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Japanese pubs in Vietnam are usually geared towards Japanese customers and have a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. Machibuse, however, offers a different kind of ambiance, portraying Japan in the 1980s – a time of freedom and Westernization. Join Travellive as we explore this fascinating pub.
Machibuse - the name originates from a song.
The 1980s in Japan can be considered one of the country's golden ages since World War II, with a booming economy (albeit a bubble economy). Western culture rapidly infiltrated the country, leading young people to embrace a life of hedonism and indulge in revelry.
Gone are many of the old-world charms of Japan; now, the glittering, luxurious glow of neon lights blankets Tokyo. Young people, dressed in shimmering knitted dresses and jackets, flock to bars and pubs, ready to stay up all night until the last taxi leaves the streets.
A very typical corner of Machibuse.
Located in a small alley off Chua Lang Street, Machibuse pub is a modest establishment with a small, single-story space. Despite its limited size, everything here is surprisingly inviting.
Machibuse is adorned with numerous purple neon lights, its walls are covered with banners and posters, and its bookshelves are filled with magazines (including nude magazines), giving the cafe a unique and distinctive atmosphere. The owner, Vu Minh (32 years old, living in Hanoi), shared: “I like singer Ishikawa Hitomi the most among the singers of the 70s and 80s, and Machibuse is the name of one of her songs.”
The 1980s also marked a period of cultural exchange, music, and literature from the West to Japan. And it was during these nine golden years (1980-1989) that Japan witnessed the explosion of the idol movement (Golden Age of Idols) with prominent singers such as Seiko Matsuda, Akina Nakamori, Kyōko Koizumi, and Onyanko Club. The concept of Shōwa Idols (which ended in 1989) refers to these idols born during the Showa era, with their completely new, free-spirited, and distinctive musical style.
Vu Minh, originally a history student who studied in France, developed a deep love and passion for the colorful Japanese culture. He said, "I didn't know anything about anime or manga, unlike what many people think about someone who likes Japanese culture. I accidentally heard Japanese music from the 1980s and liked it. After learning more, I came to like many other Japanese things, and coincidentally, they all coincided in that time period (the 1980s)."
A space filled with posters of famous Japanese singers and actors from the 70s and 80s.
Minh's pub is open from 7 PM to 2 AM. Machibuse primarily sells alcohol – which is not surprising for a typical pub – but the owner confided, "I want to combine it with food to turn it into a kind of izakaya pub." (Izakaya is a popular Japanese style of drinking establishment).
The pub only plays music from vinyl records.
Typically, other Japanese pubs follow a very distinctly Japanese model, whether traditional or modern, with minimalist, square layouts incorporating lots of wooden furniture, sliding doors, fabric curtains, etc., but Machibuse is completely different.
What makes this cafe so impressive is that the entire space is filled with music from vinyl records, not from modern equipment. It's also a prime spot for young people to take Instagram-worthy photos, as the vinyl record section is overflowing with rare singles and albums, even for those unfamiliar to Japanese people. This clearly shows the owner's love for Japan and their investment in Machibuse.
Typically, other Japanese pubs follow a very distinctly Japanese model, whether traditional or modern, with minimalist, square layouts incorporating lots of wooden furniture, sliding doors, fabric curtains, etc., but Machibuse is completely different.
These singles and albums are rare. Even for locals, they are difficult to buy.
The owner added: "I opened this place mainly so that people who share a passion for City Pop music (music from the 70s and 80s) have a place to hang out regularly and listen to music together."
The cafe not only has expensive vinyl records but also a range of valuable souvenirs, such as a monkey-shaped ice shaver that makes monkey sounds when it's running, or a telephone that looks like a Coca-Cola can… The cafe also displays many other Japanese souvenirs produced in the 70s and 80s that are still relatively new. It is known that the owner put a lot of effort into collecting and bringing these items from Japan to Vietnam.
The bar's souvenir display area. Besides the liquor, you can see in the distance a copy of Goro magazine (a nude magazine) or framed pictures with autographs by idols.
Sitting and chatting with him for a while, listening to him share about the culture and atmosphere of City Pop, it was almost late at night. He offered the Travellive reporter a glass of green wine with a creamy white foam on top.
He said, "This is the restaurant's signature dish, called Midori Sour. Midori means green in Japanese."
The Midori Sour drink is a sweet and sour beverage with a creamy egg custard flavor.
The mildly sweet and sour flavor of the green liquid combined with the creamy white foam makes this drink light and easy to drink. But remember, it's alcohol, so if you can't handle a lot, you should stop at one glass.
Vu Minh also shared that the restaurant will be selling more grilled dishes and light snacks alongside the main snacks to give customers more choices.
Make your own stained glass
One unique feature of the cafe is the glass counter, which was handcrafted by the owner, Vu Minh, and a staff member. The name of the cafe, "Machibuse," is printed across the entire surface with soft and beautiful lines.
The cafe also features a stained glass window with a picture of singer Ishikawa Hitomi – Vu Minh's idol – which he also made himself. The glass displays nine images of this famous singer, symbolizing nine songs that have made her famous and established her career.
This stained-glass artwork encapsulates many years of Ishikawa Hitomi's career.
It's clear that he meticulously cares for every corner of the cafe, transforming it into something unique, distinctive, and eye-catching. This reminded the reporter of the characteristic traits of the Japanese people.
Another space at Machibuse.
Machibuse isn't a bustling, noisy, or overly crowded pub. It's simply a pub for those who love City Pop style and music, or for guests looking for a fresh and unique atmosphere. Therefore, the pub has a modest, simple location and space, reflecting the owner's personal touch.
Hopefully, with the above article, Travellive magazine readers will have more new and attractive destinations for those who are unsure where to go or what to do on a weekend evening.
