tokyo gig guide blog

Tokyo Gig Guide presents Farm Party #8 on May 10!

2013-05-07T15:01:00.002+09:00

After work on Friday (May 10 2013), come along to our next edition of Farm Party.

There will be some fun bands and DJs to enjoy -
The cute punk duo 1000s of cats, who rocked Farm Party back in 2010.
The eclectic psychedelic synth-pop avant-rock of Abikyokan, Farm Party's house band.
And appearing at Farm Party for the first time, indie-pop/electro-pop band come to my party.
Also DJ duo The Dad Jackets from London/Tokyo, DJ Ian Martin from Call and Response Records and The Japan Times, DJ Timutaku from Alternative Current and Neet Spirit, and DJ Grant McGaheran from Abikyokan.
Video projections will be provided by craig eee.

The gig opens and kicks off from 6:30 p.m. and costs only 1000 yen (plus 1 drink ticket) at The Ruby Room among the love hotels behind 109 in Shibuya.

The gig on Tokyo Gig Guide
The gig on Facebook

Here's the schedule:

18:30 DJ Grant McGaheran
19:20 DJ Timutaku
20:00 1000s of cats
20:40 Abikyokan
21:10 DJ Ian Martin
21:40 come to my party
22:10 DJ dad jackets

Buying tickets from Lawson

2013-03-13T10:58:00.002+09:00

I noticed that the procedure for buying tickets from the Loppi machines in Lawson convenience stores has changed so here are the updated instructions:

2. Touch the big white square on the left.
3. Enter the 5 digit code.
4. Touch the orange square on the bottom right.
5. Now the concert info, venue, times etc will be displayed. On the right it will show the types of tickets available. Usually it will only display one type (スタンディング (all-standing)), so select that box. If the same artist is playing on more than one day, a calendar will be displayed. In that case, just select the date you want to attend.
6. On the next screen, you will see the number 1 with up and down arrows next to it. Click the arrow to select how many tickets you want to buy. Then touch the bottom right orange icon. Wait while the computer checks if there are tickets left.
7. If there are tickets left, the next screen might appear asking you if you can accept the service charge (105yen). Touch the orange icon.
8. The next screen will appear asking if you have a Lawson ticket card. Two orange icons will be at the bottom of the screen. The left one says "iie" (no) and the right one says "hai" (yes). Touch the left one.
9. A screen displaying the hiragana syllabet will be displayed. Enter your first name in hiragana, then touch the second icon down on the right of the syllabet. Enter your second name and touch the same icon again. Touch the orange icon. If you don't know hiragana, maybe just try entering random characters.
10. Enter your phone number in the format 03-1234-1234. Note: If you're visiting Japan and don't have a telephone number, maybe try entering random numbers. Tokyo phone numbers start with 03.
11. A confirmation screen will appear. On the bottom right will be two orange icons, to confirm (O) or to cancel (X). If all the information is correct, select 'confirm.' If a pop-up appears, touch the orange icon (O).

Find this and more information on buying tickets on the Tokyo Gig Guide Tickets page.

Fuji Rock Festival first lineup announced!

2013-02-28T11:05:00.000+09:00

The first lineup of artists for this year's Fuji Rock Festival has been announced. The headliner for the first day will be Nine Inch Nails and the second day will be Björk. I think I'll be going again this year!

26th: NIN
27th: Björk

The xx, BASSEKOU KOUYATE & NGONI BA, CJ RAMONE, COHEED AND CAMBRIA, DAUGHTER, DEATH GRIPS, DJ SHADOW, FEED ME, FLYING LOTUS, FOALS, FUN., THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND, HURTS, JACK BEATS (DJ SET), JULIO BASHMORE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KYTE, MAYA JANE COLES, MODESELEKTOR, OF MONSTERS AND MEN, PORTER ROBINSON, ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, TAME IMPALA, TOM ODELL, TORO Y MOI, YO LA TENGO

FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL
Day One (26th July 2013)
Day Two (27th July 2013)
Day Three (28th July 2013)

Little in Japan webcomic

2012-11-29T09:58:00.002+09:00

My friend Chris has a great and really funny comic series called Little in Japan. Sometimes it's a little too close to home though! Check it out.

Fuji Rock Festival 2012 - Recommended Japanese Acts

2012-07-15T13:07:00.005+09:00

There are a lot of good Japanese artists to see at this year's Fuji Rock. Here are some of my choices.

Friday 27th

I recommend dancing on Friday night to the dubstep of GOTH-TRAD in the Red Marquee.

For more good electronic music in the Red Marquee, catch eli walks.

Take the chairlift way up in the mountains to the peaceful and weird Day Dreaming and Silent Breeze stage where there is a great lineup of electronic and ambient music like moshimoss, Ametsub (DJ set), Dorian, Eccy and YAKENOHARA.

Enough electronic music? OK, down at Orange Court try to catch the wild instrumental nu-jazz of mouse on the keys.

More interesting stuff is happening over at the little Gypsy Avalon stage with the U-zhaan × mabanua percussion collaboration. On the same stage, you should also try to catch tonchi's experimental steel pan pop. At the tiny Naeba Shokudo stage, drink some nihonshu and trance out to SARATOGA.

For more famous stuff on the big stages, there's Boom Boom Satellites on the Green Stage or DJ Kentaro and Tha Blue Herb on the White Stage.

After 11pm on the Rookie A Go-Go stage outside the entrance, Gezan are sure to be crazy. For math rock, watch Ningen OK, or for something more low key, check out The Keys.

Saturday 28th

Don't miss the atmospheric quiet-loud post-rock of MONO with The Holy Ground Orchestra on the White Stage.

See SPECIAL OTHERS doing their jazzy pop jam on the Green Stage. For jam trance see ROVO on the White Stage.

Denki Groove will fill the Red Marquee with their well-loved techno at midnight. Meanwhile, KINGDOM☆AFROCKS will fill the Palace Of Wonder tent with their Japanese take on afrobeat.

Also around midnight, KINOCOHOTEL will be rocking the intimate Naeba Shokudo bar. Earlier in the day, MOUNTAIN MOCHA KILIMANJARO's funk will be well-suited to Orange Court.

The best band on the Rookie A Go-Go stage on Saturday night will be Yasei Collective.

KETTLES , Tam Tam and STERUSS might also be interesting.

Sunday 29th

There are plenty of good Japanese bands to see on Sunday. A definite highlight will be the theatrical avant jazz of Shibusashirazu Orchestra at Orange Court.

Graduating to the huge Green Stage, toe and their instrumental post-rock will pick things up after lunch.

Hikashu and guests calling themselves GOJIRA・HOSHANO・HIKASYU will bring their orchestral avant-pop to both Orange Court and Gypsy Avalon.

Red Marquee is where it's at on Sunday. If you can get up early enough, Lostage will blow away your hangover. After midnight, dance the night away with DJ BAKU, DE DE MOUSE + Drumrolls and Mop Of Head.

Just before midnight, try to break away from Radiohead or At The Drive-In to see group_inou's electro-hip-hop.

Late at night in the Palace Of Wonder tent, catch Matsuda "CHABE" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico). At the same time, CHARAN-PO-RANTAN will bring their gypsy folk to the little Naeba Shokudo Stage. Go back to Palace Of Wonder at 3:30am for the bizarre MURASAKI BABY DOLL with JVC FORCE TYO performance. Also after midnight, Kyoto's bakebakebar and Fukuoka's macmanaman will be rocking on the Rookie A Go-Go stage.

On the hippy Gypsy Avalon and Field Of Heaven stages, catch the beautiful mellow pop of cero, the alternative rock of tricot and the nu-jazz/post-rock of jizue.

Fuji Rock related posts:

Fuji Rock Festival 2011 Recommended Japanese Acts

Fuji Rock Festival Tips 2010

Fuji Rock Festival Tips 2009

Fuji Rock Festival 2010 Day One Review

Fuji Rock Festival 2010 Day Two Review

Fuji Rock Festival 2010 Day Three Review

Fuji Rock Festival 2009 Review

Fuji Rock Festival 2008 Review

On Tokyo Gig Guide:

Fuji Rock Festival 2012 Day One

Fuji Rock Festival 2012 Day Two

Fuji Rock Festival 2012 Day Three

Funny Band Names 3

2012-03-05T16:36:00.001+09:00

Here are some band names that have made me giggle recently.
For more, check out this list from 2009 and this one from 2010.

ANARCHY CONDOMS
And bottoms
Angry Frog Rebirth
BADDHIST
BAD SMELL PARKER
call me pig
Casually frozen Crown's cheek
Chaos of carrots
Don't give a shit
ethiopia guy
Fake of Real
FOLK SHOCK FUCKERS
FRUITS EXPLOSION
GLIM SPANKY
GOAT EATS POEM
GOODBYE ME,HAVE A NICE DAY
Good Morning Mom
Hemorrhoid Carnage
HOPELESS DEW
Hopeless Raven
hydrant house purport rife on sleepy
I can't smile at me
INSTANT FIN BUNNY FOODS
KEEP YOUR HANDs OFF MY GIRL
KNOCK OUT MONKEY
Last laugh of the laughter
miracle afro public
MIXING GEEK
Name Writing Finish
Nippon-Paper-Parking
NONSENSE FOR LIFE
ORGASM GRIND DISRUPTION
Outside dandy
PRIZE OF RUST
SCREAMING PORNO
STAMP WITH FRUSTRATION
suck piggy
Sugarless Infant
SUMMER TIME ALIENS
Suspicious individual

Which are your favourites?

More:
Funny Band Names 1
Funny Band Names 2

Anyone can add gigs!

2011-12-14T16:38:00.006+09:00

This has been a feature of Tokyo Gig Guide for a couple of years now, but it seems that a number of users don't realise that anyone can add gigs to the site.
If you find any gigs that you think should be listed on Tokyo Gig Guide, you are free to add them. Or if you want to promote your band or event, it's easy to add your gigs to Tokyo Gig Guide in English or Japanese.

First you need to register to the site. Don't worry - it's quick and free. You'll find a Login/Join link on the top right of the site. Click that, and on the next page click Register. Fill in your details, pass the simple picture spam check thing, and then you will get a link in your email inbox to confirm your registration.

Okay, once you are logged in, an Add a Gig link will appear in the top right. Click on that and a gig submission form will appear. Fill in that and voilà!

A few tips:

Do a quick search to make sure the gig is not already on the site.

