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Hello June, hello yet another month of quality live events in Tokyo. Music fans can look forward to a diverse line-up this time, with our selection of the most punt-worthy gigs featuring heavy-hitters of the capital’s rock scene, an envelope-pushing neo-soul group and a certain Australian indie icon.
Loft 50th Anniversary: Pool Side – Tricot, Yubiori, Yasue Dangerous Ojisan
Shinjuku Loft, June 3
One of the city’s most legendary live music venues is making its 50th trip around the sun this year and is hosting a series of shows to celebrate. As part of the milestone, Shinjuku’s Loft is teaming up with its sister venue Shimokitazawa Shelter to present Pool Side, featuring Kyoto post-rock quartet Tricot, heavy rock outfit Yubiori and indie artist Yasue Dangerous Ojisan (YDO) performing with a full band. Bring your appetite: Eeyan Curry will be providing food for the evening.
Women In Music – Equal Stage
SGC Hall Ariake, June 9
Billboard Japan and Spotify are teaming up to spotlight women artists with an eclectic bill featuring some very big names, including J-pop foursome Atarashii Gakko!, Okinawan rapper Awich, alternative rock duo Hitsujibungaku and hip-hop artist Lana. Awich is the one to watch: she just opened for Wu-Tang Clan in Yokohama in late May and is flying high following November album Okinawan Wuman, executive-produced by Wu-Tang’s RZA and featuring guest appearances from some familiar names, including ASAP Ferg and Joey Badass.
Courtney Barnett
Spotify O-East, June 17
Australian indie rocker Courtney Barnett lands in Japan for her first shows on these shores since her 2019 album tour and Fuji Rock set, at which she performed to a packed-out White Stage of devoted and saturated fans. New album Creature of Habit has been touted as one of her most introspective yet, and it features a guest appearance by Waxahatchee on the lead single ‘Site Unseen’.
んoon
Liquidroom, June 24
Now 12 years into their career, neo-soul outfit んoon developed a name for themselves with EPs Freeway, Body and Jargon, catching the attention of fellow genre-pushing artists like Hakushi Hasegawa. The latest release, Zoo, cements their status as one of the country’s most inventive acts, mixing elements of jazz, soul, rock and electronica across nine tracks that merit multiple listens. This show at Liquidroom precedes their appearance at this year’s Fuji Rock.
All Our Tomorrows Curated by Cinema Staff
Spotify O-East, June 28
Post-rock quartet Cinema Staff are putting on a party that looks like a dream for fans of Japanese alternative rock, emo, math rock, indie and shoegaze. The line-up traverses nearly 20 years of underground music culture, bringing together multiple generations of artists from legendary bands of the early ’00s to newer acts defining the current scene. The highlight here has to be The Cabs, a legendary act in local heavy music circles, who reformed last year after a 12-year hiatus and dropped a new single recently, much to the delight of long-time fans.
Looking for more standout shows? See what’s on at the best live music venues and DJ bars in Tokyo.
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