Time Magazine recently proclaimed SuperDeluxe, a gallery and lounge space near Roppongi, as one of the best 100 spots in Asia. When it comes to Tokyo venues, I'd put it in my top three. But SuperDeluxe is no overnight sensation. It is a rare flower that has been skillfully nurtured since its seeds were first sown five years ago at the original Deluxe in the Azabu area.
"We found this fabulous space for our offices. But it was so big -- and expensive -- that we needed partners to pull it off. So we invited the Namaiki design team -- Michael Frank and David Duval-Smith -- to share the space with us," says Mark Dytham, who, together with Astrid Klein, make up Klein Dytham Architecture.
The four founders still use the original space as their offices. But, back then, they also started hosting events -- some impromptu, some planned. Members of the extended family included Rob Jordan (aka DJ Quietstorm) and Mike Kubeck, who was recruited within the first year to help the partners realize their dream of brewing their own micro-beer -- Tokyo Ale.