Exploring Tokyo's Hidden Underground Music Scene

[@angura_live]

Thanks so much for having me on the channel Emma, and letting me show you my favourite spot in Tokyo! Everyone, please come and subscribe to ANGURA. I can’t wait to take you into this absolutely amazing but sorely underappreciated side of Japan that I love so much.

[@TokidokiTraveller]

Thanks for everything Harry!! So happy to have the opportunity to make this kind of video :)

[@fotosdelviaje]

@@TokidokiTraveller the link to Angura in the video description seems to be wrong? Leads to a 404

[@wanderingjadah]

I can't wait to check your channel out! Thanks for the video Emma, this was cool.

[@leepizarro]

Great vid ! It would be awesome to see some of the other clubs youve been going to ❤❤❤

[@tyrkouaz5074]

Thank you for watching! We are Tyrkouaz. (Twins, drum and bass, neo-alternative band) If you like our music, we hope you'll listen to our songs on Spotify or KZbin, or come see us live when you come to Japan. （reiterate）

[@tyrkouaz5074]

For some reason our comment disappeared, so we commented again… :(

[@TokidokiTraveller]

Sorry your comment disappeared!! I’m so sad 😭 I’ll try commenting and hopefully this one stays! Thank you for your excellent music ❤️❤️❤️

[@NEOREV_MUSIC]

Thought you guys sounded awesome

[@pigpuddle1]

You guys sound amazing - I found you on Tidal and will be listening!

[@NEOREV_MUSIC]

@@pigpuddle1 They're also on Bandcamp.

[@Saluno375]

This is the kind of stuff I want to see! Everyone knows the big attractions in Japan, but I'm really more curious about the small communities. You're doing great work, Emma!

[@MrsCrimsonDust]

Absolutely this! I am happy to see underground cultures of Japan

[@kitespongan]

Same finally!

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

i find the "underground" scene around dotonbori is somewhat easier to start with, so many live houses very short walk from eachother and more open people that are willing to bring you or show you the ropes. not saying there isnt like that in shinjuku or shibuya or like places in this video, its just harder to do it on your own.

[@ceejay944]

as a music photographer myself shooting smaller underground show is really more rewarding than bigger show as you can see smaller artist grow

[@Highwind2013]

This was so fun and very informative to watch!, shout out to harry for the amazing camera work! you don't really see many videos on Japan's music indie culture so I appreciate you shedding some light on this, thank you so much!

[@TokidokiTraveller]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😄

[@HaraldSeebus]

Finally someone dives into this and shares it! I was wondering why none of the major vloggers and creators shares stuff about the music scènes. Or I'm just unaware of course. Thanks Emma!

[@TokidokiTraveller]

It’s definitely not super widely covered! I’m not sure if many big vloggers are familiar with this stuff so it’s understandable! Very happy to be able to delve into it :)

[@angura_live]

I can tell you first hand-it’s because it’s not easy! Not only is the scene out-of-sight to many people, but when it comes to filming artists, it’s really important to gain their trust by coming up with a plan, as well as a portfolio and enough connections with other artists for them to trust you with their image. Then when production starts, you find yourself dealing with management people, copyright claims etc… It’s hard work, but committing to jumping through those hoops, I’ve been able to make videos that I don’t think anyone else could have done. Please come check them out :)

[@HaraldSeebus]

I've been to a 2 day micromusic event called Square Sounds Tokyo in Koenji High back in 2015. Amazing vibes, artists and music! Japanese go hard! 🥳

[@fanta09]

I can see Joey doing this. But Emma did such a great job!

[@NoOneOfSignificance]

After the intro, I truly enjoyed the raw and minimal editing of this video, thank you. I hope to see more of this content/artistic evolution of your channel in the near future. Jiaaaaa…neh!?

[@JasSchMin]

thank you for showing us the underground music scene Emma! Everytime i visit foreign country i always try to check out the local indie music scene! 10 yrs ago visiting Japan it was very difficult to find gigs coz it was all in Japanese. Welcome back ,we've missed youuuuu

[@TokidokiTraveller]

I can definitely understand why it would have been tough! It can be daunting and confusing for sure 😅 if you come back here I hope you’re able to check out some shows!

[@zhukov43]

Being a massive music fan, and having not experienced a culture outside of Europe, I am so grateful you’ve made this video, please make more, I love learning about different countries musical cultures, thank you.

