[Contest] Your Japanese Punk

Want to win this book??



This is a fantastic collection of photos of the Stalin at the height of classic Japanese punk. These photos are gorgeous and I have shamelessly taken my copy and worn it to shit photocopying photos out of here and pasting them all over my apartment. I have a fresh copy donated by Psysalia Psysalis Psyche here to give away for Koenji Calling`s first contest.


This is a blog contest, and you will need a blog and five minutes to enter. A blog can be anything from an official looking thing to your myspace, a livejournal, a facebook, etc. To enter this contest, simply write about the topic with a link back to this entry. To make super sure I SEE the post feel free to post a link in the comments. :) I`ll read through the essays with my panel of judges (Skully and a 6 pack of Asahi) and we`ll make our awards based on essay strength. Essay strength is a combination of cool, creativity, passion and the ability to make beer shoot our our noses. Really, anything`s cool but it does have to have the link and it somehow has to relate.

Contest Theme

As Japanese punk becomes more well known both in Japan and abroad so too does the definition of Japanese punk change and evolve overtime. Japanese punk is not just a phenomena solely in Japan nor is it only experienced in clubs or by punks. For this contest I would like to know about your Japanese punk, whatever that means to you.

Contest Rules

- The contest is open now through August 5th, 2009.
- Contest is open to anyone, anywhere.
- Posts on the theme must be longer than 100 words.
- Post must have URL of this post to be viable entries.
- Photo essays, art, or other mediums also accepted provided the word minimum is met to explain the pieces.

Q`s to go to --> stalinfornever (at) yahoo.com please. God speed you kitties!

[report] Cro-Magnons at Shonan Matsuri

So for this post... first can I say...

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

That said, I guess I should backstep a little bit.

I love music, this is no lie, but I have learned long ago that I really had no interest in meeting my heroes. For a lot of reasons, but doing radio interviews and then later hanging out backstage has given me the general impression that the kind of awesome I impose on them is not what they really are. So actually, in fact, I don't have the desire for the most part to meet these guys, because my masturbatory fantasies of them as intellectual gods with excellent musical taste will shrivel and die and I'd rather keep the dream alive.

However, I have a few exceptions. The bummer is most of them (like hide or Kiyoshiro Imawano) have sadly left us. One of the exceptions though would definitely be Hiroto and Marcy of the Hi-Lows/Blue Hearts/Cro-magnons.

Well, let's say I got my wish:



I have been an adamant believer that this day would come because I have a great friend, Skully, and her make-a-wish program usually somehow lives up. Skully, among her many talents, has an uncanny luck for these things that I have never doubted. The ways and the hows are not what I expected, but that's what you get. ;)

So, Skully called me a few weeks ago to tell me that she might be able to get me backstage to the Shonan Festival, which the Cro-Magnons were playing at and would I like to go? I think I nearly screamed in her ear and tried very hard not to get my hopes up as nothing was set in stone and there is nothing worse than getting excited about something that doesn't happen. But, it did and I headed out to Enoshima to get to the show.




At Enoshima station a driver picked me up and we headed out to the festival, complaining about how creepy the building was. The festival is outdoors and for the backstage area they co-opted some sort of... cultural center? I was never really sure, but it looked like this mix between a hospital, a hotel and a museum. Each band had a separate room so we went in with our friend's band and hung out.

Well, when the Cro-magnons were set to go on we went down to the backstage area and drank a few beers and ... honestly, I don't remember. The next thing I do remember is seeing the Cro-magnons walking a few feet away from me into the waiting room and my jaw dropping and like, refusing to go up. Like such an idiot and then I realized, despite knowing so it was more than clear I was going to be a gaping moron for the entire time they were around.

Skully said it best -- the band looks stretched out. In person there is something just unreal about them. Larger than life, but that is a cliche that doesn't even begin to describe their impact. I've met rockstars before and I've met famous faces but seeing these guys up close just made everything else unimportant. My head spun and I got such a high from it I'm still like, shaking even thinking about it. So they went in and we were told to go up to the side of the stage.

Now, the side of the stage is a real honour to get to stand at for a band with a reputation like the Cro-magnons, and word had been dropped that I was a huge fan and I was kindly allowed to stand there. Walking up I could see down below behind the stage Hiroto bouncing around in his oversized boots getting pumped up for the show and it was amazing, because he really is in this incredible zone right before he performs where that bouncing, energetic idiot onstage really just is. He stands in the back with no one around jumping and dancing and making those stupid faces we love him for to get psyched to do his thing.

I stood a bit towards the back of the side of the stage and was pushed forward to the front to the greatest view I will ever have of this amazing band and my heart jumped in my throat and stayed there until they left. Lots of people started on the side of stage and gradually left but me and a few other hard core fans stayed around, transfixed and speechless and what we were seeing.







They played their usually festival line-up. I feel really thankful they didn't play Kanashimi no Rosie because I would've cried and that was unbecoming of someone in my position. They played Aruku Chibu, and Speed and Knife and Giri Giri Gan Gan Gan and a line-up I've seen them play before, but never so close. I could see every muscle twitch, every jump and silly face.



