many things in a perpetually active city like Tokyo, changes accumulated over the years, and various details and rumors about Dug may easily confuse new customers looking for this shop. Is Dug still operating? Is live music performed here? Is there a cover charge? Is this place actually called Dig, Dug, or New Dug?
Sources may differ due to the various guidebooks publishing the information that is current at the time, which makes it hard to track down this jazz landmark. Fortunately, some answers are revealed on the official website through a historical outline that lists multiple storefronts and locations. Shop names have even changed, from Dig to Dug to New Dug. Perhaps a slightly confusing progression, the current-day bar has dropped the “New” from its name and now goes by Dug. A brief overview based on information from the official website follows.
Dig opened in 1961 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, among several other jazz cafes in the neighborhood.
In 1967, a shop was opened in Shibuya, Tokyo, but soon closed after a robbery. Renamed from Dig to Dug, the business relocated to a basement in Shinjuku.
In 1977, the shop expanded as New Dug to become a multi-level establishment with different concepts and atmospheres for each floor. Above the brick-walled basement bar was a first-floor cake cafe, a spacious second-floor coffee lounge, and a communal round-table lounge on the third floor.
In 1987, Dug relocated elsewhere in Shinjuku.
In 1995, Dug started to host live jazz events, and famous Japanese and international players including Tommy Flanagan performed here.
In 2000, Dug moved to a new location in Shinjuku and hosted live jazz with famous musicians including Archie Shepp, Dave Pike, and Steve Kuhn.
In 2004, a book with essays and photos about Dug and Shinjuku jazz was published as The Story of Shinjuku DIG DUG (新宿 DIG DUG 物語 ～中平穂積読本～).
In 2007, Dug (the location operating since 2000) closed.
Since then, New Dug (the location operating since 1977) carried on the legacy under the name Dug.
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Located near Shinjuku station in Tokyo