Story by: Wade Webster
Photography by: Eagle Tokyo
January 1, 2022
TOKYO IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING CITIES IN THE world. The scene is vibrant and energizing, but certain spaces are closed to an outsider. Traditional Japanese bars in the gay district of Shinjuku Ni-chome are small, close-knit communities formed around discretion. Four years ago, Yuta Furukawa brought his vision of the ubiquitous EAGLE to Japan and it reinvigorated the entire scene. Join us as we catch up with him and learn more about EAGLE TOKYO, EAGLE TOKYO BLUE and his NIPPONDANJI brand.
Drummer: How long have you been in the nightlife industry?
Yuta: It has been almost 10 years for me. I used to work in an investment bank before I created my company.
Drummer: What inspired you to create EAGLE TOKYO?
Yuta: I wanted to increase the market for my beloved bears in Japan. I thought that, if I made an EAGLE here, I would be able to connect with bears from all over the world. We have also planned for TOKYO BEAR WEEK, and the club party BEARRFUKKER. Both events are still on the way.
Drummer: Tell me more about the BEARRFUKKER party. What can travelers expect?
Yuta: Cute Asian bears, go-go boys, and bear DJs will welcome all travelers!
Drummer: Bears, bears, bears! How do you compare EAGLE TOKYO and EAGLE TOKYO BLUE?
Yuta: As you know, EAGLE TOKYO is too small to throw parties. I created EAGLE TOKYO BLUE to mix with gay club culture.
Drummer: There are EAGLE bars all over the world. Have you visited any of the others?
Yuta: I visited EAGLE NYC two years ago. That is what I am trying to make here–something dark, sexy, and dirty, with great music. I have also made a patio for EAGLE TOKYO, because they can be found in EAGLEs all over the world. Unfortunately, the patio is closed due to the pandemic. I think that what I have made in Japan is EAGLE-like, but still very unique.
EAGLE wants to spread Japanese gay culture to the world.
Drummer: I think you’ve done a great job of merging the two. I have to ask, how has COVID affected EAGLE TOKYO?
Yuta: We have totally closed all bars for four months.
Drummer: Drummer Magazine focuses on bears and fetish culture. Do you host any fetish events?
Yuta: I believe the most popular bear festish in Japan is Fundoshi. We have not done Fundoshi events at the EAGLE, but we have a lot of Fundoshi parties in Japan.
Drummer: A Fundoshi party would be a hit during Tokyo Bear Week! You have done a terrific job of continuing the art of G-Men Magazine through your Nippondanji clothing and lifestyle brand. The Jiraiya model in Eagle Tokyo is iconic, and you work with some of the best illustrators around: Tagame, Jiraiya, Kaz, Go Fujimoto, SUV, Inuyoshi, Ebisubashi. What does the future hold in store?
Yuta: We will continue to work with these artists. Like many other parts of Japanese culture, some artists do not have the ability to communicate with their fans. EAGLE wants to support them and spread Japanese gay culture to the world, and this is very important to us.
Learn more at eagletokyo.com
