Japanese artists have embraced live streaming shows in the age of COVID-19, and every month Japanese e-ticketing 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.
Hilchryme (Sunday, June 6, 7:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $33 USD For A Livestreaming Ticket, About $69 USD For A Ticket + Merch Bundle, Video Available Until 9:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time On Monday, June 14) — Rap project Hilchryme has been at the forefront of helping hip-hop crossover into the Japanese mainstream over the last decade, scoring hits since 2009 that have played a pivotal part in making rap more present in the country’s limelight. They’ll hold their “Lost Love Song” live event on Sunday, June 6, showcasing a mix of songs from across their career, highlighting what has made them such a special act during the 2010s. See the event page here.
Sayaka Kanda (Saturday, June 12, 2:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $38 USD, Video Archive Available Until 10:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time On Tuesday, June 15) — Famous actor and singer Sayaka Kanda has made a name for herself in the Japanese pop industry thanks to her decision to cover famous Vocaloid songs on her personal YouTube channel. She displays this skill of turning singing-synthesizer-powered numbers into something a flesh-and-blood person can deliver through her “Musicaloid” series. This edition will be live-streamed, allowed for people all over to see Kanda’s talent live. See the event page here.
Plastic Tree (Sunday, June 13, 6:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $35 USD, Video Archive Available Until 8 p.m. Japan Standard Time On Wednesday, June 16) — Long-running Japanese rock band Plastic Tree has been one of the most prolific alternative acts since debuting in 1997. They’ve also been one of the most sonically ambitious, frequently venturing into other genres and styles similar to influences such as Radiohead. They’ve embraced live streams, and their upcoming “Peep Plastic Partition” show will showcase them at their best. See the event page here.
Eir Aoi (Wednesday, June 16, 6:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $44 USD, Video Archive Available Until 8:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time On Saturday, June 19) — Emerging from the Japanese video-sharing site Nico Nico Douga, singer Eir Aoi has become a force in Japanese music, releasing dramatic singles while also contributing theme songs to popular anime series such as Kill La Kill and Sword Art Online. Her music will get a little extra punch to it at this special event when she teams up with an orchestra for “Eir Aoi Premium Orchesgtra Live.” See the event page here.
Dialogue+ (Friday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, About $15 USD, Video Archive Available Until 12:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time On Friday, July 2) — Made up of eight voice actors from the Japanese anime industry, pop group Dialogue+ has become a hit in the country thanks to their upbeat numbers anchored by memorable vocal performances. See what they are all about at this special livestreamed performance. See the event page here.