Roppongi Pit Inn - Revision history

Plopilpy: 1 sentence

2026-09-05T09:35:17Z

1 sentence

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:35, 5 September 2026
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	== Notable Artists ==		== Notable Artists ==
	Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sadao Watanabe, and many others.[[File:Hideto_Kitamura_lod.jpg\|thumb\|center\|250px\|Hideto Kitamura Group performing at Lo-D Plaza.]]		Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sadao Watanabe, and many others. The band Nobu Caine was also formed by Nobu Saito through a 1988 live session at the Pit Inn.[[File:Hideto_Kitamura_lod.jpg\|thumb\|center\|250px\|Hideto Kitamura Group performing at Lo-D Plaza.]]

	== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==		== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==
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	* Kenji Omura, Katsutoshi Morizono, Kazumasa Akiyama, Junji Yamagishi - Guitar Work Shop Vol. 2 Live (1978)		* Kenji Omura, Katsutoshi Morizono, Kazumasa Akiyama, Junji Yamagishi - Guitar Work Shop Vol. 2 Live (1978)
	* Tatsuro Yamashita - It's a Poppin' Time (1978)		* Tatsuro Yamashita - It's a Poppin' Time (1978)
	* Ryuichi Sakamoto & Kakutogi Session - Summer Nerves (1979)
	* Kazumi Watanabe - Kylyn Live (1979)		* Kazumi Watanabe - Kylyn Live (1979)
	* Steps Ahead - Smokin' In The Pit (1981)		* Steps Ahead - Smokin' In The Pit (1981)

Plopilpy: I don't remember what I changed

2026-03-03T03:24:24Z

I don't remember what I changed

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:24, 3 March 2026
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	'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26th, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.{{multiple image		'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26th, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.{{multiple image
	}}		}}
			[[File:Sadao Watanabe PitInn Flyer.jpg\|alt=A flyer for Sadao Watanabe's 1985 Christmas concert at the Roppongi Pit Inn.\|thumb\|310x310px\|A flyer for Sadao Watanabe's 1985 Christmas concert at the Roppongi Pit Inn.]]
	[[File:~~Lod_advertisement~~.jpg\|thumb\|~~right\|250px~~\|A ~~magazine advertisement~~ for ~~Lo-D Plaza with visitor information~~.]]

	== History ==		== History ==
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	== Notable Artists ==		== Notable Artists ==
	Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and many others.[[File:Hideto_Kitamura_lod.jpg\|thumb\|center\|250px\|Hideto Kitamura Group performing at Lo-D Plaza.]]		Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sadao Watanabe, and many others.[[File:Hideto_Kitamura_lod.jpg\|thumb\|center\|250px\|Hideto Kitamura Group performing at Lo-D Plaza.]]

	== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==		== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==

Plopilpy: minor phrasing changes

2026-02-27T21:25:41Z

minor phrasing changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 27 February 2026
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	}}		}}

	'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.{{multiple image		'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26th, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.{{multiple image
	}}		}}

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	== History ==		== History ==
	The Pit Inn name was started by car enthusiast Yoshitake Sato, who opened a café in an alleyway behind Shinjuku Dori in 1965, with the intent of a hangout spot for fellow car enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the backstreet location of this coffee shop meant it was not easily accessible by car, and was difficult for locals to find. While the Pit Inn café failed in attracting car enthusiasts, many customers ~~appeared~~ just to listen to the live jazz music that was performed in the background. Many of Sato's customers were aspiring jazz musicians who had no venues to perform their music, and Sato ~~felt~~ he could flip his failed café into a welcoming jazz bar. A stage space was created on the floor, and ~~events began,~~ with ~~drinks priced at 250 yen. With~~ this, the Shinjuku Pit Inn was born. Sato recalls that the first performer to take the stage was drummer Fumio Watanabe, [[Sadao Watanabe]]'s younger brother.		The Pit Inn name was started by car enthusiast Yoshitake Sato, who opened a café in an alleyway behind Shinjuku Dori in 1965, with the intent of a hangout spot for fellow car enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the backstreet location of this coffee shop meant it was not easily accessible by car, and was difficult for locals to find. While the Pit Inn café failed in attracting car enthusiasts, many customers attended just to listen to the live jazz music that was performed in the background. Many of Sato's customers were aspiring jazz musicians who had no venues to perform their music, and Sato realized he could flip his failed café into a welcoming jazz bar. A stage space was created on the floor, and with this, the Shinjuku Pit Inn was born, with drinks priced at 250 yen. Sato recalls that the first performer to take the stage was drummer Fumio Watanabe, [[Sadao Watanabe]]'s younger brother.

