Catch Bo Ningen, a London-based Japanese-descent 'progressive punk' band at The Rest is Noise, a Brixton pub. Free entry from 9pm-1am.

The Rest is Noise says: 'Bo Ningen are one of the most exciting acts to arise from London last year. The Japanese psych-screamo outfit are signed to Stolen Records and have celebrity fans including the Horrors.'

If you can't make it to see the band live, check out their myspace page here.

UK-Japan Music Society hosts a Closing Concert for Japan UK 150th Anniversary Year on 12 December 2009, at 5pm.

This is a Christmas Concert which is dedicated as Closing Concert to mark the significant year which lasted from September 2008 till the end of December 2009. It features young and talented musicians from Japan and UK performing as soloists and instrumentalists, along with UK-Japan Choir which is amalgamated with other Japan related choirs in and around London.

The music is Handel Messiah which is most popular and appropriate in the celebration of friendship of two nations and when they are about to start 151th year of friendship. The concert is directed by Jonathan Gregory, Director of Music of UK-Japan Music Society and UK-Japan Choir.

The concert will be held at St John's Wood Church, Lord's Roundabout, St John's Wood, London NW8 7NE.

For more information call:0116 259 3891 or email: y.gregory2411@gmail.com

The event Music Beyond Labels - Exploring New Music from Japan is organised by the Japan Foundation in association with the London International Festival of Exploratory Music (LIFEM), takes place at 6.30pm on the 6th November. Contact The Japan Foundation for further info.

'In recent years, a growing number of Japanese musicians have appeared on the UK music scene. This recent popularity has been attributed to the uniqueness and versatility of Japanese music and musicians, appealing to the desire of music fans to experience something new and original. For this event, the Japan Foundation has invited UK-based Japanese artist, DJ Scotch Egg, who has gained a reputation for mixing music from techno-related genres, including gabber and chiptunes, to talk about his musical career and artistic philosophy.

He will be accompanied by Franck Stofer, of the artist agency, Sonore. Franck has been a passionate advocate of the creativity of contemporary Japanese music, and will share his views on the state and nature of the music scene in Japan. The evening's proceedings will be chaired by Alan Cummings, Freelance Writer for music magazine The Wire.'

DJ Scotch Egg will be part of this year's LIFEM lineup, together with two other Japanese musicians, Oorutaichi and Midori Hirano, on 7 November at Kings Place.

There's a welcome lull in frenetic London life over August... time to enjoy some of the finer things in life: food, music and the great outdoors.

If you, like I am, are counting down the days to the Japan Matsuri at Spitalfields this September 19th, you should indulge in a little Japanese cultural exploration over the summer!

1. EAT FOR FREE AT TOKYO CITY

I know! I couldn't believe it either! Simply book your table in advance at Tokyo City Japanese Restaurant near Bank on any Tuesday in August, anytime from 11.30am to 10pm at night. A tasty offer too good to miss, you simply pay a £2.50 service charge and the cost of drinks you order.

City workers can feast for free on everything from handmade sushi and sashimi to bento boxes filled with Japanese classics, plus other traditional Japanese dishes, and help Tokyo City celebrate their 10th birthday and the launch of their new August menu.

Tokyo City is at 46 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7AY

Call 020 7726 0308 and quote the Tokyo City offer when you book.

2. DISCOVER CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE MUSIC

You'll be pleased to hear Tsuru Sushi plays host to new Japanese music the last Wednesday of every month! Their 100% Genki events showcase Japanese musical and performance talent.

The events have been running for one year on the last Wednesday of each month, and attract a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities. Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.

3. EXPLORE JAPANESE GARDENS

All is green and lush in August, and there's no better time to enjoy the lovely Japanese gardens scattered around London.

Kew Gardens, Richmond, is home to a striking 5-story pagoda set within its verdant gardens. If that's not enough for you, check out the Chokushi Mon - Gateway of the Imperial Messenger - a mini repica of the one in Kyoto. Other Japanese exhibits include the Minka House, an authentic Japanese farm dwelling bordered by a serene Bamboo Garden and, last but not least, there is a new glass Bonsai house to explore at Kew!

If you prefer your Japanese Gardens to be more on the, well, free side, try Holland Park's beautiful Kyoto Gardens. Watch colourful Giant Koi carp drifting lazily around the pond from the pretty arched bridge to catch the chilled-out summer feeling!

