14-6-2023 (TOKYO) Zouk Group, the renowned nightlife and entertainment brand, has recently announced its plans to expand further by opening club concepts in Tokyo, Japan, and Los Angeles, California. Following the successful launch of Zouk Las Vegas last year, the company is strategically targeting key markets in gateway cities to extend the reach of its brand.
According to CEO Andrew Li, Tokyo and Los Angeles were identified as ideal locations for Zouk’s expansion due to their status as significant strategic markets. Zouk Tokyo is set to open its doors in September or October and will be located in Granbell Square, a vibrant lifestyle and hospitality destination situated in the prestigious Ginza district. The project is being developed in partnership with Belluna, a Japanese company renowned for its Granbell Hotel Group, which operates hotels across Japan and various international locations, including the United States, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
The club in Ginza will be part of a larger establishment, occupying the Corridor Street address, which will also feature a boutique hotel, spa, restaurants, and karaoke rooms. While Zouk Group is considering operating one of the restaurants, the initial focus will be on building a strong team in Tokyo. The club is expected to accommodate approximately 800 to 1,000 people, a considerable capacity for the Tokyo nightlife scene. Additionally, it will incorporate a mezzanine lounge space overlooking the main club, allowing for a flexible setup that can transform into a “superclub” experience.
The club’s design will showcase a signature “mothership” centerpiece, created by the same designer responsible for Zouk’s other renowned projects worldwide. The fourth iteration of the mothership will introduce “kinetic movement” and forward-thinking audio, visual, and lighting effects, promising an unparalleled clubbing experience. Zouk Group also plans to involve Japanese artists in designing the club’s facade and interior art pieces, highlighting the brand’s commitment to art, music, and culture.
Li emphasized the significance of entering the Tokyo market, noting the strong affinity Singaporeans have for Tokyo and Japan as a whole. With the reopening of Japan for international travel, Zouk Tokyo’s launch has garnered significant attention. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand its presence in the food and beverage industry through collaborations in Japan.
In addition to Tokyo, Zouk Group has set its sights on opening a club in Los Angeles. Scheduled for March or April next year, Zouk LA will be located at sbe’s Nightingale club on La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. The 6,500 sq ft space will undergo a redesign by Christian Schulz and the team at Studio Collective, a renowned boutique design agency.
The Tokyo and Los Angeles projects mark a significant milestone for Zouk Group as they are the brand’s first partnerships with third-party operators, highlighting the broad appeal and recognition Zouk has achieved. While the company has received offers to expand to other locations, their strategy remains focused on targeting gateway cities. Li also mentioned that Miami and Ibiza could be potential future targets.
Reflecting on Zouk’s global expansion, Li expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the launch of Zouk Las Vegas propelled the brand onto the global stage. Few nightlife entertainment brands have achieved such global reach, typically concentrating their presence in Europe, the United States, or Asia. This success paved the way for Zouk’s expansion into Japan. Li concluded, “With clubs in Singapore, Malaysia, Las Vegas, and soon Tokyo and Los Angeles, we will join the ranks of only three to five brands that have accomplished such a feat.”
