Japanese artists have embraced live streaming shows, and every month Japanese artist-empowerment platform and events leader ZAIKO helps put on dozens of shows that can be enjoyed from all around the world. Every month, ZAIKO highlights some of the biggest shows happening in the coming weeks, in an effort to help share the best in Japanese music with the globe.
Plastic Tree “Peep Plastic Partition #14” (Saturday, January 8, 6:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $35 USD, Archive Available Until Tuesday, January 11) — Rockers Plastic Tree have been a force in Japan’s alternative rock landscape since the early 1990s. They remain on the cutting edge, as they became one of the first groups to embrace live streaming shows, and have put on a string of successful digital performances to fans around the world. The latest installment happens on January 8, and allows viewers the chance to check in on what they’re up to next. See the event page here.
NEMOPHILA “REVIVE ~It’s sooooo nice to finally meet you!!!!!~” (Sunday, January 9, 6:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $35 USD, Archive Available Until Sunday, January 16) — Get to know one of the most thrilling metal bands in Japan right now. Five-member outfit NEMOPHILA say hello to the world with this concert, which finds the young group showing off their heavy sound to listeners around the globe. Catch the future of Japanese rock, right now. See the event page here.
Nao Yoshioka “Tokyo Funk Sessions 2022” (Tuesday, January 18, 8:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $30 USD, Archive Available Until Friday, January 21) — Live from Blue Note Tokyo, one of the most celebrated venues in the capital, funk artist Nao Yoshioka presents her first live concert of 2022. The New-York-based performer has long offered a different perspective on funk sounds, while still staying true to the style’s origins and respecting its history. See the event page here.
meme tokyo “MEME NIGHT FEVER” (Saturday, January 29, 12:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $15 USD, Tickets On Sale Sunday, January 16) — Emerging J-pop idol group meme tokyo bring a fresh energy and eclectic set of sonic influences to their upbeat songs. This solo show, from the trendy Daikanyama neighborhood of Tokyo, will allow the quintet to show off all their variety over the course of one performance. See the event page here.
ageHA “The Grand Final” (Sunday, January 30, 1:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, Starting From About $45 USD) — Superclub ageHA has been one of the mainstays of Japan’s club community — and all of Asia’s scene, for that matter. The mega-sized venue is closing its doors for good at the end of January, though, ending one of the more important chapters in the city’s dance music history. But it won’t be saying goodbye without one more blowout. This event features legends and staples from the Tokyo club community, sending ageHA off with one more rager. You can experience it from home, and be part of history. See the event page here.