If you feel like getting out of the city, visit www.japan-interface.co.uk/gardens/ for a fantastic searchable guide of all the Japanese Gardens in the UK and Ireland.

4. CELEBRATE TANABATA STAR FESTIVAL WITH THE KIDS

Tanabata Star Festival falls on 'the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the Japanese lunisolar calendar' - which in 2009 happens to be August 26th!

Tanabata celebrates the legend of star lovers Hikoboshi (Alter) and Orihime (Vega) who meet over the Milky Way (Amanogawa) and fall in love. On one special day, once a year, these two stars burn more brightly as the star lovers are allowed to meet and pledge their love to each other once again.

TARA Studio will host storytelling activity events for children aged 4-8 and their families from 26th-29th August. Children will learn the Tanabata song and make a wish to hang on the bamboo tree.

TARA Studio is at 356 Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4ES

Visit the website at www.tara-arts.com or call 0208 333 4457 for more information.

5. LEARN JAPANESE STYLE HOME COOKING

Atsuko's Kitchen is offering Japanese home-style cooking classes for beginners at The Grocery. Try something new this summer - the short five-week programme is ideal for filling that August lull. Starts Wednesday 12th August. There are also Advanced classes on Tuesdays.

The Grocery is located at 54 -56 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP The website is at www.atsukoskitchen.com

Booking is essential - call 07921 397792 or email classes@atsukoskitchen.com

'New Music from Japan showcases Japanese musical and performance talent. The events are on the last Wednesday of each month at Tsuru Sushi and attract a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities.

Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.'

Catch new Japanese music until September 2009 at Tsuru Sushi - located on the Bankside - London Bridge or Southwark tube. It's a mere stone's throw from Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern!

For more information...
Tel: 07944 848740
Email: emma@tsuru-sushi.co.uk

Disco Geisha is a club night with a difference. That's because it's on during the day!

The event is the first Sunday of every month. The event runs from Sunday 4pm until 1am in the morning.

For more information you can join the Disco Geisha Facebook group. Tomoki Tamura, a Japanese DJ, provides the music.

For more information please check with the Notting Hill Arts Club in London.

If you love laid-back Okinawan culture you'd best not miss this FREE, family-friendly festival at Cafe Oto!

The Okinawa Festival is on from 1pm to 5pm this Saturday, 20th June, with two musical performances by the London Okinawa Sanshin Group, at 2pm and 4pm.

'The London Okinawa Sanshin group is a bunch of people who are crazy about Okinawan folk music.

There will be a stall selling Okinawan food and their local produce.'

Cafe Oto is at 18 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL.

Tube: The nearest station is Dalston Kingsland just one minute walk from Cafe OTO. Dalston Kingsland is now part of the London Overground network so you can use your Oyster card. Take the tube to Highbury & Islington (Victoria line) then change to the London Overground. Alternatively take the Tube to Liverpool Street then bus 149 or 242.

Bus:　Dalston is well served for buses from all-over London . The following buses stop nearby: 30, 38, N38, 67, 76, 149, N149, 56, 277 & 242

沖縄まつりのお知らせ

沖縄イベントがロンドン市内で開催されますのでそのお知らせです。
沖縄出身者を中心として活動しているロンドン三線会と沖縄県人会主催。
沖縄戦が終了した慰霊の日にちなんで
平和＆歌コンサートとエイサー（沖縄の集団太鼓円舞）を行います。
沖縄に興味のある人、沖縄がすきな人、沖縄知ら
ないけど知りたい人、南国の雰囲気がロンドンで
体験できますので会場へ足を運んでみて下さい。
沖縄料理、泡盛、沖縄菓子も楽しめます。
もちろんちびっこも同伴で参加できます。

日時　：　6 月20 日（土）　午後1 時～5 時
場所　：カフェオト、18 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL
(http://www.cafeoto.co.uk/contact.shtm)
入場無料　（お食事・お飲み物代は別途）
公演2 回, 第1 部： 2 時～3 時、第2 部： 4 時～5 時

カフェオトはロンドンOverGroundのDalston Kingsland駅下車１分、Liverpool Street駅からはバス１４９番あるいは２４２番で約２０分です。バスはほかに３０，３８，６７，７６，５６，２７７が使えます。

Taiko Meantime is a popular Greenwich, London-based Japanese drumming group. They have a lot of great events coming up this summer, not only in London but all around the UK!