	The name ‘Pit Inn’ originates from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop.		The name ‘Pit Inn’ originates from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Sato added an extra 'n' to the name to give it a more balanced look, with 3 letters on both words.

	After 12 greatly successful years for the Shinjuku Pit Inn, Sato was one day approached by a live music venue owner in Roppongi, who offered Sato the role of taking over his business. Having idolized the Roppongi shopping district in his youth, Sato accepted the offer, figuring that if it failed he could always return to Shinjuku. He set up a new Pit Inn location, and ~~thus,~~ Roppongi Pit Inn was born. For the first 2 months, the Roppongi Pit Inn was deserted. Unlike the working culture of Shinjuku, which died down at 11 PM for customers to catch their trains back home, Roppongi came alive at night, where most shows came alive at 11 PM and lasted into the early morning.		After 12 greatly successful years for the Shinjuku Pit Inn, Sato was one day approached by a live music venue owner in Roppongi, who offered Sato the role of taking over his business. Having idolized the Roppongi shopping district in his youth, Sato accepted the offer, figuring that if it failed he could always return to Shinjuku. He set up a new Pit Inn location, and Roppongi Pit Inn was born, officially opening on August 25th, 1977. For the first 2 months, the Roppongi Pit Inn was deserted. Unlike the working culture of Shinjuku, which died down at 11 PM for customers to catch their trains back home, Roppongi came alive at night, where most shows came alive at 11 PM and lasted into the early morning.

	Roppongi Pit Inn's dry spell came to an end in October of 1977, when Sato was approached by the promoter for the concert between Sadao Watanabe and Lee Ritenour's Gentle Thoughts. The promoter asked Sato if he would consider hosting a concert solely for Gentle Thoughts, which Sato agreed to, not having much to lose. Over the next 2 days, the shows attracted around 1,200 customers, and ~~with that~~, Roppongi Pit Inn suddenly bloomed into a hot spot for fusion. In November, Larry Carlton also held a performance, yet again attracting over 1,000 customers. ~~From this point on~~, Roppongi Pit Inn became the ~~mecca~~ for fusion, attracting some of Japan's biggest fusion artists and hosting massive concert events, such as Guitar Workshop Live and Kylyn Live.		Roppongi Pit Inn's dry spell came to an end in October of 1977, when Sato was approached by the promoter for the concert between Sadao Watanabe and Lee Ritenour's Gentle Thoughts. The promoter asked Sato if he would consider hosting a concert solely for Gentle Thoughts, to which Sato agreed, not having much to lose. Over the next 2 days, the shows attracted around 1,200 customers, and following this concert, Roppongi Pit Inn suddenly bloomed into a hot spot for jazz fusion. In November, Larry Carlton also held a performance, yet again attracting over 1,000 customers. Over the coming years, Roppongi Pit Inn became the Mecca for fusion, attracting some of Japan's biggest fusion artists and hosting massive concert events, such as Guitar Workshop Live and Kylyn Live.

	== Overview ==		== Overview ==
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	== Notable Artists ==		== Notable Artists ==
	Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and many others.		Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and many others.[[File:Hideto_Kitamura_lod.jpg\|thumb\|center\|250px\|Hideto Kitamura Group performing at Lo-D Plaza.]]



	[[File:Hideto_Kitamura_lod.jpg\|thumb\|center\|250px\|Hideto Kitamura Group performing at Lo-D Plaza.]]

	== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==		== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==

Plopilpy: /* Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn */

2026-02-23T22:20:23Z

Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:20, 23 February 2026
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	}}		}}

	'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.		'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.{{multiple image
	{{multiple image
	}}		}}

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	== Notable Artists ==		== Notable Artists ==
	Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and many others.		Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Keep, W.I.N.S, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Masayoshi Takanaka, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and many others.