Let's imagine you are adding a gig titled "Kicking Buckets vol.1" with three bands playing. If you only put "Kicking Buckets vol.1" in the gig title, that's all that will appear on the Gig Guide main page, and as people don't recognise it, they will be unlikely to click it. But if you put the band names in the title, people will be far more likely to click the link to your gig's page. Please remember to add the names of all the artists playing the gig.

The more information you can give, the better. In the details box, try to include links to the homepages of the artists and any helpful information.

Include an image. Upload the flyer for the event or a picture of one of the main artists.

If you are not sure about any section of the Add a Gig page, hover over the little light bulb icon next to each section and it will explain everything. Instructions are also included at the bottom of the page.

If you need to later edit any gigs you have added, when logged in, click the little Edit Event icon () next to the word Event at the top of your gig's page.

There is an extensive Help/FAQ you can refer to if you are confused. For any questions not answered there, send an email or message to admin.

Tokyo Gig Guide presents FARM PARTY #7 this Saturday November 5th!

2011-10-31T11:11:00.004+09:00

This Saturday, come to the 7th Farm Party gig organised by Tokyo Gig Guide, this time held at Dynamo, a fun little skater bar near Koenji station. I'm excited about the diverse lineup of live music - we have noisy new-wave disco-punk band Jebiotto!, all-girl psychedelic trio Fancy Numnum, international avant-pop band Abikyokan, and mutant sci-fi lo-fi duo Living Astro. DJs Grant McGaheran, Timebred, craig eee and more will be playing danceable oddities at the start and end. Doors open at 7:00 and live music should be finished by 11:00, but from then the DJs will keep you dancing for as long as you'd like to stay. As usual with Farm Party, my video collages will be projected throughout the night. Oh, and it only costs 500 yen!

TOKYO GIG GUIDE PRESENTS FARM PARTY #7

Date: 5 Nov 2011 (Saturday)

Place: Dynamo (Koenji). Asahi building 1F, Koenji-Kita 3-1-1.

Time: Open 19:00, start 19:30

Price: 500yen

Live: JEBIOTTO! (ジェビオット!), ファンシーナムナム (Fancy Numnum), Abikyokan (阿鼻叫喚), LIVING ASTRO (リビングアストロ)

DJs: Timebred, Grant McGaheran, craig eee, more?

Video: craig eee

http://farmparty.tokyogigguide.com

13 complex vol. 16 on Nov 6th

2011-10-20T18:55:00.001+09:00

On Sunday November 6th, Eri Makino is planning a not-to-be-missed gig with an impressive lineup of electronic and indie bands, performers and DJs.
One of the performers will be Kumisolo, a Paris-based electro pop artist you may know from The Konki Duet and collaborations with the likes of Toog, Momus and O.Lamm.
You will also get to see Kyoka, an experimental pop artist who counts Ryuichi Sakamoto and Mike Watt among her fans.
On the same (Studio) stage you can see She Talks Silence, a fashionable indiepop trio, as well as Classical Wicket and CRYSTAL.
Over on the other (Lounge) stage, performing live will be cuushe with her beautiful vocals and electronics, and the ambient sounds of Kaede Mira.
Over 12 DJs will also play throughout the event including the twee grrrls club all-girl indie-pop collective, French party DJ Digiki, DJ Emerald (Eri Makino's DJ alter-ego), Elly the Sun from Neohachi and even me (craig eee).
Make sure you don't miss matocotoshuco, a kamishibai picture storyteller who is always a highlight of Eri's events.
Curry and sweets and all sorts of other good stuff will also be on offer.
13 complex vol. 16 goes from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m at Trigram Aoyama near Omotesando station. It's 2500yen (+ drink) advance (email info@achainbrickyard.com) or 3000yen (+ drink) on the day.
13complex vol.16

Studio
-LIVE-
Kumisolo (from France)
Kyoka
She Talks Silence
Classical Wicket
CRYSTAL

-DJ-
twee grrrls club
Digiki
DJ Emerald
DJ Zooey
Aoki
more

Lounge
-LIVE-
cuushe
kaede mira (from 福岡)
-DJ-
DJ ナイアガラ
Elly the Sun (neohachi / Wonderyou)
hitch
Young Fidelity DJs
DJ yangdead (MOAMOO)
ham&ex
craig eee (Tokyo Gig Guide)
more

-紙芝居-
マトコとシュコ

-VJ-
KAMIO-KAMICHI

-Drawing-
hunton

-Food-
Carry：カヒミ・カリー (十代暴動社)
Sweets：北川生雄 (ムラムラしたっていいじゃない！)

Fuji Rock Festival 2011 - recommended Japanese acts

2011-07-27T16:59:00.001+09:00

There are lots of good Japanese artists to see at this year's Fuji Rock Festival, so fill the spaces on your schedule with some of these recommendations:

Friday

uhnellys
Amazing funky post-punk hip-hop duo who make great use of loop pedals.

sunny day service
Sokabe Keiichi's reformed 90s indie-pop band.

soul flower union
Hippies blending traditional Asian music styles with psych rock and jazz.

SAKEROCK
This fun pop-jazz-ska group will be on the huge White Stage this year.

8otto
Indie rock/pop band with hints of post-punk.

LITTLE TEMPO
Classic music festival band - instrumental dub reggae.

NATSUMEN
Instrumental hardcore with prog and jazz displays of musicianship.

AWAYOKUBA
Actually pretty funky, for a funk band.

The Kingstompers
They play some decent ska mixed with calypso and latin grooves.

Little Creatures
A pop/rock band with some interesting ideas.

Asakusa Jinta
A rockabilly marching band incorporating 1930s Japanese styles.

KOYAS
A nice ambient way to start the day if you can get up to the Daydreaming stage by 10:00. Actually it will be a good place to chill out any time early in the day with DJ YOGURT and DORIAN also playing.

OLDE WORLDE
The Mokudotei stage will be a really fitting place in the forest to catch their sweet indie folk.

Saturday

Arakajime kimerareta koibitotachie
Definitely try to check out this dub jam band.

Date Course Pentagon Royal Garden
Where else but Orange Court to see this post-rock prog free-jazz supergroup?

Hideki Kaji & Riddim Saunter
Indie-pop legend Hideki Kaji backed by pop group Riddim Saunter.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
Another festival standard. Everyone will be dancing.

cero
Smiley tropical indie-pop.

clammbon
Interesting soulful pop.

Shonen Knife
I think this all-girl pop-punk band needs no introduction.

KIMONOS
Leo Imai and Shutoku Mukai's (Zazen Boys) electronic post-punk duo.

80kidz
This electro dance group will pull a huge crowd again for Red Marquee.

sunaga tatsuo (Sunaga t experience)
DJ playing jazzy and latin inspired electro lounge.

matashita89
All-girl dark indie-rock quartet.

ZeZeZaZa
Some psychedelic post-rock at 3:am?

Eccy
Try to make it up to the Daydreaming stage for this hip-hop DJ, and stick around for Yanenohara.

Rojo Regalo
Their cumbia-inspired afro-cuban showa rebel music will be good with some cocktails in the Café de Paris tent.

Takkyu Ishino
If you're still awake as sunset approaches, be sure to dance to this techno pioneer from Denki Groove.

Sunday

YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra)
The absolute highlight of the festival will be these electronic music innovators.

Shugo Tokumaru
This eccentric indie-pop kid has graduated to the White Stage this year!

TADZIO
Try to catch this hardcore pop duo on the Rookie A Go-Go stage. Anther Rookie A-Go-Go band that might be worth catching is Yahchaika.

envy
Will explode the Red Marquee with their loud post-rock screamo hardcore. There is more loudness to be experienced in the red tent with alternative rock band MO'SOME TONEBENDER.

eastern youth
Lots of punk energy in this indie-rock trio that has been playing together since the late 80s.

Your Song Is Good
And this ska pop band's songs are pretty good too.

DACHAMBO
Don your tie-dye for these festival stalwarts. If you enjoy this kind of thing, catch GOMA & THE JUNGLE RHYTHM SECTION and NABOWA on before them.

ALTZ
This eclectic Osaka DJ will keep things fun just before midnight in the Crystal Palace tent. He also plays in the morning up at Day Dreaming.

MaNHATTAN
Drums and 2 synth dub jam band will play at the tiny Naeba Shokudo stage. Catch the super-eclectic EKD on before them.

TOWA TEI
At midnight, start dancing the night away with this groovy electro DJ.

Now, I wish I was going this year!

Related posts:
Fuji Rock Festival Tips 2010
Fuji Rock Festival Tips 2009
Fuji Rock Festival 2010 Day One review
Fuji Rock Festival 2010 Day Two review
Fuji Rock Festival 2010 Day Three review
Fuji Rock 2009 Review
Fuji Rock 2008 Review

Tokyo Beer Gardens Summer 2011 - The Ultimate Guide

2011-07-19T00:14:00.002+09:00

Here is my selection of the many summer beer gardens in Tokyo. Most of them are located on the roofs of buildings and have nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) deals.

SHINJUKU AREA

BBQ and Beer Terrace 130 Days (Lumine Est Shinjuku)
Barbecue and beer on a department store roof.
Until? The end of September.
Station? Shinjuku.
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 3600yen with barbeque chicken.
What drinks? Kirin draft, black, half & half, Heineken, wine, sours, sake, shochu, highballs etc.
Address? Lumine East dept. store rooftop, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
Phone? 03-6273-2262
Times? 4:00-11:00.

Delicatessen Park Brewery (Park Hyatt)
Pretty good deal in a fancy spot. Two beers have been specially brewed for this beer garden.
Until? August 31st.
Stations? Shinjuku, Tochomae
All-you-can-drink? 2800yen unlimited microbrews and chef’s appetizer plate.
What drinks? Kanagawa's Sankt Gallen Park Brewery Ale and Amatsu Ale.
Address? Park Hyatt Tokyo, 1F Delicatessen, 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5323-3655
Times? Weekdays 6:00-8:00, Weekends/hols and Aug 8-12 5:00-7:00.

Hilton Tokyo Natsu no Tenku Beer Garden
Posh beer garden at the Hilton.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Shinjuku, Tochomae
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 7500yen with assorted Chinese food, cold meat, cheese, shaved ice.
Address? 7F Private Lounge, Hilton Hotel Tokyo, Shinjuku.
Phone? 03-3344-5111
Times? 5:30-9:30.

Keio Asahi Sky Beer Garden
Standard department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? September 17th.
Station? Shinjuku
All-you-can-drink? September 10th to 17th 90 mins 2500yen. For over 8 people 3800yen 90mins with 6 kinds of food.
A la carte? Asahi 600yen, pitcher 2000yen, sours etc 450yen.
Address? Rooftop of Keio dept. store, 1-1-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5321-5349
Times? 5:00-10:00, September 5:00-9:30.

