Tokyo's highly acclaimed Yellow club plans to reopen later this month under the name of eleven.
Before its closure in June 2008, Yellow had risen to legendary status in the Japanese clubbing community, becoming widely acclaimed for its forward thinking music policy, quality sound system and homely atmosphere. The news of its closure wasn't exactly well received by the city's electronic music fans, but they'll be glad to know that it will be reopening on exactly the same site that it used to reside. Although formerly known as Yellow and Spacelab Yellow, the club will now go under the name of eleven, and will be run by most of the same staff that made Yellow such successful operation, but as a different organisation.
The opening party will take place on Friday 18th February and feature an all-night set from Yellow favourite Francois K, who also had the honour of playing at Yellow's closing party nearly two years ago. Desolat's Argentinian representative Guti will play alongside Fumiya Tanaka the following evening, with Timmy Regisford, David Morales and Los Hermanos all set to host events at the club throughout the rest of February.
We spoke to eleven's Yuko Ichikawa to get the lowdown on exactly what happened regarding the closure and reopening of the club.Can you tell us a little bit about the circumstances of the reopening?
Yellow had to move out because the former building owner sold the building to a real-estate company. Rumours are that there was a regional development project. However economic situations got worse in Japan too after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, so it seems like the development plan was called off. Then, someone bought the land and the building. That new owner said OK to having a club in the building. There was a lot of competition, as it's very difficult to find a space like Yellow size, and many people wanted to get that place. Luckily the owner chose us and here we are.
Yellow had quite the reputation for its quality sound. Will the same equipment be installed in Eleven?
I'm so sorry but I can't give you a clear answer to this question. Almost the same. The same staff are working on it very hard to achieve that level. You'll know that when you come here!
What guests do you have coming up in the next few months?
Francois K, Guti, Fumiya Tanaka, Timmy Regisford, David Morales, Los Hermanos, Ken Ishii, Anthony Collins, Lauhaus, Harvey and Garth, Theo Parrish, Danny Krivit, Mark E, Sammy Dee, Rob Smith and Flying Lotus, while Tony Humphries, Extrawelt, Marc Schneider, Mathias Kaden, Seth Troxler and Pier Bucci are currently being confirmed. There are many artists who I want to hear at our club, but I got a late start. It will take time to be a great club, but we will try our best no matter how long it takes. We need your support!