Japanese Girl Rock Bands (And More) That Matter in 2017!

This is part two (sort of) of a series on the best Japanese Girl Rock Bands... I added the (and more) because, well, frankly speaking, it's hard to find all-girl bands so, I've expanded the list a bit to add Japanese bands that have girls and guys also; Japanese bands who are crazy (there's lots of those) and, well, just Japanese bands that I like.

Japanese Girl Rock Bands That Matter in 2017 (part 1) is here: modernmarketingjapan.blogspot.jp/2017/03/12-japanese-girl-rock-bands-that-matter.html

I have culled the list to exclude bands that, for me, seem to veer too far into the J-Pop arena. Personally, I don't really like J-Pop. But I "get it" why some of those groups are popular. Hell, the first group I ever liked was the Monkees and the first 7-inch record I ever bought was the Monkees, "D.W. Washburn." So, I can understand why some people and kids like that kind of music.

Also, I can respect it. I mean, anyone who can do music and make a living at it as an artist must be doing something right. I applaud them...

J-Pop, K-Pop and America's "Hit Parade of Hell" is just not my cup of tea. 

My tastes have "matured".... Bwa! Ha! Ha! (My testes have "matured"? Isn't that hilarious?) Can you imagine the amount of ego it requires to make a statement like that? My god! I hate conceited DJs and "Musicologists." 

My point is I am trying to stick with what I personally really like. After all, isn't everyone a critic?

But to steal a line from Spinal Tap, "Enough of my yakking. Whaddya say? Let's boogie!"

In the first issue of this "Japanese Girl Rock Bands That Matter in 2017," I didn't include today's first band. Their name is TsuShiMaMiRe. I got lots of complaints from people for not including them, but I didn't include them because I heard that their drummer had quit and was replaced by a guy! (So they can't be in a "Girls" band list!) Now, I hear that the guy was just temporary???... When I find out what is really going on, I'll let you know. 

Their Wikipedia only lists two of the original girls members as being active now.

From Wiki: Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re ... is eclectic punk rock, mixing noisy and pop instrumental sounds with idiosyncratic, quirky, often funny or disturbing lyrics. They are one of the many bands to have become famous in the United States through SXSW music festival, and also through their performances at anime conventions and at "Japan Girls Nite" U.S. tours. The band's original lineup consisted of Mari Kono on lead guitar and vocals, Yayoi Tsushima on bass, and Mizue Masuda on drums. They originally formed the band while in college in Chiba, Japan. In January 2017, Mizue announced she was leaving the band to pursue other projects. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsu_Shi_Ma_Mi_Re

TsuShiMaMiRe - Speedy Wonder:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=603FkEnMBOw

Next up is a band that is introduced to us by my good friend, Bee Bee Clark! "Bee Bee Clark? I've heard that name before!" You say? Yep! Bee Bee is one of the criminal master minds who made the definitive Japanese Garage Rock Movie, " Garage Rockin' Craze." It's freaking too cool! I can't find a 

Garage Rockin' Craze Trailer 予告編 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNukfLBvALc

This band is the Stompin' Riffraffs! I love this band! These guys rock!....Nao, the lead singer has a Facebook page, but I can't find one for the band! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009285475674

Stompin' Riffraffs - Phantom Rock:   https://youtu.be/Dz54y1sVpMQ

Next up is a band introduced to us by The Routes lead vocal and guitar, Christopher Jack. It's Samehada Shiroko & Dynamite! I think that roughly translates to: "Shark skin ass and dynamite." Bwa! Ha! Ha!

Samehada Shiroko & Dynamite have been playing together for 4 years now. And they are from Fukuoka and on the Sasanami Label. The singer is an artist and she does all the artwork for the CDs... They even opened for the seminal Japanese Punk/rock band, "Sheena and the Rokkets!" Wow! They put on really wild live shows, and they're constantly playing up and down the country. 