Shinjuku Asia Yokocho:
Loads of small Asian restaurants together on the (undercover) roof of this Kabukicho building. Some of them have all-you-can-drink deals.
Station? Shinjuku
Address? Toa Hall second building roof, 1-21-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
See Fa
All-you-can-drink? 2.5 hours (Sun to Thur), 2 hours (Fri, Sat, Hols) with 10 food items from 2950yen.
A la carte? World beer, drinks, Thai and Vietnamese food available.
Phone? 090-9142-3361
Times? Mon-Sat 5:00pm-5:00am, Sun/hols 4:00-midnight.
Garuda
All-you-can-drink? 2.5 hours with 8 food items from 2980yen.
A la carte? World beer, drinks, Asian food.
Phone? 03-3207-1175
Times? Mon-Thu 5:00pm-2:00am, Fri/Sat 5:00pm-5:00am, Sun/Hol 5:00pm-midnight.

Garden Restaurant Coffret D'or Beer Garden
Hotel terrace garden.
Until? September 10th
Stations? Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku
All-you-can-drink? 90 mins with food sets from 3500yen
What drinks? Beer, wine, shochu, whiskey, soft drinks.
A la carte? Beer from 620yen
Address? Hotel Rosegarden Shinjuku Annex 1F, Nishi-Shinjuku 8-4-17, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3362-0279
Times? 5:30-10:30

SHIBUYA AREA

Demi Beer Terrace (Tokyu Toyoko Shibuya)
Department store rooftop beer terrace.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Shibuya.
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Beer from 630yen. Drinks and food.
Address? Tokyu Toyoko dept. store south building roof, 2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Phone? 03-3477-4586
Times? 5:00-10:00.

Green Garden (Tokyu Shibuya)
Department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? September 25th.
Station? Shibuya.
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Kirin Ichiban 435ml 500yen, 800ml 950yen, 1800ml 2000yen, other drinks from 500yen.
Address? Tokyu dept. store Shibuya Honten rooftop.
Phone? 080-2396-0398
Times? 5:00-10:00, September 5:00-9:30.

Jinnanken BBQ Beer Garden
Open-air barbecue in Shibuya.
Station? Shibuya.
All-you-can-drink? 4500yen with all-you-can-eat barbecue.
Address? Navi Shibuya 9F, 1-20-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5784-4455
Times? Mon-Sat 6:30pm-3:00am, Sun/hol 6:30pm-midnight

Yaffa Organic Cafe Beer Terrace
This organic cafe has a small outdoor area.
Station? Shibuya
All-you-can-drink? 100 mins with 5 food items 4200yen.
What drinks? Heartland beer, organic wine, umeshu, cocktails, softdrinks.
A la carte? Beer from 630yen
Address? Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-Minamiguchi 1F, 3-27-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6427-9988
Times? 11:30am - 12:30am

Tokyo Washoku DEN Rokuen-Tei
Save 1000yen by starting at 5:30.
Station? Shibuya
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 5000yen with food course, 4000yen if start before 6pm.
What drinks? Premium Malts beer, cocktails, wine, shochu, sake, umeshu, soft drinks.
A la carte? Beer from 780yen.
Address? PARCO1 8F, Udagawacho 15-1, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6415-5489
Times? 5:00-11:30

YOYOGI, HARAJUKU AREA

Vietnam Garden Beer Terrace
This Vietnamese restaurant has an outdoor terrace.
Stations? Yoyogi, Harajuku
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food course from 3500yen
A la carte? Beer from 580yen
Address? NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building Annex I-2F, Sendagaya 5-24-3, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3341-9889
Times? 5:30-11:00

Furin Chinese Restaurant Beer Garden Terrace
This Chinese restaurant has an outdoor terrace.
Stations? Yoyogi, Shinjuku
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food course from 3800yen
What drinks? Beer, shochu, shaoxing wine, whiskey, highball, red wine, sours, cocktails, soft drinks.
Address? NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building Annex 2F, Sendagaya 5-24-3, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3356-0988
Times? Mon-Sat 5:30-11:00, Sun/hols 5:30-9:30

Smile Junky HB Cafe
Wooden terrace with a variety of food and drink courses.
Station? Harajuku
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food course from 3800yen.
A la carte? Beer from 480yen
Address? AXIA Harajuku 1F, Jingumae 1-20-4, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5770-1450
Times? 6:00-11:00

Un Cafe Beer Garden
Small outdoor drinking area.
Until? Mid September
Stations? Omotesando B2 exit
All-you-can-drink? 90mins 2000yen
What drinks? Asahi Super Dry, Asahi black, half & half, cocktails
A la carte? Tapas 500yen.
Address? Cosmos Aoyama B2, Jingumae 5-53-67, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5469-0275
Times? 5:30-11:00

Motsuyaki Nonki Tenku Beer Terrace
Beer terrace with motsuyaki and yakitori.
Station? Ebisu.
All-you-can-drink? With 8 food items 4000yen.
A la carte? Beer from 600yen. Grilled meat.
Address? Ebisu Minami 1-23-1 3/4F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6303-3795
Times? Mon-Thu 5:00pm-1:00am, Fri 5:00pm-5:00am, Sat/Sun/Hol 5:00-midnight

Meiji Jingu Mori Beer Garden
Big outdoor beer and barbecue area. With trees!
Until? September 24th.
Stations? Shinanomachi, Kokuritsu-Kyogijo, Aoyama-ichome
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat barbeque. Men 4000yen, women 3800yen.
What drinks? Kirin Ichiban, Kirin stout, Budweiser, sours, highballs, wine, cocktails.
Address? Meiji Jingu Gaien Jido Yuen, 14-13 Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5411-3715
Times? Weekdays 5:00-10:00, weekends 12:00-10:00

SHINAGAWA AREA

Hiten Terrace Garden Hawaiian Beer Hall (Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa)
Nice poolside drinking area.
Until? September 18th.
Stations? Shinagawa, Takanawadai
All-you-can-drink? With food sets from 3900yen.
Address? Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Phone? 03-3442-1064
Times? Mon-Sat 5:00-9:30, Sun/Hol 5:00-9:00

Food Court Shinagawa Kitchen Beer Terrace (Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa)
The cheaper option at the Prince Hotel.
Until? September 30th.
Stations? Shinagawa, Takanawadai
All-you-can-drink? 90 minute sets with food from 2500yen.
What drinks? Beer, shochu, highball, orange juice, oolong tea.
Address? Shinagawa Prince Hotel Annex Tower 2F
Phone? 03-5421-1114
Times? 5:00-10:00

Mizu no Uta Beer Court
Nice beer garden in Shinagawa.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Shinagawa (Takanawa exit)
All-you-can-drink? From 4000yen with 5 food items.
What drinks? Suntory Malts, Malts black, half and half, sours, wine, soft drinks.
A la carte? Beer from 750yen, food from 550yen.
Address? Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa 3F Garden Terrace, Takanawa 4-10-18, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5447-1717
Times? Weekdays 5:00-11:00, Weekends/Holidays 3:00-11:00

Vento Beer Garden
Beer garden near the Prince Hotel.
Until? October 31st.
Station? Shinagawa (Takanawa exit)
All-you-can-drink? With 8 food items from 3800yen (women), 4300yen (men).
A la carte? Beer, highballs etc from 650yen. Italian-style food.
Address? Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa West 1F, Takanawa 4-10-18, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5420-0522
Times? Mon-Fri 5:00-11:30, Sat 3:00-11:30, Sun/hol 3:00-11:00

Garden Cafe with Terrace Bar
Plush poolside bar.
Station? Shinagawa
All-you-can-drink? No
A la carte? Beer from 650yen
Address? Shinagawa GOOS 3F, Takanawa 3-13-3, Minato-ku
Phone? 03-5447-1151
Times? 10:00am-midnight

GINZA AREA

Ginza Matsuzakaya Lion Beer Garden Bakuyotei
Classic department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? Early September.
Stations? Ginza, Yurakucho
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat barbeque lamb 4500yen.
Address? Ginza Matsuzakaya Department Rooftop, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Times? Weekdays, Saturdays 4:00-10:00, Sundays 4:00-9:00.

New Tokyo Sukiyabashi Honten Beer Garden
Nice Ginza views on top of this building.
Stations? Ginza, Yurakucho
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat barbeque lamb and food bar 4500yen.
Address? New Tokyo Honten Rooftop, 2-2-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Times? Weekdays 5:00-11:00, Saturdays 4:00-11:00, Sundays/holidays 4:00-10:00

Starlight Garden (Nihombashi Takashimaya)
Classic department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? August 29th.
Station? Nihombashi.
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Asahi Super Dry regular 500yen, mega size 950yen. Also Bass Pale Ale, Hoegaarden, cocktails, wine, highballs, etc.
Address? Takashimaya dept. store rooftop, 2-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3246-5534
Times? 4:00 to 9:00

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Beer Garden
Famous Tokyo department store beer garden.
Until? September 9th
Stations? Nihombashi, Mitsukoshimae
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat men 3601yen, women 3001yen.
What drinks? Beer, wine, whisky, highball, shochu, sours, soft drinks
Address? Mitsukoshi dept. store roof, Muromachi 1-4-1, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
Phone? 0120-354-585
Times? 5:30-9:30

Hibiya Saroh
Actually a garden in a park.
Stations? Hibiya, Yurakucho, Kasumigaseki, Ginza.
All-you-can-drink? Group party courses for 2 hours with food 5250yen.
A la carte? Various kinds of beer, drinks and food.
Address? Hibiya Park 1-1
Phone? 03-3591-2411
Times? 11:30-9:30

Budweiser Carnival Shimbashi
Salaryman central, with Budwesier girl waitresses.
Until? September 22nd
Stations? Shimbashi
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 1365yen (for over 4 people).
A la carte? Budweiser from 635yen.
Address? Uchisaiwaicho 1-7-8, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3504-8111
Times? Mon-Sat 5:00-midnight.