Towards they end they took a break and we were kind of ushered to stand back a bit as Hiroto walked like, 5 steps in front of me to gulp down some water, preen in front of a mirror and psyche himself up again.

I mean, really, the most incredible experience of my life. I can't imagine how it's going to be topped.

So afterward they walked away and me and my friends fangirled about how awesome they are. We also watched Dragon Ash and another band and then it was time for uchiage and bedtime.

I didn't meet them, I guess I should say. I had two goals -- to stand at the side of the stage and meet them, and I didn't do the latter because they didn't go to uchiage. I did talk an awful lot to Dragon Ash though.... but you know, I'm glad in my own way. Because I was being really stupid and all I think I would be able to do if I met Hiroto and Marcy would be to channel my inner 12 year old and say something very stupid.

But yes, seeing the Cro-Magnons like this has given me a high music has not given me in a very very long time and I nearly hugged Skully because of it, which we all know would be a very big mistake :D

Dynamo weekend

So this weekend has been a trip... it lasted four days so I think I'll condense it into two separate entries. So let's tease with the first.

We spent two days at Dynamo, the new great enterprise of JJ and Julien. It was fantastic. A great bar, good atmosphere and lots of great people. Thanks everyone who came out! I hope to see you again sometime! And as always I didn't take nearly enough photos, but here are a few--






Our friend Beau was in town, back from New Zealand. Beau used to live in Koenji and came back as a part of a film crew but unfortunately the thing that stuck in my head most is how his new incarnation looked SO fucking much like Morrissey. To which I knew I must get a photo. Am I high or is the resemblance fairly awesome??



I was drunk Friday to the point, though, that I said this way too much and for that Beau, I do apologize. We ended up outside 7-11 late into the morning drinking and trying horribly to talk intelligently which like, you know will be a mistake but never know just how much a mistake it will be.

This weekend also reminded me of how perception is funny. I used to DJ and it was this sort of notorious thing that I only gave a shit about fast and loud stuff, and my friend only gave a shit about melodic and girly stuff and I played it as a joke but it's a joke that stuck. So several times this weekend I have shocked and amazed people by simple offhanded references about, like, the Blue Hearts making me cry. Because girls with sick boy tattoos apparently do not cry. ;)

Saturday night was more of the same, though the illusive Shion came out to play and Kin stopped in for a bit and I totally fell on my ass outside Dynamo. I hope you all took photos of that because it is definitely a rare thing for me, as freaked out as I get about falling.



I don't post so often about my weekends anymore and it's because (to me) they're always rather the same... we drink, we laugh, we listen to very loud music and we meet new people. I'm very happy that I can have these adventures in my life and I feel grateful for all the characters I've met along the way. So truly, thanks Dynamo and I hope to see you all there in the future :D

omg

insane post to follow but holy shit!!

[reader mail] events

Hey Emily,

I came across your blog and was wondering if you could recommend some local bands. My name's Marlene, from Los Angeles, I'm here for school and in Tokyo until the 31st. I don't know any Japanese so it's been kinda difficult asking the locals about shows. I don't know much about Japanese punk but would love to learn about and experience it firsthand. Okay, I know I like the Polysics, but that's about it. Are there any bands or upcoming shows you recommend? Thanks so much!!!

Hey,

Totally depends on what kind of punk you`re into, but if you browse the blog there`s a number of bands on here I recommend. There are two really good shows on the 19th, one at 20,000Volt and the other at Takadanobaba Area. Both gigs are hardcore, which I like of course. The Area gig is a Gauze event and the 20,000volts gig has the Vickers, Foresight and Firebirdgass. On the 12th Earthdom also has a nice gig for the more experimentally minded with Ruins alone, MeltBanana light and Kirihito.

Otherwise, the easiest way to find a good gig, IMO, is to do one of the following--

1) Find one band you like and go to all their gigs. Usually the people they play with will fall into a similar group. Or, if not, you can guarantee you will enjoy one band.

2) Go to a club known for punk. Places like 20,000volts and Gear, Club Doctor, Wall, Earthdom and the like almost exclusively have punk shows of one genre or another. You will definitely get some sort of Japanese punk experience, though if you want the more energetic shows try for one on a weekend.


Tokyo Gig Guide is also an excellent resource to find out about shows of all genres, especially shows that would have appeal to a western audience.

Anyone else have any recs for a gal who loves Polysics?


If you have a question remotely related to any of the themes of this blog that need some answers, feel free to post them or e-mail me at stalinfornever(at)yahoo.com I'm more than happy to answer.


I`m running out the door for the third time this weekend. So far things have been a nice drunk blur. I totally tripped on the sidewalk in my sweet girl heels and fall flat on my ass. nice! Now I remember why I wear Doc Martens out drinking.

[alert] police doing urine tests on foreigners

Regardless of what you think of Debito, I think this is something people should be aware of and cautious of, so a heads up. The whole thing reeks of illegality to me but so does a lot of what the cops do here.