Samehada Shiroko & Dynamite - Moshi Yokattara: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV7NePEIJ9o 

Next up is a band that your mom would not approve of! It's Otoboke Beaver! Their Facebook page says, "We are Otoboke Beaver "Japanese girls ‘knock out or pound cake’ band”!!!!!!!!!" OK? I got it! Lots of the bands on today's list don't have much of a Social Media presence or even a Facebook page, but Otoboke Beaver has one: https://www.facebook.com/Otobokebeaver22/

Otoboke Beaver (おとぼけビ～バ～) - Anata Ga Falling Love Shita No Ha Watashi Ga Kirai Na:
 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4VVkAxyw6F8 

Is that freaking cool, or what?

Next up is one of the hottest girls groups on the planet! They are called Kinoko Hotel (Mushroom Hotel). This band has been around since 2007 and do a sort of Showa era retro rock. They just released a new album last year. I'd like to post a full video from that, but the label won't post them in full... So here's an edited version. This band is HOT! I love these girls!  

Kinoko Hotel - Onedari Strange Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-u77l_AfL8

In the west, Heavy Metal seems to always be a seller, in fashion or not. In Japan, it's Rockabilly. There are lots of good rockabilly bands in Japan. Here's a Rockabilly band that sounds great! The Learners! The Leaners are a 5-piece band with Sara as lead vocalist and I hear she is a professional model! Wow! 

Learners - I Want You To Be My Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiEWcShzypc

Next up is a trio named Bo-Peep from Fukuoka, Japan. (Fukuoka? Kyushu Japan? There sure are a LOT of hot bands from down there. I think there must be some sort of boom going on and I approve!) Bo-Peep call themselves "Sheet Metal" and "Alternative Punk." They were guests on my show about 10 years ago.... Why isn't this band more famous? Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BopeepJapan/ 

BO-PEEP - Hello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJo8-xCwozU

Next up is a band who claim to be "from Japan." (Well, duh!) This band was introduced to us by the leader of the world famous Routes (who also hail from Kyushu!) The band's name is "The Swamps." Their bio on Facebook is quite funny. It says, "Imagine a band with Moe Tucker of the Velvet Underground on drums, Chuck Berry/Johnny Ramone on rhythm guitar and Link Wray on an acid trip on lead guitar. Bass? They don't need no stinking bass. Vocally many of the tunes were a mix of Lux Interior of the Cramps meets Cookie Monster (especially when the vocals were done through the guitar's pickups as they were on many of the tunes). At times it was noise trash rock and at others they locked into a serious rock rhythm."

Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/swamps.jp/?pnref=lhc

The SWAMPS – Ain’t Love Me Baby   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6_PSG5ey8Q

And speaking of Kyushu again, here is the band that's been getting TONS of airplay on my show, "WTF?" (Please come "Like" our FB page https://www.facebook.com/WhattheFunday76.1/) and on the World Famous KROQ in Los Angeles on the Legendary Rodney on the Roq show as well as stations around the world. It's The Routes and they are Japan's best kept secret!.... Until now! Go Like the Routes' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theroutes/ The Routes just released their latest wax and it sold out within days (But I think they are back in stock. Grab one while you can!) This is the debut video from that release.

The Routes - Perfect Hell / No Permanence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RbUuHB4bcA

Next up, once again.... Another band from Kyushu??? WTF??? It's the awesome Titty Twister! I love this band! Their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Titty-Twister-187768281258674/) says: "Titty Twister, from Fukuoka City Japan, was formed in 2002, by Howlin' Kimiko, and Dee Dee Kyoko. The band plays exciting, all original Rock n' Roll, and covers such styles as Garage Punk, Pop/ Bubblegum, 70's Punk, and Rockabilly. Come on, get Twisted!!" These guys should be on air constantly!

Titty Twister/ Live at Keith Flack   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slw2UK9YMbo

Next up is a Japanese girls band that just celebrated their 20th anniversary (and they were guests on my show a few months back!) It's The Noodles! Their bio says, "Noodles is a Japanese alternative rock band currently consisting of Yoko (vocals/guitar), Ayumi (drums) and Ikuno (bass). The band is originally from Yokohama, where they performed their first show. They are well known for the song "Love My Life", which they recorded for the movie of the same name, Love My Life." 

Noodles - Blood Waltz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el7-e0sqIKs&spfreload=10

Hope you enjoyed this. 

