When it comes to cultural diversity, Japan has always been a borrower. Their entire writing system, known as kanji, is made up of Chinese characters; the country’s most popular sport is baseball, America’s pastime; and South Korean television dramas get all the top ratings. Japan’s music scene is no … [Read more...]
Sirius XM Welcomes Yoshiki of X Japan
Beginning Sunday, June 5, Yoshiki Radio will air the first Sunday of every month at 9:00 pm ET. Yoshiki Radio will offer an eclectic mix of East meets West, and will include Yoshiki’s personal favorite music tracks, and music from artists that have influenced him, as well as an introduction to some … [Read more...]
Brooklyn’s Cherry Blossom Festival Turns 30!
For three decades the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been home to the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival, a two-day festival comprised of both traditional and contemporary Japanese arts and culture, including dance, martial arts, manga, costume play (“cosplay”), workshops, demonstrations, and … [Read more...]
Chatmonchy’s Maiden Voyage to America
Playing raw, energy-infused melodic rock music, Eriko (guitar and vocals), Akiko (bass), and Kumiko (drums) have been making a buzz all across Japan since their 2005 major label debut. Now, with their latest Oricon chart-topping album “Kokuhaku” (Confession), they're ready to infect North American … [Read more...]
Japanese Folk Music Relflected on Prism
The Yoshida Brothers, Japan's young masters of the ancient tsugaru-shamisen, are back with a new album, Prism. The aptly-named release reflects their long-standing commitment to traditional Japanese folk music, refracted through modern musical sensibilities, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and … [Read more...]
The Best Thing Since Bread Came Sliced
It’s not everyday one gets to spend an up close and spiritual evening with REM, but that is how Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, and Peter Buck all made the people of Osaka feel throughout their wonderfully charismatic performance last Friday night at the Grand Cube, Osaka. Since the departure of drummer … [Read more...]