Toki-O Nights kissaten with Technics & Suntory Toki whisky
Suntory Toki Whisky, together with Technics, is set to bring a new ritual to UK nightlife with the launch of Toki-O Nights, a new series of free and ticketed music-led events inspired by Tokyo’s iconic kissaten and listening bar culture, reimagined for a new era of intentional socialising.
Launching on 3rd June at Spiritland Kings Cross, Toki-O Nights will continue from June to December across a curated selection of listening bars and music-led venues in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, with events taking place on two Wednesdays a month throughout the series. The programme will roll out across venues including: Spiritland, London; Equal Parts, London; Bar Shrimp, Manchester; Mitsu, London; Caley Bar, Edinburgh; The Listening Room, London; Mad Cats, London; Archive & Myth, London; and Jazu, London. Blending exceptional sound and vinyl-led DJ sets with the crisp refreshment of the Toki Japanese Highball, the series celebrates the meeting point of heritage and modern culture.
Created by Toki and delivered in partnership with Technics, Toki-O Nights will pair Japan’s iconic Whisky Highball with immersive, music-led experiences, giving guests the chance to discover the brand in a contemporary yet culturally driven setting. Technics, renowned Japanese audio brand, will be curating an eclectic vinyl-led line-up of globally respected selectors and pioneering artists spanning jazz, soul and electronic sounds.
From Nina Yamada and Mari Kimura to Zag Erlat from My Analog Journal, alongside a wider cast of culturally influential vinyl DJs and tastemakers whose sets bridge heritage and modernity – reflecting Toki’s own spirit of ‘old meets new’. All performances will be powered by Technics’ high-quality SL-1200GR2 and EAH-A800 headphones, ensuring an immersive, high-fidelity listening experience. Select venues will also have a dedicated Listening Station throughout the month, offering a more intimate way to engage with the music – inviting guests to tune in and enjoy a Toki Highball.
“Technics has long been rooted in precision sound and authentic listening experiences, making this partnership with Suntory Toki Whisky a natural fit and extremely exciting.’ Comments Frank Balzuweit, Technical Marketing Lead for Technics ‘Toki-O Nights, is about more than music; it’s about creating space for people to connect and come together to truly appreciate sound, inspired by Tokyo’s legendary kissaten culture.”
Alongside the free Wednesday DJ performances, Toki-O Nights will also introduce a limited series of ticketed sessions designed to draw guests further into the worlds of sound, craft and culture. Ranging from intimate Q&As with Technics hi-fi experts to immersive workshops exploring Japanese vinyl culture, these sessions will offer a rare opportunity to get closer to the artistry behind the music. During these sessions, guests will also be invited to discover the art of creating the perfect Japanese Highball.
Inspired by the energy of modern Tokyo, Toki-O Nights reflects the brand’s philosophy of tradition reinvented, where old meets new, and where timeless craft finds expression in contemporary social spaces.
“Toki-O Nights brings together two rituals I have always loved: the Japanese Highball and the art of truly listening. The beauty of the Highball lies in its precision; it is crisp, refreshing and seemingly simple, but every detail matters. Paired with the atmosphere of Japan’s listening bar culture, it creates a moment that feels both considered and social. We’re excited to bring that energy to the UK through a series that celebrates Toki’s spirit of old meets new.” Raffaele Di Monaco, UK House of Suntory Brand Ambassador.
At the heart of each event will be the Toki Japanese Highball: crisp, bright and refreshing, served as the signature drink. Complementing this Japanese favourite, each venue will present its own unique interpretation of the Highball, reimagining it through bespoke twists using Suntory Toki Whisky.
Each edition of Toki-O Nights will spotlight a different venue and selector, giving every event its own identity while staying true to the series’ core idea: creating shared listening experiences that blend Japanese inspiration, elevated sound and modern nightlife.
The free events are expected to be busy, so to guarantee a table, booking a reservation directly via each venue is recommended.