There is a rock n roll boom coming to Japan before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and I can see it coming. I wrote to a close friend the other day: "It seems to me that what is happening now in Japan reminds me of the late 1970s Punk Boom in Los Angeles, 40 years ago... I think the same sort of thing is happening again here.

I am lucky because I have seen this before when I was in the Rotters (https://www.last.fm/music/The+Rotters), so I have seen this before, but not too many people have… So, I think most Japanese rockers don’t realise what is going on…. I believe that what is happening now is a legendary time in Japanese rock music… These bands are all a part of it…. There is a music movement happening in (Tokyo) Japan now…. The music boom is just starting. I know it. I have seen it before. I have the feeling of Deja Vu."

Anyway, there are lots of other good Japanese bands, so if you know one, let me know. - Mike

Oh, and be on the lookout for the biggest rock n roll movie to come out of Japan in years. 

It's hitting theaters this autumn 2017!: 

"Ghostroads - A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story." 

Here's the trailer: https://vimeo.com/210533272

Japanese Girl Rock Bands That Matter in 2017

I got together with my friend, Satoshi Miyaki and, unbeknownst to him, I've come up with a list of Japanese Girl Rock Bands that matter in 2017.... Satoshi, who just likes cool music because, well, just because that's what he does, has selected a bunch of these groups (Thanks Satoshi san!)... I have also added a few of my own. This isn't the complete list. This is just Japanese girl bands - with girl members only - who are performing gigs now.... If I miss your band from the list, send me an email as I am going to make another list a little later.

Also, these are all female only bands. There's lots of cool bands in Japan but if we start making exceptions and adding bands that have guys and girls, we'd be here forever. 

Also, these are bands that I think (from my most probably confused viewpoint) that a foreign audience might like. Also, there is no particular order to this list excepting the first two. I think not putting Shonen Knife at the top of the list along with the 5,6,7,8s, would be an atrocity. Maybe even deserving the death penalty!

So...

First up on the list of Japanese Girl Rock Bands that matter in 2017 (Vol. 1) are two bands that need no introduction to that foreign audience. And, so, of course, that means the first band we "introduce" are the queens of Japanese Girls Bands, Shonen Knife. 

Shonen Knife (HP: http://www.shonenknife.net/english/index.html)

If there were no Shonen Knife, I wonder how different the Japanese rock scene would have been? Shonen Knife are THEE legendary Japanese girl's rock band. Wikipedia writes: "Shonen Knife is a Japanese pop punk band formed in Osaka, in 1981. Heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups, pop bands, The Beach Boys, and early punk rock bands, such as the Ramones, the trio crafts stripped-down songs with simplistic lyrics sung both in Japanese and English. Despite their pop-oriented nature, the trio maintains a distinctly underground garage rock sound rooted in edgy instrumentation and D.I.Y. aesthetics, which over the course of their long career has earned them a solid, worldwide cult following and made avid fans out of seminal 1990s alternative rock bands such as Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Redd Kross. The band has been credited with making "the international pop underground more international" by "opening it up to bands from Japan". They have a Facebook page here: 
https://www.facebook.com/ShonenKnifeOfficial/

Since this is my blog, I want to show you a Shonen Knife music video I made along with my video genius friend Ken Nishikawa over at Robot55 (http://robot55.jp/)! 

Shonen Knife - Ghost Train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCpfohSnp0U 

(I can't remember well, but I think Shonen Knife were first personally introduced to me in 1986 (or 87?) by my dear old friend Page Porazzo. R.I.P. We miss you Page!) 

The 5,6,7,8s (HP: http://www.the5678s.com/)

Wikipedia writes: "The 5.6.7.8's are a Japanese rock trio, whose music is reminiscent of American surf music, rockabilly and garage rock. They frequently cover songs from American rock and roll. All members are from Tokyo, Japan. The 5.6.7.8's first started performing as a quartet in Tokyo. They first officially became a trio in 1992. The 5.6.7.8's made a brief appearance in the 2003 Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill Volume 1, where they were shown playing barefoot in an izakaya. In 2012, they appeared at the "Girls Got Rhythm" fest in alongside artists such as Ronnie Spector, The Muffs and Nikki Corvette." Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-5678s-Official-277355125413

5 6 7 8's - Woo Hoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DJv0rx5g-c

su凸ko d凹koi - すっとこどっこい（HP: http://stdk.jimdo.com)

This is difficult for foreigners to say the name of this band correctly (I still can't) but try "Su K D Koi." That's close enough.

