Japan Underground in Tokyo: 1+2 August, GRIT at Shibuya
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Sat 1 Aug: BRIDEAR, BONE DAWN, BERED, FATHOMLESS SKYWALKER Day 1 Tickets |
Sun 2 Aug: KINOCO HOTEL, ENA FUJITA [BAND], WENDY, Mellows Day 2 Tickets |
1 + 2 Aug: All the bands. All the fun. Weekend Tickets |
After more than 15 years of celebrating Japanese music in the UK, London-based event Japan Underground is heading to Tokyo. Across the first weekend of August, eight bands will take to the stage at GRIT at Shibuya as the music party hits Japan for the first time. Saturday 1 August will see the likes of BRIDEAR, BONE DAWN, BERED and FATHOMLESS SKYWALKER take to the stage, while Sunday 2 August features KINOCO HOTEL, ENA FUJITA [BAND], WENDY and Mellows.
Established in 2010, Japan Underground has introduced UK audiences to bands including FACT, Otoboke Beaver, Kero Kero Bonito and [Alexandros] before they became established names. Its events combine live performances from Japanese artists with DJ sets dedicated entirely to music from Japan, where requests from attendees help shape each night's unique atmosphere.
Japan Underground was founded by Tom Smith, who later established JPU Records. The label has since sold more than 150,000 CDs outside Japan, releasing music from artists including SCANDAL, the GazettE and BAND-MAID, while helping introduce Japanese rock and metal to wider audiences through coverage in leading western publications such as Metal Hammer and Kerrang!.
"I am super excited about bringing Japan Underground to the place that sparked the original idea," explains founder and DJ Tom Smith. "After experiencing so many exciting music scenes in Shibuya, I wanted to capture that energy and talent and show it off overseas. Looking back on over 15 years of events, I only realise now that these events offered music fans the chance to see the mega stars of tomorrow, today. I’m very proud of what we could accomplish, and I can’t believe that now I have a chance to bring the event to Tokyo with a selection of bands who I truly believe capture the magic of Tokyo’s unique and powerful underground rock scene, who possess the power and unique charm to one day capture the hearts of music fans around the world.
"For example, on Saturday there’s FATHOMLESS SKYWALKER, who are not afraid to mix opera and metalcore, are a band that I believe can only be born from Japan. BONE DAWN, capturing that international rock and metal sound through a Japanese lens. BERED, a love letter to spirit of traditional rock bands everywhere. And headliners BRIDEAR, an all-female metal force who have already been turning heads overseas. This day is an absolute must for headbangers everywhere.
"Sunday’s lineup is just as exciting. It features the likes of ENA FUJITA, a singer-songwriting gravure idol and horror movie actress – I bet you cannot find anyone else like that in the world. WENDY, a band that managed to capture the attention of a Grammy Award winning producer while they were still teenagers. Mellows, calling themselves “CUTE METAL”, a concept we have yet to truly see outside of Japan. And then we have the mighty KINOCO HOTEL, who might just be the most metal band I’ve ever seen who isn’t metal – they’re so stylish, fun and know how to put on a show. I can’t wait for this event, and to see where it leads in the future."
