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
“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
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
“Mukashi mukashi, aru tokoro ni…” (昔々あるところに。。。) – Once upon a time, long long ago… That was how my Sunday evening at Café Kino in Bristol began. I attended an event called ‘Myth and Music of Old Japan‘ by Mukashi Mukashi, a group of four musicians with one storyteller. All around the small stage in the over-crowded café … Continue reading
Last Saturday I spent the day in London at the Japan Matsuri – London’s annual event celebrating Japanese culture. The event has grown over the few years that I’ve known it, and is now in its fifth consecutive year. For the second year running the event was held in Trafalgar Square. I admit I was … Continue reading
I’m afraid I’m a bit behind with my blog posts at the moment, and I’ve been meaning to review this CD since June! Apologies for the delay, but I figured better late than never! Another reason for my delay is that I’ve been waiting and hoping the right words would come to me. When I … Continue reading
Apologies for the time it’s taken me to publish this post! HYPER JAPAN seems like a long time ago now, but I still thought it was worth sharing my thoughts on the event. HYPER JAPAN took place in London from 26th – 28th July, and this year I worked on a stall at the event … Continue reading
My knowledge of current Japanese pop music is not all it could be, but I became quite excited when I first heard RAYCHELL’s new album, which will be released on 24th April. RAYCHELL’s debut album, L>R, is a delightful mix of rock, pop and dance, with a couple of sway-inducing ballads thrown in for good … Continue reading
It’s time for A to Wa of Japan again! Last week’s post was about things beginning with け (ke) and we looked at Kesennuma (気仙沼). This week we are looking at things beginning with く (ku). A big thank you to everyone who joined in with suggestions this week: shiotadesu suggested Korilakkuma (コリラックマ / Rilakkuma’s little female friend), Kodomo no hi (子供の日 … Continue reading
Last year on 10th March I attended a concert by Joji Hirota and the London Metropolitan Orchestra at St John’s Wood Church in London (read more about that here). It was absolutely incredible and, as you can imagine, I was thrilled when I heard Joji was back this year with another ‘Beyond the Requiem’ concert … Continue reading
Haikugirl's Japan 