Su Ko D Koi are on this list because I think they are one of, if not the best, new comers. They are basically exploding on the scene. Besides an awesome reputation and incredible audience reaction to airplay on the FM radio, a few things really stand out: 1) Their newest CD that went on sale Jan. 11, 2017 sold out all over Japan within the first 2 weeks - It was sold out even at online shops. That's amazing! Nobody does that anymore. 2) Their recent live shows were sold out. 3) They have been charting on several of the Japanese hit charts (an indies band!? WTF?) 4) The video for one of their most recent single releases, "Shop Manager, I'm Quitting My Part-Time Job" has more than 175,000 views! Amazing! Once again, today's video is made by Ken Nishikawa and myself in some more shameless self-promotion for Robot55 video production company. Of course, Su K D Koi has a Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/ssttddkk/

Su Ko D Koi - Busu (Ugly): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCTjm5YGJ-c

The DROP′S (HP: http://drops-official.com/)


The Drop's are 4 or 5 girls who met in high school in 2009 (I don't know how many girls exactly!) They've performed at Rising Sun Festival and at the Rock in Japan Festival. Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Drops-351994348234869/?fref=nf

Drop's - The Red Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsXOjF20jFc

The LET′S GO′S (HP: https://theletsgos.jimdo.com/)

The Let's Go's are a "Japanese girl's band formed in Tokyo." I guess it was around 2009. At least, that's what their bio says. They also want to rock all over the world. Which is a fair and worthy goal. Here's their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the0252/

The Let's Go's - Snakey Shakey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SfcMAtbCRQ

Check out: Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Mar. 4, 2017! Baby Shakes, TsuShiMaMire (Japan), The Coathangers, Hands Off Gretel! http://bit.ly/2m6sc6R

The Pats Pats (HP: http://the-pats-pats.tumblr.com/)

The Pats Pats are two girls from Tokyo named Midori and Akiko who make up what I think is one of the coolest and most fun bands in Tokyo! The Pats Pats just released their newest 7-inch record on Feb. 25. It is available on Passion Records. Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patspats/

THE PATS PATS - Girls Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGd5wESg3Rk

NOODLES (HP: http://noodles.velvet.jp/index_e.html)

Who are the Noodles? Their FB page explains: "In 1991, four young girls gathered to start the band Noodles, performing their first shows in Yokohama. In 1995, they released their debut album on the Benten Label. That same year, the girls wrote and recorded a song for a Coca-Cola commercial. The song became a big hit and was a radio favorite throughout Japan. In 1999, the band moved to the DELICIOUS LABEL. In March, 2003, they opened for The Breeders, in Osaka. Later that year, Noodles started to branch out overseas by performing at the CMJ Music Marathon. They have since been back to the States for two US tours and have appeared at SXSW two years in a row. Noodles remain Japan's best all-girl rock ensemble." Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/noodlesjpn/

The Noodles - Blood Waltz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el7-e0sqIKs

OLD LACY BED (HP: http://oldlacybed.com/)

Old Lacy Bed are 4 girls from Nagoya, Japan. Their bio says, "They’ve carried on shows with many bands from abroad (including)“Summer Twins.” Also, they’ve released their first 7 inch vinyl “Little Girl” and a split 7 inch vinyl “Coastlands” with “Summer Twins” in the UK with “Dufflecoat Records”. On August 5th 2015, They released their second mini album “SHE DAYDREAMS” from “2670records”. Here's their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/oldlacybed/

OLD LACY BED - Hold Your Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSgwkWbdXrA 

The Stephanies (HP: https://the-stephanies.jimdo.com/)

The Stephanies are a girls three piece band from Tokyo. They features great chorus work, tight rhythms and powerful vocals. They are hot live and they are performing about 100 shoes live every year! They have also won several awards including the Emerging Festival, Hard Rock Rising and the Space Shower Contest. Very cool. Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheStephanies/

THE STEPHANIES - Baby, I love you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXmTOEm-I2g

TADZIO (HP: http://www.tadzio.info/)

Tadzio are two girls whose webpage says, "An explosive hardcore pop band composed of a leader and director TADZIO (Tagio).
Tazio formed in 2010. They released their first album in 2011 which is a mix of rock, metal, hardcore and garage.  etc., all original 11 original songs mixed with various elements are all released. Tadzio has appeared on UK 's SPINE TV and appeared in Italy' s FAR EAST FILM FESTIVAL.

