The aesthetic, peppered with pan-Asian flavours, is firmly rooted in the idea of bringing the vigour of izakayas (typical Japanese bar) to the heart of the country's bustling capital. Akachōchin is Studio Dangg's eccentric effort to capture the essence of Japan's old street bars and organize a space conducive to casual encounters and conversation over endless food and drink courses.

The eye-catching red neon lighting is a modern interpretation of the historic paper lanterns of typical Japanese street restaurants. The bar's red signage, along with the neon lights outside, draw potential customers' attention. These neon lights, which mark the upstairs balcony and arouse the interest of passersby, are a reference to the famous streets of Southeast Asia full of bars.

A running theme throughout the bar is the stark contrast between the exterior and interior. This philosophy arises from the close relationship that izakayas have with yokochos - the typical Japanese alleys lined with dozens of these bars. Indeed, one cannot exist without the other, yokochos being undoubtedly a silent but essential part of the experience of visiting an izakaya. As we walk towards the entrance, we are greeted by a kind of exterior pavement in rough grey, which is instantly eliminated when we enter the restaurant, when a staircase appears flooded with red lighting. Here, we unconsciously associate grey tones with everything external and the colour red with interiors. As you go up the stairs, this association is reinforced by the strong presence of the colour red throughout the upper floor.

The bar's interiors evoke a feeling of being on the street, and the polarity of the two materials in use surprisingly blurs the line between interior and exterior. As you would expect in a Japanese street restaurant, the furniture has been arranged informally, inviting visitors to leave the stress of the working day behind and relax.

The space transitions effortlessly from a bistro suitable for a quick lunch to a speakeasy at night, perfect for long conversations or an after-work drink. The atmosphere in the bar, which goes by the name Gonzo, remains relaxed and unpretentious, quietly encouraging patrons to get comfortable and lose track of time.