[@joelpeet]

Emma, I think it could be a good new content for your YT channel to make us discover the musical underground scene of Japan (not just Tokyo). There are really nice group here... really interesting. Thanks for this video....

[@TheMacabreGamer]

I second this

[@oocares]

Yes! Love to see Emma go to Fuji Rock or Summer sonic festivals. 😉

[@liviacret9601]

Emma, you've been through so many changes in the years I've watched your videos, and I am happy to have discovered this new side of you as well. I am happy that you're living your best life out there, even if that means less videos on your channel, because the ones you upload are fascinating - like this one! I've never seen content on the undergorund music gigs in Tokyo before, from any of the many Japan based youtoubers I watch, and it's been so exciting to see the shows 'live'. Also, the footage was great! Thank you Emma and Harry, for taking us with you to the undergound scene. I loved it and would love to see more of it in the future, too! Cheers 🎉

[@diro999]

I needed this video for 6 years ago when I visited Japan. I wanted to hit up some underground live music but it was difficult to look it up online. Its great to have a curator in this space to help those navigate the live scene in Japan. This has also reminded of my local music scene. I need to get involved more and hit up some underground gigs.

[@the_shortround]

I was just telling my friend about you because we want to visit Japan someday but we want to experience things that aren’t just the big tourist attractions and we love concerts. Loved this video and I really love small shows like this. Would love to see more content like that !

[@Sirlie08]

This is so cool, I need more of this content 😍

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Thank you for sharing info about the underground music scene of Tokyo. My favorite band of all times, Band-Maid, started as an underground band in Tokyo and played small venues wherever they could. Today many years later they are world known and their fan base are steadly growing. Band-Maid celebrated their 10th anniversary last year, starting out with their first Okyuji (concert) on January 9th at Tokyo Garden Theater (sold out, and I was there), in the spring they toured Japan (I saw them again at Zepp Shinjuku in July). In the autumn they toured in Japan and then in the USA and Mexico. At the end of autumn they toured Japan and had their tour final at Yokohama Arena (I had a ticket but could not go). Because of Band-Maid I've visited Japan 4 times since January 9th 2023. Me and my wife fell in love with Japan, and we've been to Japan twice this year. We are planning our next trip to Tokyo in November. Greetings from Norway 🙂

[@fuuka69420]

wah! this is so good finally someone who covers THIS side of Japan 😭

[@angura_live]

Thanks! I was waiting for years for someone to cover this on KZbin and no one did, so the only choice was to do it myself...

[@Hogie-iv8bd]

I go to Japan a couple times a year to see Band-Maid. In-between their shows I go to a bunch of rock and metal shows in small live houses like this. Also there is Hiro with Jrocktours will facilitate getting you to rock and metal shows

[@ajCherryBlossoms]

I have always been so interested in the underground music scene in Tokyo but didn't know how to get involved.. this is a wonderful video ! very informative and the bands were all amazing. thanks so much for sharing !

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

Emma you've truly outdone yourself, what a FANTASTIC video!! Such an original topic, so casual yet well-produced, I loved it!!

[@sayntgeorge]

That's awesome to see you making a video that is different and so interesting

[@NatashaElle]

UGHH NEW EMMA VID, YES!!! Loved seeing a video on your current interests!!!

[@jlee1522]

As an "older" viewer of Tokidoki (44!), I appreciate the 5pm-11pm show ideas and ear plugs that lower the volume of club music. :)

[@ThisMusicIsToogood]

Dude!!!! I'm a musician moving to Japan this year. This video is exactly what I needed to help know where to look to dip my finger into the musicial landscape that Tokyo has to offer. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mardzipan]

Wowow the first two bands sounded like we went from Tame Impala chill vibes to the frenetic energy of early Bloc Party! Thanks for this amazing video Emma! Defs going to try and get myself to a gig next time I’m in Tokyo.

[@kirseitis]

Ah, so cool Really enjoyed this vlog - def. something you should be proud of. I love going to experience new stuff (music, art, stage, etc.) that´s not mainstream. Sometimes it's a hit; sometimes a miss. But getting out of the comfortzone and getting all kinds of different input is what makes my brain sparkle (in a positive way, lol)

[@TheMacabreGamer]

Loved this so much. Thanks, Emma, for introducing us to some artists I may have never known existed. Oh, and the basement bar looks like a sweet venue

[@amalaylay]

Such a fun video! I love this look into Tokyo's music without it being a big clubbing experience. Thanks for showing this Emma! ❤

[@twakcz]

That Daisy Jaine segment is absolutely SICK I love it

[@Grashalm]

Right? Another great band discovered

[@celtasnake]

Great video !! Thanks for sharing. Japan has always had a wonderful music scene with many great artists and bands, touching all styles and genres. Actually liked quite a lot the first band, Daisy Jaine. Again, thank you for the video.