SUIDOBASHI AREA

Suidobashi Grand Hotel Beer Festa 2011
With Budweiser girl waitresses.
Until? 9th September
Station? Suidobashi
All-you-can-drink? No
A la carte? Beer from 650yen
Address? Suidobashi Grand Hotel 1F, 1-33-2 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3816-2101
Times? 5:30-9:30

Tokyo Dome Port Garden Terrace
Nice garden area at Tokyo Dome Hotel.
Until? September 19th
Stations? Kasuga, Korakuen, Suidobashi
All-you-can-drink? Party plan 2 hours with food 4300yen
A la carte? Beer from 600yen
Address? Rilassa, Tokyo Dome Hotel 3F
Phone? 03-5805-3160
Times? Weekdays 4:00-10:00, Weekends/holidays 12:00-10:00

Hilltop Hotel (Yamanoue Hotel) Beer Garden
A bit of a fancy beer garden.
Until? September 2nd
Stations? Ochanomizu, Shin-Ochanomizu, Jimbocho
All-you-can-drink? 90 mins with food course 5800yen
A la carte? Beer from 840yen
Address? 1-1 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3293-2838
Times? Weekdays 5:00-9:00

Josui Kaikan Garden Restaurant
Pretty cheap deal at this Hawaiian themed beer garden.
Until? September 16th
Station? Jimbocho
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 2100yen.
A la carte? Drinks from 500yen.
Address? Hitotsubashi 2-1-1, Chiyoda-ku
Phone? 03-3261-1101
Times? 5:30-9:30 Weekdays.

HANZOMON AREA

Fukuoka Kaikan Restaurant Ami Beer Garden
Decent buffet at this summery beer garden.
Until? September 30th
Station? Hanzomon
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 3980yen with all-you-can-eat Chinese, Japanese and Western buffet.
What drinks? Beer, sours, wine, shochu, soft drinks.
Address? Kojimachi 1-12, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3239-0470
Times? 5:00-9:00

Hotel Grand Arc Restaurant Patio Beer Terrace
Nice green patio here.
Until? September 30th
Stations? Hanzomon
All-you-can-drink? 2hours 3900yen with all-you-can-eat.
What drinks? Beer, wine, whisky, shochu, cocktails, soft drinks.
Address? Hayabusacho 1-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3288-1636
Times? 5:00-10:00

Yebisu Bar The Garden
All Yebisu here if you're sick of all the Super Dry elsewhere.
Station? Hanzomon.
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with 1 food item 2500yen.
What drinks? Yebisu draft, scotch highball, sours, orange juice, oolong tea.
Address? 2F Kasumigaseki Common Gate, 3-2-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03 5501 1121
Times? Weekdays 5:00-11:00. Closed weekends, holidays.

OTHER AREAS

Tokyo Grand Hotel Restaurant Pensee One Coin Beer Garden
Hotel roof beer garden with 500yen food and drinks.
Until? September 30th
Stations? Shiba-Koen, Akabane, Hamamatsucho, Tamachi
All-you-can-drink? 90 mins with food course from 4000yen.
A la carte? Food and drinks 500yen
Address? Tokyo Grand Hotel 6F, Shiba 2-5-2, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3454-5245
Times? 5:30-9:00

Salute Takeshiba Beer Garden
Nice bay views here in a Hawaiian themed restaurant.
Until? September 22nd
Stations? Hamamatsucho, Takeshiba
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food platter from 4000yen (for 4 or more people).
What drinks? Premium Malts beer, highballs, sours, cocktails, makgeolli, wine, soft drinks
Address? New Pier Takeshiba South Tower 3F, 1-16-1 Kaigan, Minatoku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5402-3042

Mori no Naka Beer Garden
Not cheap, but nice green hotel beer garden.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Onarimon.
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with various barbeque sets from 6500yen.
A la carte? Beer 800yen. Drink and food available.
What drinks? Kirin Ichiban, whiskey, sours, wine, sake, soft drinks.
Address? Garden Island, Prince Hotel Tokyo. 3-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3432-1147
Times? July, August 5:00-9:30, September 5:30-9:30.

Ueno Seiyoken Beer Garden
Good nomihodai deal with views of Ueno park.
Until? September 25th.
Station? Ueno
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 2400yen.
What drinks? Draft beer, sours, summer cocktails, soft drinks.
Address? 4-58 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3821-2181
Times? 5:00-9:00

Seibu Ikebukuro Honten Rooftop Beer Terrace
Classic department store beer garden with hotpot cuisine.
Until? September 19th.
Station? Ikebukuro
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with nabe 3300yen.
Address? Rooftop 9F Seibu Department Store Ikebukuro Honten, 1-28-1 Minami-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5949-6841
Times? Weekdays 5:00-10:00, weekends 4:00-10:00

Pool Side Bar & Grill - Trader Vic's Outrigger (Hotel New Otani)
Have some cocktails by the pool and pretend you're on holiday.
Until? 4th September
Stations? Nagatacho, Akasaka-mitsuke, Kojimachi.
All-you-can-drink? No
A la carte? Beer from 900yen. Hawaiian/American food from 800yen.
Address? Kioicho 4-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3265-1111
Times? 11:00am-7:00pm, 7/29-9/3 Sat/Sun 11:00am-10:00pm

Thrush Cafe Happo-en Beer Terrace Buffet
Beer and buffet overlooking a park.
Until? August 31st
Station? Shirokanedai
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food buffet 4500yen.
What drinks? Asahi Super Dry Extra Cold, soft drinks.
Address? Shirokanedai 1-1-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3443-3111
Times? 5:00-10:00. Closed 7/19, 8/8-8/19, 8/30.

Tokyo Sanuki Club Beer Garden
Nice garden here with a decent deal for groups.
Until? Mid October.
Station? Azabu-Juban
All-you-can-drink? From 2300yen for 2 hours (if over 5 people)
Address? Mita 1-11-9, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3455-5551
Times? Weekdays 6:00-10:00, weekends 5:30-10:00

Cafe California Terrace BBQ
Did you expect a beer garden at the Sheraton to be cheap?
Until? September 15th
Stations? Shirokanedai, Takanawadai, Shirokanetakanawa
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with BBQ 8200yen.
Address? Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
Phone? 0120-95-6661
Times? 6:00-11:00

Arigatoh Kameido Beer Garden
This izakaya right in front of Kameido station has an rooftop beer garden area.
Station? Kameido
All-you-can-drink? No, but cheap drinks and food.
A la carte? Cheap yakitori (from 80yen), motsu, izakaya food. Beer from 430yen.
Address? Kameido Kaikan Building 7F, Kameido 2-20-7, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5626-1194
Times? 4:00pm-1:00am

Toyosu Beer Garden Matsuri produced by Tsukiji Kizuna
Garden furniture and lanterns by the river.
Station? Toyosu
All-you-can-drink? With food 3600yen men, 3100yen women.
Address? NBF Toyosu Canal Front 1F, Toyosu 5-6-52, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6221-3737
Times? 5:00-10:30

Kichijoji Daiichi Hotel Natsu no Fubutsushi Beer Garden
Bit of a terrace here on this hotel.
Until? August 31st
Station? Kichijoji
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Beer from 700yen, BBQ lamb sets from 1300yen.
Address? 2-4-14 Kichijoji-honcho, Musashino, Tokyo
Phone? 0422-21-2211
Times? Weekdays 5:30-9:30, Weekends 4:30-9:30

Beer Garden Five Stars
Nice views of Tachikawa.
Station? Tachikawa
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat 3980yen.
What drinks? Beer, oolong-hai, sake, shochu, vodka, cassis, peach, sours
Address? Hotel Royal Authentic Tachikawa
Phone? 042-529-6911
Times? 4:00-10:00

Takao-san Beer Mount
After climbing Mount Takao, have some beers at the top.
Until? October 2nd
Station? Takao-san guchi.
All-you-can-drink? With all-you-can-eat. Men 3300yen, women 3000yen
Address? Mt. Takao Observatory. From Takao-san-guchi station, take the cable car up the mountain to Kiyotaki station.
Phone? 042-665-9943
Times? Weekdays 3:30-9:00, July/Sept weekends 2:00-9:00, Aug weekends 1:00-9:00

Tokyo Bay Norysosen (cruise)
Not actually a beer garden, but a fun booze cruise.
Until? September 25th.
Stations? Takeshiba passenger terminal. Closest stations are Takeshiba, Hamamatsucho or Daimon.
All-you-can-drink? With cruise & entertainment 2500yen. Food available separately.
What drinks? Beer, wines, sours, juice.
Address? Takeshiba Passenger Terminal, 1-16-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3437-6119
Times? The boat leaves at 7:15 and 9:00 every night.

Summer music festivals 2011

2011-06-16T17:35:00.011+09:00

As the weather warms up, it's time to hit some 夏フェス (Natsu Fesu - summer festivals). There are plenty to choose from in the Tokyo area, from monster outdoor festivals like Fuji Rock Festival to smaller indoor livehouse events like Japan Shoegazer Festival.
At the bottom I have listed most of the other upcoming music festivals throughout Japan.

OTODAMA SEA STUDIO 2011
This is a series of mini-festivals throughout summer held at a venue set up on the beach in Zushi.
When?
From June 24th to August 28th.
Where?
Otodama Sea Studio, Zushi.
Who's playing?
There are different genres each day, from rock to dance to pop, from Special Others to Ken Ishii to orange peckoe.
How much?
Different prices for different days, from 2000yen to 7000yen.
Tickets:
Pia, Lawson, eplus, 7-11.
Website:
otodama-beach.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Otodama Sea Studio

SHIMOKITAZAWA INDIE FANCLUB
A ticket to this indie rock festival gains you access to 15 venues in Shimokitazawa.
When?
June 26th (Sun)
Where?
Various venues in Shimokitazawa.
Who's playing?
SAKEROCK, Otogibanashi, SEBASTIAN X, Sokabe Keiichi Band, nhhmbase, group_inou, Tokyokarankoron, DODDODO, Nikaido Kazumi, Kicell, GELLERS, YOUR SONG IS GOOD, more.
How much?
4500yen advance, 5000yen on the day.
Tickets:
Pia (code 135-301), Lawson (code 71711), eplus, Shimokitazawa venues.
Website:
indiefanclub.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Shimokitazawa Indie Fanclub

JAPAN SHOEGAZER FESTIVAL 2011
See Japan's best noisy guitar pop bands at High, Koenji's temple of shoegazing.
When?
July 9th (Sun)
Where?
Koenji HIGH and AMP cafe.
Who's playing?
cruyff in the bedroom, Lemon's Chair, sphere, texas pandaa, Aureole, my dead girlfriend, SPEAKER GAIN TEARDROP, shojoskip, sugardrop, lily of the valley, moskitoo, swimmingpoo1, shelling, tanaka ken, DJs.
How much?
2000yen.
Tickets:
High, eplus.
Website:
lemon's chair
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Japan Shoegazer Festival

