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
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
GAKUNOWA (楽ノ輪) is a London-based music community which aims to expand and develop the Japanese music social network by linking musicians and holding gigs. Last night I went along to their End of the Year Party at the Old Queen’s Head in Islington and, although I didn’t stay for the whole night, I had a great time! … Continue reading
It’s my birthday tomorrow, and last night I had my present – the chance to see legendary Japanese rock guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei (布袋 寅泰) in concert at the Roundhouse in Camden! I’ve been to quite a lot of concerts in my (gulp) 31 years, but I can honestly say last night’s was one of the best ever. … Continue reading
Beautiful noise. I stand and let the waves of sound wash over me. Some are stronger than others, hitting with a sharp slap. Others gently lap over my tingling skin. I’m mesmerized by her mouth stretching open, her eyes squeezing shut. Can this sound, this beautiful noise really be coming from these four angels? I … Continue reading
2012 is looking like it might be a good year for Japanese music events in the UK. Here are a few upcoming highlights that I’m personally quite excited about… Friday 15th June – Cornelius presents salyu x salyu at the Jazz Cafe The experimental and exploratory music by Japan’s Keigo Oyamada (i.e. Cornelius) combines cheerfully dissonant … Continue reading
Next Saturday, 9th June, there will be a small charity gig in North London to raise money for those affected by the 11th March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku, Japan. The gig, held in association with Seven Beach Aid, will be at Starbucks in Golders Green, and will feature music from O-ARC, Nicolas Bush, and ADOBO (Johan … Continue reading
We’re down to the final three in my A-Z of Japan now, and it’s time for X. There was only one topic that came to mind for the tricky letter, so without further ado… X is for… X Japan! (X Japan Official Website) X Japan (エックス ジャパン) are a Japanese heavy metal band. I’ll confess right … Continue reading
Calling all music-lovers in (or near) Tokyo… The wonderful Saara Takase is having a charity gig in Tokyo on Sunday, 7th August. I would love to go, but obviously can’t. So, I’m hoping some of you might be able to make it instead! (Saara at the Brighton Japan Festival recently) Start time: 8pm Place: Nirai-kanai honnke … Continue reading
Haikugirl's Japan 