Debito.org has received a number of reports that police in Roppongi and Shibuya are rounding up Non-Japanese exiting bars, and bringing them in police wagons for drug testing.

They are demanding urine tests from their detainees.
This is an act of extremely questionable legality.

Debito link with more information

This is deplorable behaviour by the police and obvious racial profiling toward people who are often linguistically unable to defend themselves. If you are stopped by the police they cannot legally demand a urine sample without a warrant but as soon as you consent you have waived that right. Of course, we all know with any sort of cops refusal only gives them cause for suspicion and causes more problems, so please choose your battles wisely.

If you are stopped for a drug test please report it to the online community (whether at gaijinpot, debito, etc) so we can keep an eye on the situation as it develops. If you want to voice your concern to the police, you can contact the Azabu police department at 03-3479-0110.

Dynamo set to open Friday

Heading to Koenji anytime soon? Then I'd like to recommend you hit Dynamo, which promises to be the new it spot for the kids of Koenji. I went to the pre-open party a few weeks back and the place was packed and hopping with punks, artists, skateboarders and Koenji hitmakers.



Dynamo is run by two of my buds, Justin and Julian, both amazing, established musicians in their own right and some of the friendliest old time Koenji kids you could hope to meet. The theme of the bar is equally rocking, displaying perhaps the greatest collection of vintage skateboards in Japan from one of the skate kings of Koenji and some great vintage guitars. I'm not going to give everything away but here's a few previews of the work in progress.




So yes, do come by for the grand opening if you can this Friday, July 3rd. Opens at6:30 'til probably 2am or whenever. I will probably stop by Friday or Saturday this weekend so if you do see me say hello.

The skinny:
What: DYNAMO, bar and daytime cafe
hours: 12:30-2am
food?: falafel and cafe specials
tele: 03-3336-0612

Access: From Koenji station, head to PAL and make a right under the train lines. Walk under the train lines (KFC will be on your left) and keep walking until you see a yellow guard rail in the middle of the path and a road. Make a right and Dynamo is the first shop on the right.

When Did Japan Stop Being the Future?

io9 posed a really fascinating question with this article that they never really answered, or gave evidence for. In fact, I think by reading that article it sounds like Japan still is the future.

I`m jaded enough at this point to think I know better. Because in a Philip K. Dick-ian mindfuck of a conclusion I can say: Japan is really the past.

Hah. Did your world just pop there? Did 1970`s San Francisco suddenly superimpose itself on ancient Rome? [1] Well, actually, that sums up Japan pretty nicely. There is a paradox at work with the country that at times fascinates, perplexes and frustrates all who experience it. From some of the very first westerners to report about Japan to the cyberpunks who fantasized about it to the otaku of today who glorify it, there`s a phenomenal juxtaposition of old and new, Japanese and western, technological and luddite and that constant contradiction is part of the tension that comprises the whole Japanese experience. When you stand back from it and watch it from the outside it is perhaps the very definition of postmodernism. Frederic Jameson could have based his entire life`s work on just explaining Japan instead of Warhol and cinema.

And it`s what I loved about Japan, from a distance. The utter absurdity of it all, and I will probably continue to love that in my own way. However the reason I know that Japan is not the future is because the future that Japan projected -- the Shibuya skyline! Robots! -- is a facade. For the reality of living in Japan where most paperwork is still done by hand, most people are computer illiterate, and, well, let`s not get started with the insanity of Japanese house appliances. It`s a mess. A backwards mess.

Now, I can probably find some sort of Japanese-y way to validate this with tatemae and honne, omote and ura, but I don`t think I need to. You always put your best face forward and every country does it. Every place does it. Fuck, every person does it. Japan is just a bit more schizophrenically obsessed with it than I`m used to. The mass of tv screens and neon of Shibuya countered against the back streets that look like slums a few blocks away are just one example of this. Actually, it`s a great example of this and reminds me of a quote I have loved of late from Tokyo by Roman Cybriwsky --

The point of this is to caution that the true essence of Tokyo is rather deeply held in the landscape, and that what is on the surface, while also a valid insight to the city is just that -- the surface image only. Thus, many first impressions of Tokyo, I think, can be misleading. For example, one might conclude from the city`s famous landmarks, and from the hundreds and hundreds of business enterprises that use American and European themes in decor, that the city is truly international. However, as experience shows, it is much, much less this than it presents itself to be.

[...] we saw the great contrasts that exist between the big streets with exotic businesses and huge public commercial center, on the one hand, and the intimate back streets that are the domain of neighbors only, on the other. The former represents the easily evident surface of Tokyo that makes the city look thoroughly modern and even Western, while the latter shows that Tokyo remains profoundly traditional.

I think everyone`s neo-future, cyberpunk fantasies burst the day they can understand that to be true. Of course, a true postmodernist might argue that the surface is the truer nature, in which case it`s still smooth sailing. And a fascinating topic for another time.

Japan indulged in and encouraged the idea that they were the future just like they`re encouraging the idea that they think anime is an artform because it`s economically beneficial and image-ok. Can you blame them?


[1] You`re only gonna get that if you read VALIS. Sorry!