I was walking through the back alleys of Kagurazaka, the "little Kyoto" area of Tokyo, when I saw the magic word (jazz) on a sign. Unfortunately it was only 3pm so I had to come back at night to investigate further, but the Corner Pocket was worth the return trip. It's a small hole in the wall which can't hold more than 20 people, but it has a real warm vibe. The owner Matsura-san is incredibly friendly; within 30 seconds of me sitting down we got into a conversation about jazz and his little bar.

Matsura-san plays the trumpet, and opened the Corner Pocket in 1982. He spent some time in NYC soaking up the scene then came back to work as an "event producer". He's a huge swing fan but his collection of over 4000 records covers all genres. Amazingly for such a small place, Saturdays frequently have jam sessions with Matsura and a revolving cast of players. Matsura-san said on jam nights he clears out the two or three tables that are in the place and has people stand; with most of his customers regulars no one seems to mind and the atmosphere is always welcoming. I spent about half-an-hour just chatting with him and before leaving (but after using the "meditation room", i.e. bathroom) promised I would come back soon for one of the jam sessions...