FA cup final, Wembley (30th May) - 'Taiko Meantime launch the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium! Watch out for us on TV'.

Diorama Festival (24th June, 1st and 31st July) - 'We'll be playing at the foot of the Euston Tower, London for lunchtime shows on 24th June, 1st July (flute and drum duo) and 31st July. This year we're excited to welcome back Nobuko Miyazaki, our great Japanese bamboo flute player, who will join us on the first two shows.'

Glastonbury Festival (27th and 28th June) - 'Taiko Meantime return to Glastonbury for four shows in the Theatre field, accompanied by the fireshow in the evenings. Also featuring Nobuko Miyazaki.'

5th UK Taiko Festival, Exeter (3rd July) - 'Meantime headline the annual UK Taiko Festival, joined by other greats in UK and international Taiko.'

WOMAD, Charlton Park, Wiltshire (24th, 25th and 26th July) - 'We'll be holding workshops and performances at this year's WOMAD Festival at Charlton Park.'

Taiko Summer School, Farnham, Surrey (3rd to 6th August) - 'This four-day intensive Taiko course will propel your current Taiko skills into a new league. Both musically and physically, this course will be challenging and fun. Last few places remaining'.

Details for all of these performances and workshops can be found at www.taikomeantime.com

Shhh! It’s a bit of a well-kept secret that Hammersmith Park boasts a small but perfectly-formed Japanese Garden, originally commissioned for the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910.

Painstakingly constructed, even the bridge crossing the pond was brought in especially from Japan, brick by brick!

It was rescued from neglect in summer 2008 by Friends of Hammersmith Park Japanese Garden and experts from Japan. To keep the garden in shape in 2009, there will be a ‘General Tidying Session’ on May 30th, from 11am-3pm. Get your wellies on and email jb.ex100@yahoo.co.uk to join in.

Following the restoration work on Saturday, there will also be a garden party on Sunday May 31st, from 12pm-4pm! Taiko, bon dancing, story-telling and Japanese food will make this a great day out for the whole family.

Download Garden Party Event Flyer

Orbital Manga is the nucleus for connecting with all things manga, anime and cosplay in London.

Even better – there’s a wide selection of the latest manga titles available in English. So, it’s just like being in Japan, except you can actually read everything! Yay! Located just around the corner from Leicester Square, at 4c Orion House, Upper St Martins Lane, this slice of Japan couldn’t be closer to home.

The British Museum’s Mitsubishi Corporation Japanese Galleries have recently been refurbished to tell the chronological tale of Japanese culture from ancient prehistory, to the present...

There are paintings and prints, exquisite Samurai treasures, everyday objects, even modern manga.

When you enter the gallery, you will note the lovely tea-house. The London-based Urasenke Foundation Chado group does demonstrations there on a regular basis – contact the museum for more information about times and dates.

Have you found a little part of Japan in London? I'd love to hear about it!

Catch Kodo at Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 6th June and Sunday 7th June!

Both shows start at 7.30pm and tickets range from £9 to £35.

'Kodo returns to London, direct from Sado Island, with a performance never seen outside Japan. Ekkyo: Trans-border features premier dancer, Chieko Kojima, alongside fresh dance, vocal and drum compositions. Lavish costumes, huge drums, and Kodo's legendary precision and power deliver an exotic synthesis that explores new territories, and the boundaries between.'

'New Music from Japan showcases Japanese musical and performance talent. The events have been running for one year on the last Wednesday of each month and have attracted a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities. Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.'

Last Wednesday of every month April to September 2009 at Tsuru Sushi - located on the Bankside - London Bridge or Southwark tube. It's a mere stone's throw from Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern!

For more information...
Tel: 07944 848740
Email: emma@tsuru-sushi.co.uk

Renowned Tokyo-based artist Ujino Muneteru is a Southbank Centre Artist in Residence, supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Until Friday 24th April 2009 you can see his sound sculpture/performance project, The Rotators. It's in the UK for the first time as part of Ether 09. Find it at The Hayward Project Space, the Visual Arts part of the Southbank Centre...

Ugly Knitting
'In The Hayward Project Space, Ujino presents Ugly Knitting. Domestic appliances such as blenders and hairdryers are assembled together with Ujino’s Rotatorhead, created from DJ mixing decks, in this chaotic but elegant installation.'

