Posted on Aug 24, 2013 in Must see, News, Things to do |

Sat Aug 24 – Sun Aug 25, 2013 Around Koenji 12,000 dancers pile out on to the streets of Koenji over the two days of the annual Awaodori, undoubtedly one of Tokyo’s most energetic festivals – and one with crowds to match. The awaodori (‘awa dance’) tradition can be traced back to Tokushima in Shikoku, where the story goes that the localdaimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in...

Posted on Aug 15, 2013 in Must see, News, Things to do |

Hallowed Nishi-Azabu club Eleven may have closed, but the folks who ran it are still busy bringing dance music to Japan. This weekend they host a one-off night at Unit featuring veteran US DJ DVS1 (“Devious One,” get it?). The Minneapolis-based artist is known in the Midwest for his Hush parties that draw on a 10,000-strong vinyl collection, and of late he’s been getting a worldwide rep for his simple, elegant productions as well. No less than Detroit techno avatar Derrick...