Inside the -196 Konbini Backroom That Turned NYC Into a Tokyo After-Hours Scene

What went down in New York City felt like a transportive cultural moment. On March 27, -196 - the Japanese-born vodka seltzer from Suntory Global Spirits - took over 169 Bowery and reimagined the Lower East Side as a fully immersive konbini experience, tapping into the global fascination with Japanese convenience store culture. For one night only, guests stepped into a space that mixed nightlife and pop culture, setting the tone for the kickoff to seltzer season. The front of the space leaned he...