Zepp Shinjuku

Tokyo hip-hop outfit Dos Monos are set to play their biggest headline show to date this August. The show, to be held at Zepp Shinjuku, will cap off a seven-city album tour and eight years of continuous output, creativity and critical acclaim. The trio’s latest album, Dos Moons (Full Moon), rearranges their two preceding EPs into a unified narrative, inspired by the album artwork by manga artist Junji Ito. The tracks are said to represent the light and dark sides of the moon, and see the group take a more instrument-heavy approach than their earlier sample-oriented work.  Echoing their acclaimed Theater D Vol. 5 performance at Liquidroom earlier this year, the Zepp Shinjuku show is also set to feature a live backing band.

Indie music fans rejoice, as Sendai’s ‘Hello Indie’ music event is coming to Tokyo on September 6. First launched in 2014 as a multi-venue music circuit in Sendai, Hello Indie has since become a staple of Japan's indie music scene, expanding to cities across the country. Staying true to its community-driven ethos, the event operates on a 'pay what you can' model, allowing attendees to decide the price of their ticket at the venue. The 2026 Tokyo line-up includes experimental rock band Downy and instrumental outfit Mouse on the Keys. Downy boasts cult status in Japan’s underground rock scene and is led by vocalist and guitarist Robin Aoki. The band is known for dense, atmospheric elements mixed with post-rock and noise-rock. Mouse on the Keys, meanwhile, is formed around two pianists, Takumi Shiroeda and Daisuke Niitome, alongside drummer and leader Akira Kawasaki. Their music blends elements of post-rock, contemporary jazz and techno-minimalism. Reserve your spot for the one-day event via Zaiko. Check the event website for more details. Official teaser: