Blast beats, pig squeals and spontaneous circle pits, Bushbash’s live room couldn’t contrast more with the tranquil Showa-era shopping street just outside its doors. Near Koiwa Station in Tokyo’s easternmost Edogawa ward, Bushbash has been keeping the area’s music scene alive since 2009.
Bushbash was opened after the closure of local venue eM7 by some of the latter’s former staff with a policy emphasising inclusivity, tolerance and respect. Since then, it’s built a name for itself as a go-to venue for hardcore, metal, punk, hip hop and experimental artists. The same team also runs a record label that distributes albums and mixtapes from local artists as well as its own zine and merch.
The wood cabin-like live room sits to the right of a spacious lounge area, which also serves as a dancefloor, merch stand and place to rest your eardrums and grab a drink between bands. The live room fits around 100 and is serviced by speakers that can only be described as unconscionably large for a space of this size.
In contrast, the lighting is decidedly modest, with four hanging bulbs and two tiny spots aimed at the stage. Just enough to make sure you can see the band – and any stray limbs that come your way when the pit suddenly opens up.
At the bar, drinks are reasonably priced, averaging around ¥600 to ¥700, and the selection generally includes a range of craft beers, sake, shochu, sours and cocktails. Bring earplugs.