Shibuya-based alternative talent agency, WACK, is set to return to London for WACK in the U.K. Vol. 5 on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at The Underworld in Camden. This exclusive showcase offers a rare, immersive look into the world of Japan’s dynamic and captivating underground idol scene. The March event will feature three exciting groups flown in directly from Japan: GANG PARADE, ASP, and KiSS KiSS. Tickets are on sale now.

This marks the fifth instalment of the WACK in the U.K. showcase, a unique live experience that brings Japan’s alternative idols to the international stage. The showcase is the first of its kind outside Japan, reflecting WACK’s growing commitment to expanding its reach and sharing Japanese underground culture worldwide.

Event founder and former WACK CEO Junnosuke Watanabe shares his passion for the project: “My dream is to introduce our music to the UK!! Because my body was made up of UK music!! I have been impressed by UK music since I was a child!! I really want to tell you about how wonderful and unique the Japanese underground idol culture is!! I hope our music will touch your hearts!!”

In 2024 Watanabe stepped down from his role and relocated to London to pursue full-time studies at Goldsmiths University. Despite his departure from the agency’s day-to-day operations, Watanabe remains deeply invested in spreading WACK’s message worldwide, with London now serving as a focal point for their international efforts. WACK's U.K. showcases are just one part of this global vision.

As part of his mission, Watanabe has also launched Dig Your Own Idols (https://digyourownidols.com/), a new platform dedicated to delivering exclusive news, interviews, and video content directly from Japanese idol groups. Through the website and its associated social media channels, Dig Your Own Idols provides an authentic, behind-the-scenes look into the world of Japan’s underground idols for an international audience.

On Dig Your Own Idols, Watanabe comments. “I wanted to create a platform to make Japan's unique underground idol culture easily accessible. I hope that this website will help people feel closer to our culture and become more interested in it.”

Appearing at WACK in the U.K. Vol.5 will be:

GANG PARADE:
GANG PARADE is one of WACK’s most successful groups, known for its high-energy performances and playful concept of “Minna no Asobiba” (a playground for everyone). With a lineup of 11 members, they’ve racked up over 18 million streams on YouTube, with their music featured in anime and a chart-topping album to their name. Their latest single, ‘Goodluck My Future’, was produced by Kayoko Kusano, the creative force behind hits for major artists like LiSA, ARCANA PROJECT, and Kisida Kyodan & THE Akebosi Rockets.

ASP:
ASP (ANTI SOCiETY PUNKS) is one of WACK’s freshest groups, having formed in 2021, but already making waves with their genre-blending mix of punk, hyperpop, and hip-hop. Known for their electrifying performances, ASP became the first WACK group to perform at the iconic Nippon Budokan in 2024. Their sound, infused with a distinct UK influence, benefits from collaborations with leading producers like Maxim of The Prodigy and Sam Matlock of WARGASM.

KiSS KiSS:
KiSS KiSS is a five-member idol group with a unique twist on the traditional idol formula. With their motto, ‘KiSS for you Chu!♡’, they have gained a dedicated following, known as ‘KiSSERS’. Unlike many of WACK’s more alternative acts, KiSS KiSS embraces the traditional idol path while maintaining the agency's hallmark focus on musical innovation. Their debut album, FiRST ALBUM, released in March 2023, features ‘KiSSES’, a classic idol track, as well as ‘KiSS KiSS KiSS’, a high-energy dance anthem with a 90s techno flair that showcases WACK’s unique blend of modern and retro influences.