NANO-MUGEN FES
Large rock festival organised by Asian Kung-Fu Generation.
When?
July 16th (Sat) & 17th (Sun)
Where?
Yokohama Arena
Who's playing?
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, THE RENTALS, THE YOUNG PUNX! & PHONAT, WEEZER, the HIATUS, ASH, NEGOTO, MANIC STREET PREACHERS, STRAIGHTENER, BOOM BOOM SATELLITES, MowMowLuLuGyaban
How much?
9800yen each day.
Tickets:
From Pia (code 134-801), Lawson (code 79952), eplus.
Website:
nano-mugenfes.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two

GFB'11 (Goose Fresh Beat '11 / Tsukuba Rock Fes)
Japanese indie band festival held in a park in Tsukuba.
When?
July 16th (Sat) & 17th (Sun)
Where?
Tsukuba Yukari no Mori
Who's playing?
MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS, Qomolangma Tomato, OWARIKARA, creephyp, SuiseiNoboAz, nhhmbase, tatetakako, tokyokarankoron, NEW HOUSE, Turntable Films, GELLERS, SEBASTIAN X, QUATTRO, oono yuuki, more
How much?
1 day 3900yen, 2 days 6900yen.
Tickets:
eplus.
Website:
goosefreshbeat
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two

NATSU BIRAKI
Peaceful family festival in beautiful surroundings northwest of Tokyo.
When?
July 16th & 17th
Where?
Tokorozawa Kōkū-kōen, Saitama
Who's playing?
Day One: Sokabe Keiichi BAND, YOUR SONG IS GOOD, youmoutoohana, Kuricorder Underground, SOUR, Gentle Forest Jazz Band, more.
Day Two: bonobos, Kicell, Ovall, D.W. Nicols, Yoshida Yamada, BLACK BOTTOM BRASS BAND, more.
How much?
1 day 3900yen, 2 days 7000yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 76355), Pia (code 137-722), CN, eplus.
Website:
natsu-biraki.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Natsu Biraki

ENBAN SUMMER FESTIVAL (ENBAN NO NATSU MATSURI)
Tiny record store/live venue Enban's favourite experimental acts perform on two stages over two days at Shibuya O-Nest.
When?
July 16th (Sat) and 17th (Sun).
Where?
O-Nest, Shibuya.
Who's playing?
Day One: LSD March, ECD & POPO, CORE OF BELLS + Taku Sugimoto, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC & PROMNIGHTBOYS, more.
Day Two: Acid Mothers Tenniscoats, Nisennenmondai, Americo, Yoshihiro Kawasome, Suppaband, more.
How much?
2000yen each day.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 72615).
Website:
Enban News
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two

FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL
Giant festival with multiple stages in the mountains of Niigata.
When?
July 29th (Fri), 30th (Sat), 31st (Sun)
Where?
Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata.
Who's playing?
Day One: COLDPLAY, ARCTIC MONKEYS, BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE, CSS, SISTERS OF MERCY, The Birthday, WASHED OUT, DEERHOOF, FOUR TET, WIDESPREAD PANIC, SAM MOORE, more.
Day Two: THE FACES, TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA, BATTLES, INCUBUS, ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION, the HIATUS, DIGITALISM, KIMONOS, 80kidz, WIDESPREAD PANIC, TODD RUNDGREN, CONGOTRONICS vs ROCKERS, more.
Day Three: THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA, MOGWAI, FEEDER, WILCO, CAKE, ATARI TEENAGE RIOT, envy, BEACH HOUSE, QURULI, TOWA TEI, DARK STAR ORCHESTRA, CORNERSHOP, BUDDY GUY, more.
How much?
One day 16,800yen, 3 days 39,800yen. Camping 3000yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 70666), Ganban, eplus. Tickets from overseas: Ganban
Website:
fujirockfestival.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two, Day Three

ROCK IN JAPAN FES. 2011
Large three-day festival focusing on Japanese rock and pop artists.
When?
August 5th (Fri), 6th (Sat), 7th (Sun)
Where?
Kokuei Hitachi Kaihin Koen in Hitachinaka-city, Ibaraki.
Who's playing?
Day One: ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, ASPARAGUS, 80kidz, OGRE YOU ASSHOLE, Perfume, COMEBACK MY DAUGHTERS, HiGE, MONGOL800, POLYSICS, YUKI, more
Day Two: ORANGE RANGE, capsule, HALCALI, Kimura Kaela, ZAZEN BOYS, Dragon Ash, Unicorn, YUI, Chara, RIP SLYME, SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS, more.
Day Three: ACIDMAN, BRAHMAN, THE ELEPHANT KASHIMASHI, KREVA, PUFFY, te', NICO Touches the Walls, B-DASH, ART-SCHOOL, the band apart, NEGOTO, more.
How much?
1 day 11,500yen, 2 days 22,000yen, 3 days 30,000yen.
Tickets:
Pia, http://rijfes.jp/11/ticket
Website:
rijfes.jp/11
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two, Day Three

TOKYO SKA JAMBOREE Vol.3
Friendly ska festival held near Mt.Fuji.
When?
August 6th (Sat)
Where?
Yamanakako Ska Field.
Who's playing?
FISHBONE, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, .MICETEETH, Blue Beat Players
How much?
6800yen.
Tickets:
eplus
Website:
tokyoskaj.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Tokyo Ska Jamboree

YOKOHAMA REGGAE SAI
Indoor reggae event held in Yokohama.
When?
August 6th (Saturday)
Where?
Yokohama Stadium.
Who's playing?
MIGHTY CROWN FAMILY, PUSHIM, RYO the SKYWALKER, JUMBO MAATCH, TAKAFIN, BOXER KID from MIGHTY JAM ROCK, Special guests from Jamaica, HOME GROWN, STONED ROCKERS, more.
How much?
Arena/Stand S 7800yen, Stand A 6800yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 76000)
Website:
yokohamareggaesai.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Yokohama Reggae Sai

WORLD HAPPINESS 2011
Electronic and quirky pop festival held in a Tokyo park.
When?
August 7th (Sunday)
Where?
Yumenoshima Koen Rikujokyogijo in Shin-Kiba.
Who's playing?
YUKI, THE BEATNIKS, YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA, Takano Hiroshi, LITTLE CREATURES, SCHADARAPARR, TOWA TEI, Hoshino Gen, OKAMOTO’S, kotringo, Fennesz+Sakamoto, SinseiKamattechan, KIMONOS, Sakanaction, Miyazawa Kazufumi as GANGA ZUMBA
How much?
8500yen
Tickets:
Pia (code 132-676), Lawson (code 72912), eplus, CN, Kyodo.
Website:
world-happiness.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
World Happiness

SONICMANIA
Summer Sonic's warm-up rock and dance festival.
When?
August 12th (Fri)
Where?
Makuhari Messe.
Who's playing?
Underworld, Primal Scream present Screamadelica live, Boom Boom Satellites, Chase & Status, A-TRAK, autoKratz, Jamaica, South Central, Vitalic.
How much?
9,000yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 72790), Pia (code 136-070), eplus, CN, JCB. From overseas: ticketweb.co.uk
Website:
creativeman.co.jp/sonicmania
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Sonicmania

SUMMER SONIC
Huge commercial and indie music festival held in urban Chiba.
When?
August 13th (Sat) and 14th (Sun)
Where?
Makuhari Messe.
Who's playing?
Day One: THE STROKES, BEADY EYE, KIMURA KAELA, NE-YO, RIP SLYME, THE MARS VOLTA, SIMPLE PLAN, DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979, KORN, THE HORRORS, ZIGGY MARLEY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE PEOPLE, more.
Day Two: RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, X JAPAN, P.i.L, THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION, SUEDE, JAMES BLUNT, BOW WOW WOW, HOUSE OF PAIN, FACT, VILLAGE PEOPLE BOOTSY COLLINS, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, more.
How much?
1 day 15,000yen, 2 days 27,000yen.
Tickets:
Pia (code 134-175), Lawson (code 77777), CN, JCB.
Website:
summersonic.com/2011
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two

FREE DOMMUNE ZERO
Earthquake charity event brings noise artists and dance music together.
When?
August 19th
Where?
Higashi Ogishima East Park, Kawasaki
Who's playing?
WHITEHOUSE/CUT HANDS, HIJOKAIDAN, KEIJI HAINO, MERZBOW, OTOMO YOSHIHIDE, FISHMANS+, STEWART WALKER, ISAO TOMITA, JEFF MILLS, EYE, KEN ISHII, TOWA TEI, more.
How much?
Free
Website:
dommune.com/freedommunezero
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Freedommune Zero

TONE RIVER JAM '11
This Japanese rock festival in Chiba will be held on two days this year.
When?
August 20th (Sat) and 21st (Sun)
Where?
Yu Yu Park, Abiko, Chiba.
Who's playing?
locofrank, UNITED, F.I.B, GARLICBOYS, IDOLPUNCH, MEANIING, kamomekamome, FCFiVE, DEEPCOVER, Gocoo, more.
How much?
TBA.
Tickets:
TBA.
Website:
toneriverjam.jimdo.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two

WIRE11
Dance the night away at this electronic music festival.
When?
August 27th (Sat)
Where?
Yokohama Arena.
Who's playing?
Agoria, Beroshima, Mark Broom, Dop, Dr. Shingo, Dubfire, Len Faki, Ken Ishii, Takkyu Ishino, Takaaki Itoh, Ben Klock, Shin Nishimura, Radio Slave, Rainbow Arabia, Snuff Crew, Sodeyama, Daniel Steinberg, Fumiya Tanaka, Tasaka, Westbam, more.
How much?
11550yen.
Tickets:
Pia (code 138-130), Lawson (code 78740), e+, CN, 7-11.
Website:
wireweb.jp/11
Tokyo Gig Guide:
WIRE11

SPACE SHOWER SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2011
Japanese rock and pop festival organised by a TV channel.
When?
August 27th (Sat) and 28th (Sun).
Where?
Lake Yamanaka Community Plaza Yamanakako-village, Yamanashi.
Who's playing?
Day One: andymori, HY, Okamura Yasuyuki, Ryujin Kiyoshi, salyu × salyu, HiGE, BRAHMAN, The Mirraz, YOUR SONG IS GOOD, more.
Day Two: Kegawa no Maries, Sakanaction, SAMBOMASTER, SISTER JET, [Champagne], SEKAI NO OWARI, NICO Touches the Walls, THE BAWDIES, more.
How much?
1 day 9,000yen, 2 days 17,000yen.
Tickets:
Pia, Lawson, eplus
Website:
sweetloveshower.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two