[@GameReviews9397]

Damn I've missed this channel hope you're doing well

[@kyriaki4901]

Great that you brought up the underground music scene of Japan! It is so interesting and my god no one talks about music any more! So thank you!! 🙏🙏

[@Sleepy_I]

i really enjoyed this video. I used to love going to random live houses across Tokyo, you'd always find at least one amazing band each time. And they always seemd to be only playing to a dozen people.

[@iljaburgundy8609]

Whoa Emma, this is perfect! I was in Tokyo 3 weeks ago and mentioned to a friend I wanted to go check out some Tokyo underground music scenes. I didn't get around to it then.. but seeing as I'll be back in October, this is the perfect kick-start. Thanks so much for the great content!

[@mistermikeyjay]

Great video and well done! A side you don’t see people show much. Hope you had fun! Reminds me of watching Indy wrestling here in Toronto. Halftime or after the show the wrestlers are at a table selling merch and talking to fans. Great experiences. Otsukare, minna!!!

[@smilingdog2219]

Exactly what I was searching for. The variety is crazy and it felt very improve which is what I enjoy.

[@grey5626]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing a glimpse into the underground live music scene!

[@beyond-the-night]

Nonayu's outfit was so cute!! At 2:03 what a fun aesthetic!! I loved Daisy Jaine's hair, and their music was really nice ^-^. A fun video all around~

[@StaringIntoSpaceMan]

Awesome! Wish I had seen this before my trip to Japan. Was on the lookout for venues and gigs... Will definitely be using these tips on my next trip!

[@grecoaj]

This is the info I've been looking for! Thank you for this video!

[@alicevira]

Emma! this video was amazing!

[@halcyonandon]

This is really fun, would love to see more live music content :)

[@mattihp]

I love how confident you are in new videos! You've always presented well but it is so obvious that you are more comfortable and that you always work on getting even better!

[@the.DelChannel]

I'm headed to Japan in November and I'm really excited to see this part of Japan as a regular concert goer! Also Harry is one of the homies!

[@JumpHigherVA]

So glad you made this video. There's something to be said about how human an experience like this is. As a musician myself, I tend to frequent small shows like these in the states, and it's been extremely interesting to see how much the things shown in this video relate back to the experiences I'm already familiar with, even down to the most miniscule details, like the handwritten notes at the merch tables and bar areas. At the end of the day you're reminded that no matter what country a scene like this is in it's just people expressing themselves and living in that shared moment with total strangers, and that's really, really cool. I appreciate the insight into a relatively undiscussed topic in Japan, you've really inspired me to look further into this scene. Thanks so much! P.S. your music taste rules. I've also seen all of the bands live that you mentioned near the beginning, very nice!

[@beanpirate]

Thank you Tokidoki Traveller! I have been interested in going to a live music show in Tokyo for some time and has always felt a bit daunting as a visitor. I will use this video as a guide to making this goal a reality! 🤘

[@Jonny117et]

This is a such a cool side of Tokyo that not many people get to see. I am definitely going to a show next year when I come! Great work Emma!

[@SkribbleNL]

If I ever get the chance to visit Japan and Tokyo I'll make sure to check one of these venues. Underground venues/acts def are some of my more memorable music experiences and sometimes you just don't know what you will get and end up being blow away! Also I'll def follow Tyrkouaz as a dnb fan love their sound so far. Great video, great filming!

[@BananasGoMooDev]

This was really great. I think you should do more not-so-well-known stuff around Japan, since I've never really seen any major vloggers do anything like this!

[@thestinkyweasel6297]

Fantastic video. Love this slice of lesser-known Japan!! Love it!

[@kristindiamandis4297]

Its been a hot minute glad to see u post again🤍

[@Vendice20]

More this type of videos please :)) It was raw, it was dirty and sick in all positive ways possible! Reminds me of times when Root Thumm was on the rise in Japan ♥︎

[@Filhelm]

This was awsome! I'd love it if this (going to undergrund shows) became a series.