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	== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==		== Albums Recorded at Roppongi Pit Inn ==

			* Kenji Omura, Katsutoshi Morizono, Kazumasa Akiyama, Junji Yamagishi - Guitar Work Shop Vol. 2 Live (1978)
			* Tatsuro Yamashita - It's a Poppin' Time (1978)
			* Ryuichi Sakamoto & Kakutogi Session - Summer Nerves (1979)
			* Kazumi Watanabe - Kylyn Live (1979)
			* Steps Ahead - Smokin' In The Pit (1981)
			* Shigeharu Mukai Morning Flight - Live 97 (1981)
			* Naoya Matsuoka - Welcome (1983)
			* Minako Yoshida - In Motion (1983)
			* Hiro Tsunoda Presents Session Grand Prix - Live At Pit Inn (1983)
			* Yosuke Yamashita - Picasso - Live, And Then... (1983)
			* Ryojiro Furusawa, Lee Oskar - Friendly (1982)
			* The Players - Live At Roppongi Pit Inn (1985)
			* Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Live At Pit Inn (1986)
			* Kenso - Music For Unknown Five Musicians (1986)
			* The Gadd Gang - On Digital Video (1988)
			* Tatsuro Yamashita - Joy (1989)
			* Nobu Caine - Nobu Caine 2 (1990)
			* Kenso – Live '92 (1993)
			* Kenso - Inei No Fue ~ Live Vol. 2 (1995)
			* Prism - Uncovered (1995)
			* Dimension - Sixth Dimension "Live" (1996)
			* Masato Honda B.B.Station - Live At Roppongi Pit Inn (1998)
			* Kenso - Hitoku-sei Shinsho (2000)
			* Allan Holdsworth - All Night Wrong (2002)
			* Allan Holdsworth Group - Then! (2004)
			* Himiko Kikuchi Big Band - Himiko Kikuchi Big Band Live (2000)
			* Masaki Matsubara, Triforce - Live 1990-94 (At Roppongi Pit Inn) (2005)<br />

	== List of Live Performances ==		== List of Live Performances ==
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	== Gallery ==		== Gallery ==
	<gallery widths="200" mode="packed">		<gallery widths="200" mode="packed">
	File:02-roppongi.gaikan big.jpg\|The exterior ~~to the~~ Roppongi Pit Inn, ~~as seen in~~ the ~~late 70s~~.		File:02-roppongi.gaikan big.jpg\|The exterior of Roppongi Pit Inn, at the time of its opening.
	File:PitinnExterior.gif\|alt=		File:PitinnExterior.gif\|alt=
	File:Whatship PitinnEntrance.JPG\|The entrance stairway to the basement.		File:Whatship PitinnEntrance.JPG\|The entrance stairway to the basement.

Plopilpy at 19:55, 23 February 2026

2026-02-23T19:55:59Z

Show changes

Plopilpy: overview section

2026-02-23T18:51:54Z

overview section

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 23 February 2026
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	\| type = Live house		\| type = Live house
	\| seating_type = chairs?		\| seating_type = chairs?
	\| capacity = 5		\| capacity = 40 (approx.)
	\| record_attendance = 10 billion		\| record_attendance = 10 billion
	\| dimensions =		\| dimensions =
	\| acreage =		\| acreage =
	~~\| built = 1977~~
	\| opened = 1977/08/25		\| opened = 1977/08/25
	\| renovated = 1990?		\| renovated = 1990?
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	== History ==		== History ==
	The Pit Inn name was started by car enthusiast Yoshitake Sato, who opened a café in an alleyway behind Shinjuku Dori in 1965, with the intent of a hangout spot for fellow car enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the backstreet location of this coffee shop meant it was not easily accessible by car, and was difficult for locals to find. While the Pit Inn café failed in attracting car enthusiasts, many customers appeared just to listen to the live jazz music that was performed in the background. Many of Sato's customers were aspiring jazz musicians who had no venues to perform their music, and Sato felt he could flip his failed café into a welcoming jazz bar. A stage space was created on the floor, and events began, with drinks priced at 250 yen. With this, the Shinjuku Pit Inn was born. Sato recalls that the first performer to take the stage was drummer Fumio Watanabe, [[Sadao Watanabe]]'s younger brother.		The Pit Inn name was started by car enthusiast Yoshitake Sato, who opened a café in an alleyway behind Shinjuku Dori in 1965, with the intent of a hangout spot for fellow car enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the backstreet location of this coffee shop meant it was not easily accessible by car, and was difficult for locals to find. While the Pit Inn café failed in attracting car enthusiasts, many customers appeared just to listen to the live jazz music that was performed in the background. Many of Sato's customers were aspiring jazz musicians who had no venues to perform their music, and Sato felt he could flip his failed café into a welcoming jazz bar. A stage space was created on the floor, and events began, with drinks priced at 250 yen. With this, the Shinjuku Pit Inn was born. Sato recalls that the first performer to take the stage was drummer Fumio Watanabe, [[Sadao Watanabe]]'s younger brother. [[:en:Live_house\|Live house]]

