With its signature kappa (a Japanese mythological monster) mascot, Kappunk festival hosts dozens of punk rock bands from all over the world for 3 full days of hardcore rock festivities. It sparked a thought for me, how does Japanese punk culture compare to that of the UK or America?

Osaka has a rich and deep underground music scene ranging from electronica, to glitch, to hardcore punk, to metal, and everything in between. Additionally, many foreign acts who are touring Japan will make at least one stop in Osaka and have support from the local acts. A result of all of this is that Osaka is home to plenty of live houses and concert halls, big and small.

For much of Japan’s history, the majority of the population of Japan had been farmers. They would pray to their god and play drums to celebrate harvests, give thanks, or avoid disasters. This tradition birthed yearly festivals.

Sado, the largest island in Japan, is usually a quiet, peaceful island. But every year for the three-day Earth Celebration (EC) in August, the island transforms into a lively, international hub. Presented by world-renowned taiko drumming ensemble Kodo, EC is a music festival that brings performing art talents together from within and outside of Japan.

This spring, Kesennuma brings you its yearly free music festival! Join us on April 20th for the last Kesennuma Street Live Festival of the Heisei era. This event is run by city volunteers who are all excited to reel in the Reiwa era with music and cheer.

While koto is the national instrument, shamisen is undeniably a part of Japanese culture that also can’t be separated from the country's image.

Once a year since 2006, around the second weekend of October, a hard rock and heavy metal festival takes place: the Loud Park Festival.

You’ve never seen a puppet show like this before. Ningyo Joruri is a 500-year-old tradition that combines three traditional Japanese arts: storytelling, music and puppetry. It’s a spellbinding combination and ranks alongside Noh and Kabuki as one of Japan’s greatest performing arts.

Japan is an East Asian country that has their unique tradition and lifestyle. Coming to Japan from a Western country might make you think you will not see a lot of western influence here. If you love classical music and used to watch performances back home, worry not. In Sapporo you can enjoy watching live classic music regularly being held in Sapporo “Kitara” Concert Hall. It is located in the Chuo ward area of Sapporo, in the famous Nakajima Park.

Every culture has some form of music, exactly as every culture has both storytelling and myths. So fundamental are these forms of communication and shared experience that they underpin the whole society in which they are found. Indeed, it could easily be argued that both are intrinsically woven together into the very fabric of their mother civilisation. However, even though each typifies so much of the crucible in which they were born, both, especially music, have the power to transcend it.

From its innovative design to its unwavering focus on delivering to its patrons the ultimate in classical performance, Suntory Hall surely should be considered alongside other great, although perhaps better known venues such as Carnegie Hall. For classical performers, whether Japanese or touring from outside Japan, Suntory Hall is “THE” place to be seen performing at in Japan. It is a well know cliché amongst classical artists to speak of one’s “Suntory Hall Debut” carrying with it the same cache as a concert debut in other major world classical music capitols.

In Tokyo and hungry for a unique place that that serves delicious food but is unique? The Kawaii Monster Cafe is the perfect place to spend lunch or dinner! Located in Harajuku near Takeshi Street, the Kawaii Monster Café is a unique café offering great atmosphere and interesting food.