Do As Infinity Releases New Single, Ariadne no Ito
“Ariadne no Ito,” (アリアドネの糸) the title track from Do As Inifinity’s latest single released on September 7. It’s not hard to understand why Do As Infinity works. Lead singer Tomiko Van is capable of sultry crooning and higher octave pleading … Read More »
Nihongaku Radio Episode 1: Podcast This!
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to interview Zac Bentz. Mr. Bentz is a critically-acclaimed writer, a musician and a true Japanese music aficionado. None of those are the reason I wanted to talk to him. I interviewed Mr. … Read More »
The Pillows Do America With Noodles and All Ages
The Pillows are kicking off their third U.S. tour in about a week.
Omodaka’s Chiptune Goodness Returns With Sanosa
“Hietsuki Bushi” from Omodaka’s new album Sanosa. Omodaka, the mask-wearing music maker who plucks melodies from modified video game hand-helds, is back with a new album. Like his previous work, Sanosa blends the bleeps and blips of chiptune music with … Read More »
Okamoto’s Yokubō o Sakebe!!! and a Ninja Named Naruto
It was a unnaturally sweltering day in Austin Texas when the four, 19-year-old members of Okamoto’s took the makeshift stage next to a goat pen at The Typewriter Museum. Initial impressions of how young they were or wondering how they … Read More »
Japanese Soul Music: The Ton-Up Motors, The Tacosan and Zukuna Sisters
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame defines soul music in its biography for late, soul singer Otid Redding: “His [Otis Redding’s] name is synonymous with the term soul, music that arose out of the black experience in America through … Read More »
Asian Kung-Fu Generation’s Nano-Mugen FES Brings U.S./U.K. Bands to Yokohama
A weekend trip from Phoenix, AZ to Japan’s Narita International Airport runs a stiff $1,051 in airfare alone. Throw in room and board and you’re talking about dropping some serious yen for a weekend away. My mind can rationalize the … Read More »
Shonen Knife Celebrate 30th Anniversary With Osaka Ramones
For those of us with short memories and those of us who were not around to actually remember, I present a few facts that may help illustrate just how long ago 1981 was. In 1981, MTV started broadcasting for the … Read More »
Last Time On Nihongaku Radio
Nihongaku Radio Episode 68: Aimer Sparks Again
[Read More...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download