PROGRESSIVE ROCK FESTIVAL 2011
Three classic rock groups will perform in Hibiya park.
When?
August 28th (Sun).
Where?
Hibiya Park Open Air Concert Hall.
Who's playing?
KANSAS, WISHBONE ASH, PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi)
How much?
12,000yen
Tickets:
Pia (code 142-569), Lawson (code 72430), eplus.
Website:
clubcitta.co.jp/001/progfes2
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Prog Rock Fes

METAMORPHOSE
Electronic and rock music festival which always has an interesting lineup.
When?
September 3rd (Sat)
Where?
Cycle Sports Center, Shizuoka.
Who's playing?
Leftfield, The Flaming Lips, Tim Deluxe, Orbital, Cut Chemist, Moodymann, Galactic, Stevie Salas, Derrick May, minilogue, Gold Panda, DUB SQUAD, Nanao Tavito, Nisennenmondai, DEEP COVER, rega, EYE, DJ BAKU, GALAXY 2 GALAXY, Ebo Taylor and Afrobeat Academy, rei harakami, more.
How much?
TBA.
Tickets:
metamo.info/preticket
Website:
metamo.info
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Metamorphose

FUNTE NEON
Small indie festival in Tokorozawa.
When?
September 4th (Sunday)
Where?
Tokorozawa Koku Kinen Koen Outdoor Stage
Who's playing?
SOUR, COMA*, 4 bonjour's parties, miaou, Choir touched teras chord, more.
How much?
2300yen advance. 2900yen on the day.
Tickets:
eplus
Website:
funteneon.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Funte Neon

Later Festivals:
Even when summer is coming to an end, you can still enjoy a few festivals around Tokyo.

TOKYO JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011
September 2nd, 3rd & 4th at Tokyo International Forum
TokyoJazz2011

TAICOCLUB CAMPS '11
September 9th & 10th at New Greenpia Tsunan, Niigata
Day One, Day Two

LABYRINTH 2011
September 17th, 18th & 19th at Naeba Green Land, Niigata
Day One, Day Two, Day Three

AIR JAM '11
September 18th at Yokohama Stadium
Tokyo Gig Guide

NEUTRALNATION 2011
September 19th at Tokyo Odaiba Seaside Court
Tokyo Gig Guide

GG11 (MUSIC ON TV - GEORGE'S GOVERNMENT 2011)
September 23rd & 24th at Makuhari Messe
Day One, Day Two

GURU GURU MAWARU
September 24th at Saitama Stadium 2002
Tokyo Gig Guide

LOUD PARK '11
October 15th at Saitama Super Arena.
Tokyo Gig Guide

KAIKOO POPWAVE FESTIVAL
November 19th at various venues in Shibuya.
Tokyo Gig Guide

ASAGIRI JAM
Probably October 8th, not announced yet.
smash-jpn.com/asagiri

Other summer music festivals in Japan:
Here are the highlights of the summer festivals in other parts of the country.

MIYAKO ISLAND ROCK FESTIVAL in Miyako Island, Okinawa
June 25th
mirf.jp

PEACEFUL LOVE ROCK FESTIVAL in Okinawa
July 9th & 10th
peaceful-love-rock.com

KYOTO DAISAKUSEN 2011 in Kyoto
July 9th & 10th
sound-c.co.jp/kyotodai/11

ROKKO SUN MUSIC 2011 in Kobe
July 10th
rokkosun-music.com

GREEN GREEN MUSIC FESTIVAL in Hiroshima
July 10th
greenx2fes.web.fc2.com

STARLIGHT REGGAE FESTIVAL in Gifu
July 16th, 17th & 18th.
starlight-reggaefesta.com

AOMORI ROCK FESTIVAL in Aomori
July 17th.
natsunomamono

JOIN ALIVE 2011 in Hokkaido
July 23rd & 24th.
joinalive.jp

SETSTOCK '11 in Hiroshima
July 23rd & 24th.
setstock.jp

OGA NAMAHAGE ROCK FESTIVAL in Akita
July 30th.
onrf.jp

ROCK DAZE 2011 in Fukuoka
July 31st.
kyodo-west.co.jp/rockdaze_2011

RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2011 in Ezo, Hokkaido
August 12th & 13th
rsr.wess.co.jp

MTV ZUSHI FES 2011 in Zushi
August 12th, 13th & 14th
mtvjapan.com/zushifes

TREASURE05X in Nagoya
August 13th to September 10th
sundayfolk.com/treasure

TOHOKU REGGAE SAI in Iwate
August 14th.
tohoku-reggaesai.com

MONSTER BASH in Kagawa
August 20th & 21st.
monsterbash.jp

SKY JAMBOREE 2011 in Nagasaki
August 21st.
skyj.jp

ARABAKI ROCK FEST 11 in Sendai
August 27th & 28th.
arabaki.com

RUSH BALL 2011 in Osaka
September 4th.
rushball.com

MASTER COLISEUM '11 in Osaka
September 23rd.
master56.com

NAGATA DAIKOUSHINKYOKU (GAGAGAGA SP FES) in Kobe
September 24th & 25th
ldandk.xsrv.jp/gagaga-fes

Kyushu Pop Festival 2011

2011-05-19T16:27:00.007+09:00

This Saturday (21st May), Call And Response Records is holding a special event at Shinjuku Motion. All bands playing at the gig are from Kyushu or have a Kyushu connection.

Bands (descriptions by Ian Martin):

Zibanchinka (Kagoshima)
- Avant-garde garage-punk from the dark side of your imagination.

Hyacca (Fukuoka)
- Dance-oriented post-punk/alternative. Metal bees attacking your brain

MacManaman (Fukuoka)
- Explosive post-rock instrumental quartet

cynicalsmileisyourfavorite (Kumamoto)
- Disco-hardcore scream freaks

bctnx (Fukuoka)
- Fukuoka's newest indie/alternative avant-pop stars

She Talks Silence
- Lo-fi indie fuzz-lullabies

Dotama-Kachi-World
- Picopico new wave techno-punks

Jebiotto
- New wave synth-punk

Fallopian Disco Force
- Improvisational avant-disco duo

It starts at 4pm and costs 2000yen advance 2300yen on the door.

Kyushu Pop Festival 2011 on Tokyo Gig Guide
Kyushu Pop Festival 2011 on Facebook

Golden Week parties in Shibuya

2011-04-28T10:08:00.009+09:00

WILD MOOD SWINGS #4

May 3rd (Tuesday)
Wild Mood Swings is back for another all-night, all-mix FREE DJ party in Shibuya. It's on a Tuesday, the day before a national holiday.

We will play an unpredicatable mix of different tunes, aimed to bake your brain into a cake of catharsis! Join the emotional rollercoaster of love, hate, joy, lust and delirium! From 8pm to 5am at Rock No Cocoro.

DJs include:
Timebred (GaijinTonic)
craig eee (Tokyo Gig Guide)
Grant McGaheran (Abikyokan)
Jake Arntson (Abikyokan)
Timutaku (Alternative Current, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
Yukari (UK Sound)
Special K (British Hangover)
DJ You Can't dance to this

Details on Tokyo Gig Guide.
Details on Facebook.

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

May 4th (Wednesday)
Celebrate International Star Wars Day at this groovy fundraiser for the Tohoku earthquake/tsunami appeal! Drink, chat, and dance to an eclectic mix of tunes with a broad space/sci-fi theme. It's 1000yen to get in, but all proceeds will be donated to charity, so you can drink and dance with a warm glow of philanthropic pride. Come in a group or (Han) solo.
The party is on a Wednesday, in the middle of Golden Week, so the next day's a holiday. May the Fourth Be with You! 6pm to Midnight at Echo in Shibuya.

Featuring DJs:
Ian Martin (Call And Response Records)
フランソワ (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Alternative Current)
Timebred (Wild Mood Swings)
Special K (Wild Mood Swings)
Goldifoxx
craig eee (Tokyo Gig Guide, Farm Party)
Junichi Masuo(Strangely Familiar)
DJ You Can't dance to this

Details on Tokyo Gig Guide.
Details on Facebook.

FARM PARTY #6 this Friday April 22nd

2011-04-18T00:09:00.003+09:00

This easter Friday (April 22nd), come down down to Gamuso for the 6th edition of Farm Party organised by Tokyo Gig Guide.
Guest performers will be N'toko, Akane Hosaka and ヤング・フラッテリィズ, plus Farm Party house band Abikyokan and DJs.

We are pleased to have Slovenian electro rapper N'toko take over the mic and sampler on the Gamuso stage.

Everyone enjoyed the blipping bleeping melodies of Akane Hosaka when she played at Farm Party #2 a year ago, so she is back for another explosion of electronica and puppet cuteness.

Causing a stir on the Tokyo avant-disco scene is ヤング・フラッテリィズ, two guys on synth and dance beats, and an odd frontman who is sure to make creative use of the Gamuso live space.

Abikyokan with its members from 4 continents will be bringing their new-wave avant-pop synth-rock sounds to start proceedings.

Guest DJs will be:
Shibuya-kei aficionado DJ 810 aka Patrick from Chipple, Tokyo's Coolest Sound and Tokyo Recohan.
Indie rocker Timutaku from Alternative Current.
Grant McGaheran and craig eee from Abikyokan.
Throughout the night, craig eee will be providing visual projections.

The gig on Tokyo Gig Guide.
The gig on Facebook.

Release party for 'Nihon Kizuna' quake benefit album

2011-04-14T19:03:00.006+09:00

by liza

On Friday, artists who released the "Nihon Kizuna" benefit album the week after the quake are having a party in Shinjuku to celebrate raising over $30,000 for earthquake and tsunami victims.

The album features electronic and hip-hop tracks from over 40 international artists -- plus a bonus album with 34 tracks! Harnessing the power of Twitter and social media, the album was put together in a week by an international group of DJs and a journalist here in Tokyo who wanted to do something to help the victims.

Artists include Kode 9, Kuedo, Rudi Zygadlo, Broken Haze, Circulations Records, All City Records, Daisuke Tanabe, Yosi Horikawa, XLII, Memory 9, Ninja Tune, Kid Kanevil, Om Unit, Paul White, Illum Sphere, One Handed Music, BD1982, Fink, Emika, Mux Mool, Ernest Gonzales, Paper Tiger, Sesped, Jay Scarlett, Elliott Yorke (Royalty), Kan Sano, Onra and many more.

It's really a great deal -- get some cutting-edge music (for me, a horizon-expanding trip out of my usual rock music comfort zone) and know the money you paid for it is going to an urgent cause.