[@johha7260]

I love these kind of videos, it's great to have some new music to listen to and artists to follow

[@Robynnbirrd]

What a fun video, I hope you can do more like this! The underground scene is so interesting. I would love to see other genres if you're able to! Especially the r&b or rap scene?

[@mustang1969uk]

Really liking Daisy Jaine. They have a good sound. If they are playing when we are in Tokyo next I’ll check them out. Thanks for the video, very different thing but really cool and informative. Keep it up!

[@kammymarie13]

I've actually been so curious about the underground music scene in Tokyo so thank you so much for this video!!! I feel much less intimidated by it now 😊

[@brianmurphy3976]

Hey Emma, Thanks for this. It came at a time where I was able to see some shows while I was i Tokyo. It was super helpful.

[@helvetiqa]

So cool Emma and Harry! Any tips on finding more chill indie shows, like acoustic or jazz sets? I'm too old for the really crazy stuff these days 🤣

[@domoredujordan]

This is really refreshing content, thank you

[@maxkarlsson8153]

Omg thank you so much for making this video. Last year I lived in that area, and I walked by Basement practically every day, never went though, but went to a bunch of other livehouses. I Cried during this video, I miss the vibes that much! (Bonus points for Harrys shirt, best band ever!😊)

[@SmallBlogV8]

Tyrkouaz reminds me of Enter Shikari for their combining of heavy guitars with DnB/EDM percussion style. Very cool!

[@Ottska]

I have been missing out! Brilliant vid Emma. I'm so down for this next time I'm in Tokyo 🤘

[@merciless972]

This was awesome! Ty!

[@Curiouscrazy]

I love this glimpse of something people rarely talk about! So cool and you are obviously so passionate about it. Also your style is so cool, can you do a video on where you buy clothes or fashion in Japan>??

[@Dani.P.F.]

I'm moving soon and I'm going to put effort into finding small gigs in the new city. Can't wait to support smaller artists. Thank you for the video, it's really interesting to see a different cultures music scene.

[@pppantz]

Yay Emma I have wanted you to talk about this because you mentioned learning to dj and turning me on to 100 gecs. More like this please!!

[@TokidokiTraveller]

Yayyyy love the gecs, glad you enjoyed the video!! ⚡️

[@whatthehellcat]

amazing and fun video!! 🩵 oh man, this is what i love!! there’s not a whole lot of underground stuff going on where i live in the US, so it’s so nice to see the side of it in japan! that first band sounded amazing, definitely gotta check them out. hopefully i’ll be able to find a show or two i can see next time i’m in japan.

[@JessleinF]

Amazing content! We visited Japan for the first time in Feb/March and as regular concert goers in Germany we wanted to explore concert culture in Japan. But, we where quite intimidated and just didn’t 😂. This video will help so much for our next t visit ! So thank you so much!!

[@rinowx5]

Awesome thank you for sharing ❤

[@rekhaeichler8564]

Couple of months ago I was looking for indie venues. Thanks so much for this!

[@Black-Liquid]

This is probably my favorite video you've made! Hope you do some more underground music related videos soon, I go to a lot of shows in Phoenix so its interesting to see what Tokyo has to offer, it would be cool if you did a video at a noise show to!

[@angura_live]

Loads of videos like that on my channel... -Harry

[@SuperRetroGal]

Well I LOVE this video. Am I absolutely obsessed with Daisy Jaine now? Yes. How groovy and fun! Moving to Hokkaido in August, but hope to make it down to Tokyo for one of their shows. Or maybe they’ll play up there! Thank you for this✨🌻

[@rez4437]

Such a cool and unique video. Thanks for showing us this side of Japan. I’m glad that there are spaces where Japanese people can feel a bit more feee.

[@Clindian]

I was at this event! Japanese rock bands put so much effort into their shows it's so fun to watch and be a part of! I encourage anyone to attend if they are in Tokyo. At some venues, they can have a show every day of the week. There is fun to be had!

[@poleosis]

If people would like more in depth info on getting tickets to these underground lives, I have been going to them since 2016 and have two videos going into detail about them.