	The name ‘Pit Inn’ originates from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop.		The name ‘Pit Inn’ originates from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop.
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	== Overview ==		== Overview ==
	Unlike the other venues, Roppongi Pit Inn was quickly known to be the place ~~to go~~ for fusion and crossover music. Local magazines, especially Pia, Adlib, and JazzLife, often		Unlike the other venues, Roppongi Pit Inn was quickly known to be the go-to place for fusion and crossover music. Local magazines, especially Pia, Adlib, and JazzLife, often covered the various events which were held there. Collaborative concerts were popular there as well, attracting joint shows between some of Japan's top fusion artists, such as Kazumi Watanabe, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Masayoshi Takanaka, and Akira Wada.




			Being conveniently located under the CBS Sony Roppongi Studio, Roppongi Pit Inn was connected into the above floor's multi-track recording system. This made it ideal to record live session albums, such as Kazumi Watanabe's ''Kylyn Live'' and Tatsuro Yamashita's ''It's a Poppin' Time''.

			In August 1987, Roppongi Pit Inn celebrated it's 10th anniversary, and a commemorative live concert was held at Yomiuri Land East, featuring Minako Yoshida, Sadao Watanabe, Orquesta Del Sol, Omar Hakim, and a reunion of Kylyn. The pamphlet for this concert includes every Pit Inn live schedule printed in the back.

	== Notable Artists ==		== Notable Artists ==
	Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres.		Roppongi Pit Inn played host to a great majority of popular Japanese bands and artists throughout its lifespan, featuring artists from Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, and Electronic genres. Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and many others.
	Popular Jazz Fusion artists that frequently performed at Roppongi Pit Inn include [[Casiopea]], [[Prism]], [[T-Square]], [[Space Circus]], Crosswind, Kazumi Watanabe, Katsutoshi Morizono, Kazumasa Akiyama, Kenji Omura, Jun Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Naruse, Naniwa Express, Lalena, 99.99, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Kenso, Naoya Matusoka, and many others.

Plopilpy: history section

2026-02-23T18:35:31Z

history section

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 23 February 2026
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	\| coordinates = {{Coord\|35.66154\|139.7373\|type:landmark\|display=inline,title}}		\| coordinates = {{Coord\|35.66154\|139.7373\|type:landmark\|display=inline,title}}
	\| elevation = <!-- -2 meters -->		\| elevation = <!-- -2 meters -->
	\| owner = ~~Keiji Ono~~		\| owner = Yoshitake Sato
	\| type = Live house		\| type = Live house
	\| seating_type = chairs?		\| seating_type = chairs?
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	}}		}}

	'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located on the ~~first floor~~ of , in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from 1977 ~~August 25~~ to ~~2004~~ July 26, until the building was demolished. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from ~~???~~. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.		'''Roppongi Pit Inn''' (六本木ピットイン) was a [[wikipedia:Live_house\|live house]] located in the basement of the former [[:ja:ソニー・ミュージックスタジオ#%E6%97%A7%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%82%AA\|CBS Sony Roppongi Studio]], in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. It operated from August 25th, 1977, to July 26, 2004, until the building was demolished due to redevelopment of the surrounding area. The name ‘Pit Inn’ is derived from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop. Roppongi Pit Inn was a sister location of Shinjuku Pit Inn. Shinjuku Pit Inn is more of a purist jazz venue whereas Roppongi Pit Inn was dubbed as the Mecca of jazz fusion in Japan.
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	== History ==		== History ==
	The ~~mid-seventies~~ in ~~Japan saw~~ a ~~trend of most major audio manufacturers (incl~~. ~~[[wikipedia:Victor_Entertainment\|Victor]]~~, [[wikipedia:Sansui_Electric\|Sansui]], [[wikipedia:Sony\|Sony]], [[wikipedia:Technics_(brand)\|Technics]], [[wikipedia:Toshiba\|Toshiba]] and Hitachi) establishing their own individual showrooms at locations across Tokyo to showcase their newest additions and advancements to their lineup of ~~audio products~~, ~~offering product testing~~ and ~~various listening experiences~~ to ~~members of the public~~. ~~As part of~~ the ~~experience~~, ~~most showrooms would additionally host~~ live ~~performances~~ of ~~popular local artists as a means~~ to ~~showcase the ability of~~ their ~~audio equipment~~, and ~~further drive customers to the venues in~~ a ~~form of mutual advertisement~~. ~~All concerts~~ and events ~~that took place~~ at ~~Hitachi Lo-D Plaza were completely free of charge~~, as was the ~~case for most of these audio manufacturer showrooms~~.		The Pit Inn name was started by car enthusiast Yoshitake Sato, who opened a café in an alleyway behind Shinjuku Dori in 1965, with the intent of a hangout spot for fellow car enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the backstreet location of this coffee shop meant it was not easily accessible by car, and was difficult for locals to find. While the Pit Inn café failed in attracting car enthusiasts, many customers appeared just to listen to the live jazz music that was performed in the background. Many of Sato's customers were aspiring jazz musicians who had no venues to perform their music, and Sato felt he could flip his failed café into a welcoming jazz bar. A stage space was created on the floor, and events began, with drinks priced at 250 yen. With this, the Shinjuku Pit Inn was born. Sato recalls that the first performer to take the stage was drummer Fumio Watanabe, [[Sadao Watanabe]]'s younger brother.

