Recent fashions haven’t favoured bands that combine Japanese folk songs with contemporary pop and dance. Aragehonzi, however, don’t care for trends. Founded in 2007 by Akita-born songwriter Masafumi Saito, the band marries the unique rhythms and singing style of folk and matsuri music with neo-soul influences to create brilliant fusion fare. New album Hanatsuoto saw them take their sound up a level, hinting at a bright future. Find out what Saito's outfit are made of at this Aoyama gig, where the DJ duties will be handled by Chinbanteigoraku Shisho, a master of groovy Showa oldies.