[@Grashalm]

You have great videos and playlists! Now I have more bands to listen to, so cool discovering new stuff

[@andrewwylie8968]

Aloha 🌈 This video was awesome. I hope to see more of this! Thanks for introducing me to the music seen.🙂

[@Japaninhimself]

Okay. Surprising I figured all of this out with trial and error last year when went to Tokyo. Last spring. I only went to 2 places. But they allowed reentry with a hand stamp. Or wristband. I got to hangout with 3 bands. We are friends now. Drink beer with him. I told them I play guitar too. Showed them the bands I listen to. I LOVE SHIMOKITAZAWA. I love the indie rock scene. All the musicans are friendly. It was my favorite thing to do in Tokyo.

[@katiemcquin]

I loved this video, I've never seen much coverage of the music scene by vloggers but this looks wild! More please!!

[@adityasanthanam1945]

Great to see you back here and that was a fun video about an interesting topic I have not previously known much about.

[@Laura_Darkspear]

I’d love to see some underground shows! I used to go to punk shows like this in Arizona back in the early 2000’s and this made me super nostalgic. Thanks for sharing, Emma! I’d love to rock out at a show with you! Looks so fun! 🤗

[@oohmeshreddies]

So glad to see you back.

[@roberthradek7100]

Awesome. The next time I go back to Japan I want to hit up as many basement clubs as I can. I have been a fan of Nonayu for over a year now, and now with the information you have provided, I have a better chance of successfully making it to one of her shows.

[@TokidokiTraveller]

Yesss Nonayu is so good! Seen her perform a few times 😄 I hope you can see her perform!!

[@jukka.r.2067]

Nice to see something different from japan for a change.

[@IchigoNoShoujo]

Awesome video! I've always been curious about Tokyo's underground music scene and I feel like no one has really covered this in their videos before. I'd love to see more like this, too 😍

[@IchigoNoShoujo]

Also just ordered some Loops. Thanks for recommending :)

[@marginaliia]

this was one of the type of vids i wanted to see, thanks for showing whats its like. also i didnt expect you knew porter robinson, i never seen your channel but you make good content :) shoegaze concerts are the best for me

[@KJM2000]

Thanks for introducing Daisy Jaine to me. They remind me a lot of 90s UK bands like Ozric Tentacles and a little bit of Stone Roses and Inspiral Carpets in places. I'm making my first visit to Japan next year and I will definitely try and get to see these if they are playing at that time.

[@alexchen5742]

This video reminds me so much of my time as an exchange student in Kyoto. Some nights I’d go to Kyoto University’s dorms and they’d have one of these shows during the night. Not a proper bar but the vibe going to one of these underground music events are something.

[@amysquie]

Love to see another side of Japan. I'm a big art lover and reader and I'd love to see more people focusing on Japanese culture as well as the popular tourist attractions.

[@kellyscott5675]

Wow, that was really great. Looked like an incredible show and just an amazing experience. Some very cool bands that I would never encounter here in Canada. Thanks for doing this video, Emma. It’s definitely something I will hope to check out when I finally get to Tokyo.

[@cixeau2449]

god send!! moving to Japan in a month and this is exactly the kind of content I needed. thank you YT Algo! Thank you Tokidoki!

[@_polyforms1078]

Thaaaaaaank you so much for this one! The band sounded great and I'm totally taking note on the loops! cheers!

[@EddyRoblesOficial]

Great video!! Thanks!❤

[@mikeymoose7253]

This is exactly the type of video I’ve been liking for! The Japanese KZbin market is so saturated with copycat content, but this is super cool. When I was there in April I wanted to go to a gig in Tokyo, but couldn’t buy tickets without a Japanese number 😢

[@smoli]

I'm a part of the japanese underground indie scene and it is honeslty a lot of fun

[@yellofury]

I LOVE THIS! It reminds me of gigging during college in the 90s. So fun!!

[@biteofdog]

How fun, I love going to dive bars for local live music in Seattle, so it's nice to get a glimpse of Toyko's music scene.

[@NEOREV_MUSIC]

This is such a great video. I wish more of the Japanese vloggers cover this stuff. So much great music going unnoticed. I just went over to Daisy Jaine's Bandcamp and bought all their releases there.

[@TheCreepypro]

as a person who loves music of all kinds this was really awesome to see and especially to hear!

[@SakuraTbh]

This looks amaaaaaaaaaazing! If I was visiting Japan I would totally want to check this out, the venues look so intimate, looks like a crazy amazing experience!

[@francescabrooker-rao9534]

Love LOVE this type of content!