The Hayward Project Space
10am-6pm (daily), Late night Fridays until 10pm

Sherbet Dab Swivel
'Ujino unveils an amazing outdoor sculpture assembled from a London taxi, street sweeper, traffic lights and more from the street.'

Festival Terrace

Ujino performances
'Ujino brings his sound sculpture Sherbet Dab Swivel to life in a series of live performances blurring the boundaries between music and art.'

Friday 10 April
6.30pm (Festival Terrace)
11pm (Concrete at the Hayward)

Saturday 11 April
6.30pm (Festival Terrace)
11pm (Concrete at The Hayward)

Sunday 12 April
6.30pm (Festival Terrace)

All events are FREE!

Japanese Blues performer Kan Mikami will be performing both solo and in a trio with John Edwards and Steve Noble on Monday, the first night of his two-day residency at Cafe OTO, and with Alex Neilson (drums) and Guillaume Viltard (double bass) on Tuesday. Tickets are £9, or £15 for a two-day pass.

'Kan Mikami returns to Café Oto for a two-night residency. This will be the third time Kan has played at Café Oto the first being his mind blowing three-day residency in September last year followed by a one night appearance in December. It’s hard to believe that prior to those performances Kan had never played in London.

Kan has been a singular figure in the Japanese underground since the early seventies performing his unique Japanese Blues. As a live performer he is a completely mesmerizing presence.'

The English National Ballet’s Annual Fundraising Gala for 2009 is The Cherry Blossom Ball - to be held on 30th Mar 2009, at the Dorchester, London.

'Celebrate the arrival of Spring by joining us for this glamorous evening where you will be treated to excerpts from the English National Ballet’s repertoire whilst enjoying champagne, a three-course dinner and auction together with musical entertainment including taiko drummers, and a piano recital by Motoki Hirai. Our dancers will be performing a brand new piece of choreography, specifically for the event: One Fine Day from Madame Butterfly.

All funds raised go towards helping the Company continue to take classical ballet of the highest quality to the widest geographical audience at a price everyone can afford.'

Tickets for this exclusive event cost:
£230 per person
£2300 for a table of 10
or £2700 for a table of 12

Visit the English National Ballet's website for more information, or call 020 7581 1245.

Dissident Genro - This is Scottish Kei! - will be performing and signing at Orbital Manga on April 4th, 7.30pm. The show will be 45 minutes, 1 hour with the signing.

This is a PRE-RELEASE show for "C.I.R.C.L.E" and "The One Sleeps Within" so if you attend this show you will be able to get your hands on the EP and Single EARLY before the release date on April 20th!!!

ALSO you will get a free album sampler with 5 tracks of the new album which is planned for release later this year. You can hear Dissident Genro on MySpace.

At Cafe OTO, from the 8th-12th of March 2009:

'Audience participatory performances by Akira Sakata, a well respected Japanese free jazz player (alto sax, cl, vo), London-based Japanese performer Yumi Hara Cawkwell (key, vo) and London-based drummers Asaf Sirkis and Charles Hayward. Akira Sakata has performed extensively in Japan and Europe, collaborating with international musicians such as Bill Laswell and Jim O'Rourke, and returns to the UK for the first time since the '70s.'

From the 9th to the 11th March 2009:

'Otomo Yoshihide's first experiences of making music were through making electrical devices such as a radio and an electronic oscillator, and by junior high school his hobby was making sound collages using open-reel tape recorders. Soon after entering high school he formed a band which played rock and jazz, with Otomo on guitar. It wasn't long, however, before he became a free jazz aficionado. Yoshihide will teaming up with Sachiko M, who has been active as a sampler player since 1994.

Early in her career, Sachiko M was involved in the cut-up and "plunderphonic" sampling movements. In '98, in a drastic departure from those approaches, she originated the revolutionary method she uses to this day - manipulating the sampler's internal test tones. With the 2000 release of Sine Wave Solo, her extreme solo recording consisting entirely of sine waves, Sachiko M suddenly became the focus of intense interest on the international scene. Two of the solo projects she is currently working on are the live performance series Bar Sachiko and the sound installation I'm Here.'

The London Japanese Language Meetup Group has annouced a new meet-up...

Join this Criminal Records' event at Ladbroke Grove BlagClub for loads of Japan-themed fun. Starting at 7.30pm on Friday 27th February, the event runs through 'til 3am!