TADZIO / DEATH DRIVE - KISS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQlZsVXjjJw

Hope you enjoyed this. Like I mentioned, there are lots of other good bands, so if you know one, let me know. - Mike


Oh, and be on the lookout for the biggest rock n roll movie to come out of Japan in years: "Ghostroads - A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story." Here's the trailer: https://vimeo.com/197078048 

Gaijin Gourmet! Part 5: Great Udon in Tokyo: Rakugama Senmenjyo

Well, it's another episode of the fantastically popular Gaijin Gourmet. The blog post written by me, Mike Rogers 'The gaijin cheapskate with the tastebuds, bud!', tells you where the best cheap places are to eat in Tokyo. 

I once was told that, "If someone eats out for over 300 nights a year, they can be a newspaper or magazine restaurants critic." Well, for several years, I ate dinner outside 364 nights a year... Lunch everyday too!

But, I never became a critic (until now) because if I don't like a place, I don't go there twice. If the service is bad upon entering or seating, I will get up and walk out.

I don't have time to write about restaurants I don't like. I, actually, don't have the time to write about nice restaurants that I do like because if they are nice restaurants and I do like them, one of the good reasons I like them, is that they are undiscovered. I certainly wouldn't like to write about them now and ruin one of the few spots I enjoy and look forward to going to.

One more thing, expensive restaurants should be delicious. It's the cheap ones that are delicious that are the real treasures. So it's the cheap and delicious ones that I want to write about in Gaijin Gourmet! 

*Oh, and many years ago, I wrote that Fuji Soba was good and now that's one reason it is so popular for foreigners... But! Fuji soba has really gone downhill. I cannot recommend it anymore. Today's restaurant blows Fuji Soba away!

Today, I want to tell you about Rakugama Seimenjyo. Rakugama Seimenjyo, in English means, "Easy Pot Noodle Place"

This place rocks. It a chain restaurant that serves Japanese noodles (Udon). This is a chain restaurant and the place is packed at lunch time during the week, so don't even try to go there at those times. 


Get there at 11:30 or after 1:30 and you will be in for a real treat.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

The typical basic bowl of noodles is about ¥280 ~ ¥330 ($3.60 ~ $4.27 USD). See menu and HP here: http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/rakugama/index.html

Walk into the restaurant. Chose from the menu. I recommend the "Kama Age Udon" (kama a-gay uu-do-n) at ¥280 yen. Order from the nice lady. (Notice that you can see into the kitchen and it is spotless!)

Receive your basic tray of noodles. Then proceed to the toppings rack to the right. Choose the toppings of your choice. They have delicious fried chicken, fried veggies, fried squid, shrimp, pumpkin, and an assortment of rice balls... And! The prices are much cheaper than even a convenience store! 

Choose any or all of the toppings you like. Super cheap too! You can easily fill your stomach up for $7.50 (USD)... No tipping too!

Hot udon with an egg and fried shrimp. Most restaurants about ¥800 ~ ¥1,000 yen. Here? ¥400 (about $5.18 USD!)

Large hot udon and fried squid ¥480 (about $6.12 USD)

My wife had the "tempura udon" at ¥400 (about $6.12 USD). This place is delicious and you just can't beat the prices!

The restaurant is called, Rakugama Seimenjyo in English means, "Easy Pot Noodle Place." They have 19 shops all over Tokyo. Here's a webpage that shows locations (sorry it's all in Japanese!): http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/rakugama/shop.html

My favorite one is just 1 minute walk from Sangenjyaya station!

楽釜洗面所

(Rakugama Seimenjyo)

Sangenjyaya 2-13-11

Setagaya-Ku,

Tel: 5779-8340

I highly recommend this place for locals and for tourists. This gets the Gaijin Gourmet 5 stars award for cleanliness, delicious taste, and awesome price.