Keeping up with a Japanese culture blog when you lead a busy life can be hard, but it seems that whatever I do, wherever I go, Japan finds me. A lot of my free time these days is taken up with Latin dancing (salsa and bachata), and a while ago my teacher pointed out that one … Continue reading
The UK’s number one Tsugaru shamisen player Hibiki Ichikawa is back with a sensational new album, aptly called ‘Shami-sensational’. This fantastic album contains 8 new tracks, featuring the shamisen player himself, as well as guest vocals from Akari Mochizuki and instruments from a number of other contributors. Check out some samples from the album in … Continue reading
Moving on from Matsuyama and back to the mainland, on Sunday 13th December I took the ferry to Hiroshima (広島), one of my favourite cities in Japan. I don’t know what it is about Hiroshima, and I’ve only been there a few times before, but I absolutely love it. It’s a well-designed city, and I like … Continue reading
I don’t have many words today, other than to say that I’m incredibly sad about the passing of the wonderful musician and actor David Bowie. You might be wondering what that has to do with Japan? Well, actually quite a lot. Bowie had a lot of connections with Japan and some of his fashion was … Continue reading
Last time queen of kawaii Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) came to the UK I couldn’t go to her concert and I was gutted, so when I heard she was returning I knew I couldn’t miss it for the world! My friend and I went up to Camden for the night a couple of weeks ago, … Continue reading
Last weekend I went to London for the annual Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square. The Japan Matsuri is now in its 7th year, and I have to say it wasn’t one of the best years I’ve experienced. There were some good acts, but there was nothing I personally thought was that outstanding. Still, I stayed for … Continue reading
“X Japan (エックス・ジャパン) is a Japanese heavy metal band from Chiba, formed in 1982 by drummer Yoshiki and lead vocalist Toshi. Predominantly a power/speed metal band with heavy symphonic elements, they later gravitated towards a progressive sound with an emphasis on ballads. Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while … Continue reading
10th – 12th July 2015 saw the HYPER JAPAN Festival, dubbed ‘the UK’s biggest J-culture event’ come to the O2 in London. Having previously been held at venues such as Olympia and Earls Court, the O2 was a new home for this ever-popular event. I went along on the Saturday and Sunday to get my … Continue reading
Good news for Japan lovers in the UK – it’s only one month now until HYPER JAPAN Festival. This summer event will be taking place at the O2 in London from 10th – 12th July, and tickets are on sale now! The full timetable of what’s on hasn’t yet been announced, but judging by what … Continue reading
When my friend and first Japanese teacher Chika先生 sent me a message to say that Kinoco Hotel were playing live in Bristol and I should go, I knew I should. I had never heard of Kinoco Hotel (キノコホテル), but soon discovered they were a “Japanese, 1960s hotel-themed all-girl group”. Hotel-themed?! I was intrigued. It’s been a … Continue reading
Haikugirl's Japan 