The party on Friday is free, but they will take donations for the Red Cross. So come out, have a good time, say hello and listen to some great music for a good cause!

Oh and buy the album here!

Earthquake & cancellations

2011-03-13T11:25:00.024+09:00

Due to the earthquake and tsunami, power usage is being limited and transportation still hasn't returned to normal in Tokyo. A number of gigs have been cancelled. If you're planning to go to any gigs in the next couple of weeks, check the websites of the venues, promoters and bands to see if it has been cancelled. The kanji to look for is 中止. Contact the venues or promoters for details of ticket refunds.

Here are some of the upcoming gigs that have definitely been cancelled. Please add any more to the comments.

MONDAY 21st MARCH
Sakerock at Ax.
Tortoise at Billboard Live.

TUESDAY 22nd MARCH
Tahiti 80 at Liquidroom.

THURSDAY 24th MARCH
Spiritual Beggars at CLub Quattro.

FRIDAY 25th MARCH
KE$HA at Studio Coast.
Ocean Colour Scene at Ax.
Edwyn Collins at Billboard Live.

SATURDAY 26th MARCH
KE$HA at Zepp.
Tahiti 80 at Bay Hall.
Soulive at Billboard Live.

SUNDAY 27th APRIL
Soulive at Billboard Live.

MONDAY 28th APRIL
Fried Pride at Billboard Live.

TUESDAY 29th APRIL
Fried Pride at Billboard Live.

WEDNESDAY 30th APRIL
Ino Hidefumi at Billboard Live.
Jimmy Eat World at Studio Coast.

THURSDAY 31st APRIL
Rick Springfield at Billboard Live.

FRIDAY 1st APRIL
Automatic Loveletter at Astro Hall.
Rick Springfield at Billboard Live.

SATURDAY 2nd APRIL
SPRINGROOVE at Makuhari Messe.
Rick Springfield at Billboard Live.

SUNDAY 3rd APRIL
PUNKSPRING at Makuhari Messe.

MONDAY 4th APRIL
PUNKSPRING EXTRA SHOW at Club Quattro

WEDNESDAY 6th APRIL
Black Label Society at Club Quattro.

THURSDAY 7th APRIL
Black Label Society at O-East

WEDNESDAY 27th APRIL
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at Blitz.

Tokyo Gig Guide presents Farm Party #5 next Sunday (20th) is still scheduled to go ahead. All money made on the door will be donated to the earthquake/tsunami relief.

I hope everyone is safe and well. It has been shocking to hear about all the damage in the north-east of the country.

Blonde Redhead, Deerhunter, Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafitti

2011-02-23T17:44:00.007+09:00

by liza

Better late than never for a review I suppose -- Contrarede's 4AD evening was Jan. 24 at O-East in Shibuya.

Ariel Pink was the opener at this sold-out show. I arrived a little late, perhaps slowed down by the weight of my expectations. I was a little underwhelmed by Mr. Pink, unfortunately. I loved the sparkly outfits, but I felt like the true heft of their psychedelia was not translating to the audience. Was the venue too big? The sound not up loud enough? The mix a bit mushy? Still, mediocre Ariel Pink is better than most, so it was great to see them.

Deerhunter was like a never-ending sonic boom following Ariel Pink. Most of the set was off their most recent and in my opinion their best, "Halcyon Digest." The lighting was gorgeous and made the whole experience enthralling. I love their albums but didn't expect much of the live show; I am always happy to be proven wrong though. I also saw one of the Deerhunter guys at that ramen shop with the veggie gyoza down the street from the Shibuya O's after the show and he was very nice!

Finally. Finally! Blonde Redhead! 1997's "Fake Can Be Just as Good" was probably my favorite album to play on my college radio show, and Kazu and the twins have provided the backdrop to more angsty evenings than I care to admit to.

Live, they're absolutely gorgeous: Kazu's voice is fragile, feminine and tough all at once, and watching them onstage is visually intoxicating. Again, the lighting really added to this sensation. The set started out with simulated candlelight and moved into bold, changing colors.

The set was mostly newer songs, which is to be expected I know, but the geezer in me was really cheering for older stuff. I think it was around 10 songs which strikes me as a short set for artists with such an amazing catalog. At the end of it, I could see from my up-front vantage point that they were reluctant to do an encore; perhaps Kazu's throat hurt? They obliged with one song anyway. I know Kazu still feels nervous about performing so we should be happy they go on at all. Kazu spoke some Japanese in between songs which seemed to surprise the crowd.

All in all, it would have taken a lot for me not to enjoy this show with the likes of these artists, but there were definitely things I would've liked to see done differently. What did everyone else think? Did anyone go to the solo shows?

(Blonde Redhead, in iPhone vision)

Best albums of 2010 in Japan Times

2011-01-01T09:40:00.003+09:00

My picks for best Japanese and best overseas albums of 2010 are in the December 31 Japan Times newspaper. Check out the article online:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20101231l5.html

New Year's Eve 2010-2011 recommended events

2010-12-23T00:42:00.001+09:00

There is a ridiculous amount of live music to see and places to dance on New Year's Eve this year. Here are some recommendations:

ROCK

Big Festivals:

COUNTDOWN JAPAN 10/11
@ Makuhari Messe
12:00
There are tons of bands and DJs playing on 5 stages. My picks are POLYSICS, SPECIAL OTHERS, group_inou, SAMBOMASTER, SAKEROCK, sleepy.ab, Predawn, 80kidz. On the 31st is a countdown party, but this festival is also on the 28th, 29th and 30th.

COUNTDOWN GT2011
@ Akasaka Blitz
12:30/13:00 Y4500
Live: 9mm Parabellum Bullet, Takeshi Hosomi, BIGMAMA, The Mirraz, OGRE YOU ASSHOLE, cinema staff, [Champagne], Aobozu, riddim saunter, THE NOVEMBERS, a flood of circle, negoto, Over The Dogs.

Shimokitazawa:

mirrorball YearEnd2010→Hellow Happy New Year2011
@ Daisy Bar
18:30/19:00 Y2000/Y2500
Live: THE SUZAN, Czecho No Republic, Large House Satisfaction, LAZYgunsBRISKY, THE BOHEMIANS, the blondie plastic wagon, more

2010 251 ALL STARS SPECIAL
@ Club 251
14:30/15:00 Y2300/Y2500
Live: wash?, Response, aeronauts, Large House Satisfaction, Earls Court, jimmyhat, SUPER BEAVER, THE DILEMMA OF HEDGEHOG, e-sound speaker, nano sound museum, RIPPLE, うすしお, SinGerbera, Padols, BYEE the ROUND, The ROOTLESS

BASEMENT BAR & THREE COUNT DOWN 2010→2011
18:30/19:00 Y2000/Y2500
@ THREE:
GEKITETSU, HISATO YAMAMOTO, HALF-BROKEN TAPERECORDERS, salsa, Zews, BOYGEORGE, SCIROCC, thai kick murph, SUNN
@ BASEMENT BAR:
Live: THE LOVE NINGEN, KETTLES, THIS IS PANIC, Almie, TOfUTEN, DACOTA SPEAKER. DJ: JUN (MEANING) & CHIKARA SONIC CREW

Shibuya:

COUNTDOWN BUMP SHOW!! 2010→2011
@ O-East
19:30/20:30 Y2800
Live: the pillows, Dohatsuten, noodles, BUGY CRAXONE, POP CHOCOLAT, monokuro

×ROCK'N ROLL SUNDAY～COUNT DOWN PARTY!
@ Lush
19:30/20:00 Y2000
Live: STRIKERS, URBAN FETI, Mikansei vs Shinsekai, THIS IS PANIC, dry as dust, UNDER THE COUNTER, Tengu Invaders, MOROHA

Koenji:

Mikami Kan vs Kanonbosatsu
@ Muryoku Muzenji
18:30 Y1500

Keiji Haino
Dec 30th @ Showboat
1am Y2700/Y3200
Live: Keiji Haino

Sangenjaya

【天国扉物語第二章完結編】
@ Heaven's Door
15:00 Y2000/Y2300
Live: soft wrestlers, TOKYO-RYOZANPAKU, UCHIKUBIGOKUMON-DOUKOUKAI, DEADBAMBIES, LAZY guns BRISKY, taffy, Flying Izna Drop, GOLGO BUTCH, Zarigani dollar, kiyosute, _ _ _ _*, GENZ, The HARPY'S, BORKOB NORMAN, TAKEHANAREA, URBAN FETI, HELSINKI ON THE BEACH, BlieAN

Shinjuku:

SWAN SONG COUNCIL vol.12
@ Motion
17:00/17:30 Y2500/Y3000
Live: about tess, Owarikara, goomie, kulukulu Garden, Half Broken Tape Recorders, the Shuwa, the John's Guerilla, Taiheiyou Shiranuigakudan, PILLS EMPIRE, Far France, mothercoat, the mornings, THE LOVE NINGEN, SEBASTIAN X, SuiseiNoboAz, LAZYgunsBRISKY, Tokyo Karan Koron, more.

ACB pre. "半端ねぇNIGHT 2010 -最終日-"
Dec 30th @ ACB Hall
11:00/11:30 Y1900
Live: HOT DOG, SECRET 7 LINE, EDDY, ASTRALMESS, Baby smoker, RUNNERS-Hi, BASSUI, SORRY FOR A FROG, more.

