In affluent, generally acquiescent Japan, local punks have always seemed a somewhat incongruous sight, with fashion rather than any kind of real fervour appearing to be the main driving force. But with protests against Prime Minister Abe’s incredibly controversial security bill now practically the norm, and anti-nuclear groups still challenging the powers that be, it’s surely a good time for punk to regain at least some sense of relevance. Or if not exactly relevance, then to once again be a visual and vocal addition to anti-establishment sentiment.
Coli says
Good picture and recap of recent events here. Where was this? Are they performing in a greenhouse?
Lee says
Cheers. Hadn’t even though of that, but it does look like a greenhouse, doesn’t it?! Happy to say it wasn’t. Just a makeshift cover.
Oh, and it was in Enoshima. Had no idea it was on. An event we happily came across by pure chance.
john says
With J-pop around it will always have a relevance, otherwise there’ll be some big unbalancing going on.
There are certainly some splendid Japanese musicians, very much in their own groove, punk or otherwise, and a real joy to discover.
I just hope that the guy in anti-establishment flip flops isn’t in the band!
Lee says
Yes, that’s a very good call, both in regards the balance and skill levels.
Happy to confirm he wasn’t. But he was by far the most enthusiastic observer.
Hans ter Horst says
Students and punks protesting, such a difference with the usual indifference of the Japanese people regarding politics that directly affect them; I’m so happy. If only they protested as much when the media were muzzled last year and the freedom of press went down the drain.
On the subject of Japanese punk: I don’t know who SCRAP were, but I always enjoyed their candid take on Japanese politics regarding the Fukushima disaster: (maybe NSFW) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI718wgTIFI 😉
Lee says
I know. Long may it continue. It’s a good sign for sure. Although the protests may sadly need to get more than just noisy if they are going to force any kind of change…
Yes, good on SCRAP. No beating about the bush there!
Tom says
That’s a great mohawk. Even better t-shirt! 🙂
Lee says
Haha, can’t argue with that assessment!
willy says
some things just won’t die! punk. I was a kid when it happened. we all thought it was hilarious.
Lee says
It was an interesting little event. A few there were obviously punks from way back when. Which in an odd way was really quite refreshing. Fellas who had gone against the grain and actually continued that way, rather than eventually buckling down and doing the salaryman thing.
cdilla says
Back in the late seventies I used to have a couple of Japanese friends who used to send me polaroids they took of people congregating in Yoyogi Park on sundays. There were a lot of rockabilly types but also a few kids who were taken with the punk movement I was lucky enough to be living through at the time. I still see some of my punk friends from those dys who have kept true to the image. man they look so old now – older even than the Teddy Boys looked to me back then… I’m glad it’s still alive in Japan too with fresher blood.
J-Pop has a place in my life – as my ringtone and when I’m playing OSU for a start, but I wouldn’t want to be without my Damned, Pistols, Clash, Ramones et al.
Lee says
The rockabilly types are still there in Yoyogi Park. A good few of them also seem to have been there from the early days. They too look old. And their once thick, voluminous hairdos are looking decidedly threadbare!