One of my favorite times of the year is coming up – Japan Nite at South-by-Southwest, when we can all come together and jam to some up-and-comers from throughout Japan. As usual, Elysium at 705 Red River will be hosting the event. Get there by 6:30 on Friday, March 16th to enjoy the show. In previous years, we’ve been blessed to see bands like The Pillows and Chatmonchy without having to fight through a crowd of thousands of crazy fans. Perhaps one of the bands this year will be the next big hit.
So, let’s take a look at the lineup for Japan Nite 2012:
The Rubies
From: Yokohama, Japan
On Stage at 7pm
Band Members:
- Kazuya
- Osuke
- Daisuke – Drummer
- “Taro” – Tamborine
THE AKABANE VULGARS ON STRONG BYPASS
From: Tokyo, Japan
On Stage at 8pm
Band Members:
- Guitar/Vocals: Yumi Uchizono
- Bass: Miki Uchizono
- Drums: Kei Sofue
Kao=S
From: Japan
On Stage at 9pm
Band Members:
- Vocals/Sword Dance: Kaori Kawabuchi
- Tsugaru Shamisen: Jack
- Vocals/Guitar: Shuji Yamagiri
NOKIES!
From: Kyoto, Japan
On Stage at 10pm
Band Members:
- Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards: Yusuke Kume
- Guitar: Yu Sugano
- Drums: Atsuya Kose
- Bass: Kotaro Matsumoto
Saito Johnny
From: Tokyo, Japan
On Stage at 11pm
Band Members:
- Vocals: Saito Johnny
- Mandolin: Taro
- Bass: Iwami Keigo!
- Fiddle: Techno Matsumoto
ZZZ’s
From: Hyogo, Japan
On Stage at 12am
Band Members:
- Vocals/Guitar: Youkaku
- Vocals/Bass: Yukary
- Drums: Lyn
Vampillia
From: Osaka, Japan
On Stage at 1am
Band Members:
- Vocals: Toyohito Yoshida
- Drums: Tatsuya Yoshida
(I think. Their SXSW details page contained a description as … umm… avant-garde as their music.)
So, who’s joining me there? From what I’ve seen on Youtube, I’m most excited to see Kao=s and Saito Johnny. But don’t worry. I’ll take pictures and (hopefully) video of them all. Stay tuned for those.