	~~Alongside~~ live ~~performances~~, ~~Lo-D Plaza would also host film~~ and ~~video screenings~~, ~~album listening parties~~, ~~DJ sessions~~, ~~performance art~~, ~~comedy~~ shows, and a ~~weekly amateur band~~ concert. In ~~addition to these activities~~, a ~~monthly radio program titled "FM Sound In Now" was recorded live from Lo-D Plaza~~, ~~hosted by music icon Kouichi Sugiyama~~. ~~This program ran from~~ the ~~mid to late 70s~~.		The name ‘Pit Inn’ originates from the term "pit in", a verb used in motorsports when referring to the entry of a pit stop.

			After 12 greatly successful years for the Shinjuku Pit Inn, Sato was one day approached by a live music venue owner in Roppongi, who offered Sato the role of taking over his business. Having idolized the Roppongi shopping district in his youth, Sato accepted the offer, figuring that if it failed he could always return to Shinjuku. He set up a new Pit Inn location, and thus, Roppongi Pit Inn was born. For the first 2 months, the Roppongi Pit Inn was deserted. Unlike the working culture of Shinjuku, which died down at 11 PM for customers to catch their trains back home, Roppongi came alive at night, where most shows came alive at 11 PM and lasted into the early morning.

			Roppongi Pit Inn's dry spell came to an end in October of 1977, when Sato was approached by the promoter for the concert between Sadao Watanabe and Lee Ritenour's Gentle Thoughts. The promoter asked Sato if he would consider hosting a concert solely for Gentle Thoughts, which Sato agreed to, not having much to lose. Over the next 2 days, the shows attracted around 1,200 customers, and with that, Roppongi Pit Inn suddenly bloomed into a hot spot for fusion. In November, Larry Carlton also held a performance, yet again attracting over 1,000 customers. From this point on, Roppongi Pit Inn became the mecca for fusion, attracting some of Japan's biggest fusion artists and hosting massive concert events, such as Guitar Workshop Live and Kylyn Live.

	== Overview ==		== Overview ==

ActuallyTanner: Copied Lo-D Plaza text and there may still be a lot of crumbs of it.

2026-02-17T21:15:06Z

Copied Lo-D Plaza text and there may still be a lot of crumbs of it.

Show changes

Plopilpy: added page (will fix formatting issues and update info soon)

2026-01-04T04:03:51Z

added page (will fix formatting issues and update info soon)

New page

{{Infobox venue
| name = Roppongi Pit Inn
| native_name = 六本木ピットイン
| native_name_lang = Japanese
| logo_image = [[File:Pit Inn.svg.svg|150px]]
| logo_size = 150px
| image = <br>[[File:02-gaikan2 big.jpg|250px|frameless|center|alt=Roppongi Pit Inn Interior.|The interior of the Roppongi Pit Inn.]]
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| caption = The interior of the Roppongi Pit Inn.
| address = Shimei Bldg. B1, 3-17-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tōkyō 106-0032
| coordinates = {{Coord|35.66154|139.7373|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| elevation = 
| owner = Keiji Ono
| type = Live house
| seating_type = chairs?
| capacity = 5
| record_attendance = 10 billion
| dimensions =
| acreage =
| built = 1977
| opened = 1977/08/25
| renovated = 1990?
| closed = 2004/07/26
| demolished = 2004
| rebuilt =
| yearsactive = 1977-2004
| embedded =
}}