Daikanyama:

UNIT 2010 to 2011
@ UNIT
21:00. Y4000/5000
Live: Zs (from NY), KIRIHITO, FilFla, DJs: KENJI TAKIMI (CRUE-L), TEN (STERNE), KENTARO IWAKI (DUB ARCHANOID TRIM), Steve Bicknell (London), Miyabi (PLUS), L?K?O, Takarada Michinobu (HONCHO SOUND), Ametsub, Hiyoshi (Global Chillage), VJ: SAKOTA HARUKA

JAZZ

ALL NIGHT CONCERT 2010～2011
@ PIT INN
19:00/19:30 Y4000
HIROSHI MINAMI Trio+1, Takeshi Shibuya Orchestra, Josei Session, Neo Emergency!, Fumio Itabashi＋4, Fumio Karashima Quintet, Kazutoki Umezu Session

DANCE

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN 2011
@ Womb
Y5000 (after midnight Y4000)
MAGDA (MINUS), MARC HOULE (MINUS), AKI, TECHRIDERS, OHNISHI, AKR, RYUSUKE NAKAMURA, DR.SHINGO, SATOSHI OTSUKI, TAKUYA, KIKIORIX, HARRY, VJ: NUMAN (MINUS), LIGHTING + LASER: SAITO (MINUS)

AIR NEW YEAR EVE COUNTDOWN TO 2011
@ AIR
21:00 Y4000
DJs: IDJUT BOYS, KAORU INOUE, BENGAL (KEY), GORO (PR!ZE), NARIAKI (Wafro), SAIMURA (DONUTZ), TTI (3+4BEAT), TOMOYUKI YASUDA (VOICE OF VOICE TOKYO), more

CLUB ASIA COUNTDOWN PARTY '10 to '11
@ Club Asia
21:00 Y4000
DJs: DJ BAKU, KZA (FORCE OF NATURE), Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), REBEL FAMILIA, RAM RIDER, SHIRO THE GOODMAN, 太華, The Backwoods, THE LOWBROWS, VEEVEE, more

AT THE CLUB RELEASE PARTY
@ Eleven
21:00 Y4000
DJs: Timmy Regisford (Shelter NY), chack (ANALSTATION/MISERY), PART2STYLE SOUND, Masanori Ikeda, YAHMAN (Tribal Connection), P-RUFF (INSTANT DUB/MADMADD), VJ HAJIME, more

2011LIQUID
@ LIQUIDROOM
20:00 Y5000
Takkyu Ishino, Fumiya Tanaka, DJ Nobu

Soup Countdown 2010→2011
@ SOUP
18:00 Y1000
DJs: TEN (STERNE/ERR), yoshiki (Runch/op.disc ), KABUTO (LAIR), YOSHIDA (ERR/Soup), Ryuji Suganuma (freebase), TARO SUGAWARA, YASU (ERR), MAA (TempeR), KO-JAX (Runch)

ELECTRONIC TRIBE
@ Ebisu Garden Hall
20:30/21:00. Y6800/Y8000
DERRICK MAY, DJ KRUSH, GLIDAS (Kitsune), EYE (BOREDOMS), rei harakami, DEXPISTOLS, DAEDELUS (Ninja Tune), FORCE OF NATURE, AOKI takamasa, TREADa.k.a. HIROSHI WATANABE, SO IN THE HOUSE, LIKI, TAKI KOHEI

RAINBOW DISCO CLUB
@ TABLOID
21:00 Y4500/Y5500
METRO AREA, FLOATING POINTS, 9DW, WAVES, LEON & SKINNIPANTS, GO KAMINOMURA, NAOKI SERIZAWA, more

HOUSE OF LIQUIDOMMUNE 2011
@ Liquid Loft
20:00/22:00 Y5000
DJs: MOODMAN, TOHRU TAKAHASHI, NORI, WADA, HIROSHI KAWANABE (TOKYO No1 SOUL SET), TASAKA, KENJI TAKIMI (CRUE-L), NOBU (FUTURE TERROR), more.

AgeHa COUNTDOWN 2011
@ AgeHa
21:00 18:00/19:00
DJs: KEN ISHII, MASTERKEY, HASEBE, Mr BEATS a.k.a. DJ CELORY, KASHI DA HANDSOME, DJ TASAKA, YODA, MASANORI MORITA, ASIAN STAR, BLAST STAR, more

Check Tokyo Gig Guide for more events on and around New Year's Eve.

Check Chk chk chk

2010-11-10T22:30:00.005+09:00

by liza

!!! (usually pronounced "chk chk chk") is one of those bands I always wanted to see but seemed doomed not to -- work, school and even a car crash always got in the way!

But finally, I got to see them in October in Tokyo! Apparently they were darlings at Fuji Rock this year, and I'm sure that's why they came back so soon after.

And the hype certainly was warranted, in my opinion! O-East in Shibuya was a good spot for their incredibly high-energy show. The dance-punk group -- the genre they're usually associated with -- played mostly stuff off their most recent "Strange Weather, Isn't It?" and "Myth Takes," their previous album. (Personally, I would've been happy with their self-titled one played straight through.)

Soul singer Shannon Funchess is an amazing addition to the lineup - she has a fierce voice and stage presence. She's a good foil to singer Nic Offer. They did two encores and ended with "All My Heroes Are Weirdos," which I thought was a strange choice, but whatever.

I think O-East is a good place to see larger international bands. There doesn't seem to be a bad spot to stand, and while it's corporate it doesn't feel overly so, like some of the larger venues in Tokyo.

Was anyone else at the show? If you weren't - definitely catch these guys the next time around, which hopefully will be sooner rather than later as they seem pretty big in Japan!

In the meantime, please enjoy blurry iPhone pictures of the show!

Finnish electro Halloween

2010-10-29T20:10:00.006+09:00

by liza

If you prefer your music more sinewy than spooky this Halloween weekend - check out Shine 2009, Zebra & Snake, and DJ Ercola at Mado Lounge on Saturday. Shine 2009 is on a massive world tour promoted by Finland, ahead of Helsinki hosting the World Design Congress in 2012. "Madchester" definitely comes to mind at first but they're also both catchy and easy to get lost in. They're a bit sleazy and gothic and happy all at the same time, too - a memorable sort of sound that earned them the title of "Most promising band of 2011" by the Finnish music industry.

DJ Ercola has had some hits with Annie and other artists so this is a good chance to catch some bands who may end up being pretty big at a cool venue like Mado Lounge!

Get your gig info here, and happy Halloween!

Halloween weekend parties

2010-10-26T10:08:00.010+09:00

by craig

It's Halloween this weekend so there are plenty of Halloween themed gigs and parties on. Here are some picks.

29th

On Friday night, there will be an interesting free party at Maple House in Gakugei-Daigaku. Performing will be a Misfits tribute band, as well as the multi-national group ABIKYOKAN (who I'll be playing bass in), who sound nothing at all like the Misfits! It opens at 8:00. Details on TGG.

30th

On Saturday night, go down to Ruby Room in Shibuya for Bad Noise. The bands performing are BROKEN DOLL (Fashion-obsessed neon new-wave punks), CES☆ (Hard-rocking yank chick and three bears), TEXAS STYLE (Explosive three-boy garage rock unit). If you dress up in any kind of costume, you can get a free shot! Details on TGG.

31st

On Sunday night (Halloween), catch the 3rd instalment of WILD MOOD SWINGS schizophrenic all-genre DJ party at Echo in Shibuya. It's free and starts at 7pm. The DJs will be Timebred (Gaijintonic), craig eee (me, Tokyo Gig Guide), Grant McGaheran & Jake Arntson (Abikyokan), Special K, Mu-tan and more. Everyone's welcome, costumed or otherwise! Details on TGG.

Tokyo Gig Guide presents FARM PARTY #4

2010-10-18T12:24:00.014+09:00

by craig

The next super-fun Farm Party will be held this Sunday October 24th at Gamuso in Asagaya. This month's event will focus on experimental music.

Live:

ii (from Australia)
http://www.myspace.com/iitunes
ii ("ai ai") is the abstract, experimental pop duo of Alex Nosek and Jon Tjhia (from Aleks and The Ramps) from Melbourne, Australia. Mostly improvising - and using an array of synthesisers, samplers, guitars and effects - the pair create adventurous and richly detailed music. Their sound sits somewhere between strange electronics, deep drone, ambient techno and guitar pop. They've played with bands including Tujiko Noriko, Beach House, High Places, Fabulous Diamonds, Lawrence English and many more.

OPQ
http://www.myspace.com/opq
OPQ will fill Gamuso with bizarre homemade instruments, toys and their experimental, ambient psychedelic sounds.

henna dress (変なドレス)
http://www.myspace.com/hennadress
Electronica pico pico wildness with gameboys and gadgets.

Moon Face Boys (Kei from My Pal Foot Foot)
http://www.suhaak-haaksu.com
New solo project of Kei from the wonderful experimental psych-folk band My Pal Foot Foot.

DJs:
Denim Owl + Extreme Wheeze (Aleks and The Ramps)
Jon+ Alex (ii)
Timebred (Wild Mood Swings)
Grant McGaheran (Abikyokan)

Video: craig eee
http://craig.tokyogigguide.com
Farm Parties are as visual as they are aural, with films cut up by craig eee projected throughout the night

Only 1000yen＋drink (500yen). Starts at 18:30.
http://farmparty.tokyogigguide.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154032344629379

Aleks and the Ramps Japan tour

2010-10-13T08:35:00.008+09:00

by craig

Aleks and the Ramps are an experimental pop quintet from Melbourne, Australia.
This October, Japanese audiences will again be able to meet Aleks and the Ramps on stage, this time with all five members in tow.
Since forming in 2005, the band have released two albums - Pisces vs Aquarius, and Midnight Believer. They've delighted and confused crowds Australia-wide, touring the country numerous times, and venturing as far as Canada and New Zealand. They also played some low-key shows in Tokyo as a 2-piece in 2008, and since then they've spent their time playing alongside esteemed acts such as The Sea and Cake, Dan Deacon, Why?, The Ruby Suns and Vivian Girls.
In 2009, the group released Midnight Believer - a critically lauded 40 minute album of strange, abstract and addictive pop tunes. The album's first single 'Antique Limb' was played on the radio extensively, and its video clip was seen on TVs in Australia and YouTube far beyond. Their mothers were proud.
Live on stage, Aleks and the Ramps are a surreal treat: bursts of noise scattered between pop gems, a group cacophony of the most joyful nature, with dynamic songs that flaunt the potential of pop and melody. Lights are attached to things they aren't usually attached to. Shirts are lost. Kittens are worshipped through dance. Drums, synths and guitars form inappropriate relationships.

ii. Aleks and the Ramps members, Alex Nosek and Jon Tjhia, will also be playing in ii, their abstract, experimental pop project.

4 bonjour's parties, the lovely seven-piece indie-pop band will also be playing some shows with Aleks and the Ramps.

DATES:

10/15 - Kyoto Urbanguilde - Aleks and the Ramps, ii

10/16 - Kanazawa Onpa - Aleks and the Ramps, ii, 4 bonjour's parties, noid, NINGEN OK

10/17 - Nagoya AT Cafe - Aleks and the Ramps, 4 bonjour’s parties, 小鳥美術館

10/18 - Shibuya O-Nest Aleks and the Ramps, The Velvet Teen, The New Trust. Details.

10/22 - Shimokitazawa Basement Bar/Three. BASEMENT BAR - Aleks and the Ramps, 4 bonjour's parties, oono yuuki, SoulTuneFactory. THREE - ii, FilFla, たゆたう, kooreruongaku. Details.

10/23 - Osaka Sleeper Hallucination Camping

10/24 - Asagaya Gamuso - ii, OPQ, henna dress, Moon Face Boys. Details.