'Following the huge success of our grand launch night, we are back again with another monthly dose of HARAJUKU!! As our newest club residency, it's all for the love of Japan, and themed on the infamous HARAJUKU!

Expect Bright Colours, Geishas, Anime, Japanese Art, Indie, JPOP & Excellent Live Bands!'

Join the The London Japanese Language Meetup Group and RSVP to get on the guestlist. £6 advance or guestlist, or £8 on the door.

Looking for something different to do this weekend? If you are around Dalston this evening or tomorrow why don’t you check out the two-day festival presented by the Tokyo-based Music Label 'Noble' at Café OTO?

Catch Midori Hirano, who works with computers and samplers to create piano-based music. Now We've Got Members is an eclectic mix of world music, jazz, rock and disco played by between eight and fifteen members. Kenichi Iwasa is a multi-instrumentalist and will play with special guests.

Starting at 8pm on Friday and Saturday nights, you can pay £6 for one night or £10 for two.

If you’ve had your fill of fireworks and are looking for something a little more… well, divine… you might like to catch the Euodia Ensemble Chapel Concert on Wednesday evening. Held at St. George’s Bloomsbury Church, this concert by the critically acclaimed Japanese Christian ensemble is entirely free of charge. (You can't miss 'Mr. Bary Tone' in London!)

Their website is at http://euodia.jp/

Haru Ichiban group performs exquisitely trained Japanese classical dance to the accompaniment of traditional koto music. They’ll be at Westminster Cathedral Hall on Thursday October 16th for a special charity performance in aid of The Passage.

Featuring a performance by famous koto artist, Rie Yanagisawa, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese Music in a beautiful setting. Admission includes Japanese refreshments supplied by Atami.

The Passage has been helping homeless people since 1980. The £20.00 admission charge will raise funds to assist homeless people to live independently, with The Passage’s aid.

Admission is by advanced ticket only: telephone 020 7592 1856 or email tickets@passage.org.uk.

exquisitely - 絶妙に
setting - 場所
homeless -ホームレス
independently -独自に

In town on the ‘Taste of Chaos’ tour, J-Rock band MUCC will be signing copies of their latest album ‘Shion’ at Orbital Manga this Thursday from 5pm – 7pm.

Considered a ‘visual’ band – MUCC combine pop-like sounds with heavy rock guitar riffs that have proved endingly popular since their launch in 1999. This experimental band delivers emotionally-charged lyrics and high-intensity style.

You can listen to the band on their MySpace page or check out their website at:
www.55-69.com. Orbital Manga is located on Upper St Martins Lane, WC2H 9NY.

enduringly – 耐えること
experimental – 実験
emotionally-charged – 感情的
high-intensity - 高輝度

The Japanese instruments koto and sangen will be the focus of this fundraising concert, accompanied by ancient poem singing. The theme of the event is ‘Four Seasons in Japan’, and will feature 17th century to modern day music.

The workshop element will involve explanation of the history of the music, scores and techniques, plus an opportunity to get your hands on the instruments!

Brought to us by the Kakahashi Koto Ensemble and Japan-UK 150, the fundraising is in aid of the Royal National Institute for the Blind Sunshine Hose School in Northwood. The proceeds will go towards musical instruments and CDs for the students of music at the school.

The centrally located London venue is Trefusis Hall, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, NW1 7AY.

Tomorrow evening at 6pm, there is to be a free recital by the Japanese trio Kayako Minamino (flute), Anna Hashimoto (clarinet) and Ayako Kanazawa (piano), at the Royal Academy of Music. They will perform JS Bach's Trio Sonata in G, Rikuya Terashima's New Work for Solo Clarinet, Shostakovich's Four Waltzes and Saint Saens' Tarantella.

Book your free tickets by calling the box office on: 020 7873 7300. The event will be held at Duke’s Hall, Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, London.

Visit the Royal Academy of Music’s website for more information.

recital – 演奏会

‘Jazz on the Road’: live Japanese Jazz at The Old Queen’s Head in Islington featuring: Drugstore Cowboy (Live Band), Maki and Kola and the Jazzcotech Dancers. With guest DJs Patrick Forge, Koichi Sakai and Kay Suzuki. From 7pm to 2am, £5, nearest tube Angel.

( To get in the mood: check out the Japanese modern jazz quintet ‘What’s Up?’ – their album ‘Lost and Found’ available from Juno Records.)!

get in the mood -気分で得なさい