Eclectic style in JAPAN
In this history of over 10 years, Japanese trance scene are shifted in variety. It started from bush parties, and then let it grow core of spirit, it is inherited until now. Nowadays after the commercial time since 2000 millennium, it’s not so often to find bush party or free party, because of “Trance” phenomenon in fashion. The word “Trance” has wings and becomes popular without roots for this some years. Even major music label launches “Trance” on market. But this is just one part of scene. It does not matter if the scene is big or not, we have good vibration parties around. The fusion active scene is supported by pioneer and fresher. People are resonant through their music which is varieties style of goa full-on , psychedelic, progressive, house, electro, tribal, downbeat or chill-out tune with good spirit. Anyway to continue this party scene, it is one of an important key as it is universally common, "clean the place before we leave!" at least.
 Overall in 2005, it seemed self-composed comparatively. We rarely have seen big trance parties (over 10,000ppl) even in summer or for New Year. Maybe because of weather, and difficult to find venue or we just want to get fun more easily. Sure there is much party (200 to 1000ppl) constantly all over Japan, and most of organizers take a gentle approach in scene. When you come to Japan, try to check party by SOLSTICE and NEW WORLD they have career since genesis. SPACE GATHERING by Ree.K & Masa (Hypnodisk), chill-event DAKINI NIGHTS are also continuously party. Or you are lucky, if you can catch party by TRANCE CAFÉ, MINDGAMES, PRIMITIVE, PSYCHEDELIC AEEN, PSYCHEDELIC LABORATORY, MOTHER and VOLCANO ASO etc..., there are deep-rooted popularity and new blood consistently for years. The open air day-party NAGISA music festival is good oppurtunity to see tokyo music scene.
Most of gathering base in Tokyo or Osaka, but also many of small gathering are dotted in over Japan.
 There are creative talents and artwork, can be proud of, and collaborative activity or individual versatility. In 2005, CLUTCH (a.k.a. TONIO/Trance Café) responds to our expectation by publishing his musical works from B.P.F. Rec., Groove Zone Rec., Maniac I.Q. Rec. by dj A.BPM compile, Stargate Rec. by dj BIN compile, and Plastik Park by Sally Doolally. AQUA Rec., division of Groove Zone Rec., starts up activity by releasing OMB’s album “Flying over Tokyo" and dj SO’s compilation “Soul Glider” by his design. After an interval of 4 years, SPIRITJACK release his 2nd album “Akame Flash” from KAGUYA Rec., division of WAKYO Rec., for down tempo music label. UNI with 10years carrier release live album from EVOLUTION and have Japan tour 2006. From Osaka, new label comes out; FULLMOON Rec. release first cd “New World” compiled by FULL MOON MONDO and designed by KC. YABAI Rec. is founded by rising psy-artists. And chain-releasing compilations from Planet Ben Rec., are required. For chilling out, DAKINI Rec. release sky dancing music constantly and PUFF DRAGON’s album too. Dj TSUYOSHI (Feed Back Rec.), RYO (Solstice Music), SO (Plusquam Rec, Mindgames) or CHABO & P’N’O (Locoism), they are ubiquitous and active in a wide sphere. Design of AUN graphics, MAKURA graphics, PINXNAKE or RIE with splendid idea are greatly worth a look. And WAKYO Inc. is established to support scene and works hard as distributor, label, and promoter.
How to approach Japanese scene or find party information, besides internet, there is good item Posivision (free magazine in two month), find it out!
If you are in Tokyo, it’s better to go to Quintrix (at Shibuya) to check music and get party flyer, you can also have drinking there. And go to Connected (Ebisu) or Psychedelic Garden (Shinjuku) to check nice clothes and party. Or at the shopping mall 109 (Shibuya), you maybe feel trance phenomenon, by mixed music from shop to shop... If you are in Osaka, you can check weekend club party at Macao inside leisure building Misono (Namba) there is economical hotel too. To get party info, drink & food, and party happened often at Exodus (Shinsaibashi). If you are in Kobe, you can check closes and party flyer at Stone Love.
Characteristic and custom (Information for Traveler):
 Japan, it is an expanding country in the south north, is comprised of 5 main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa) and over 4000 small islands. Two-thirds of land (total 377,887km2) contains the active volcano of more than 40 in the mountainous district. So we are living in a high population density country (population: total 127 million, Tokyo 12 million, Osaka 8.8 million) while making use of this geographical characteristic that an earthquake sometimes happens. There are many local dialects, but there are not many people speaking english or english sign. But shy and mild japanese try to help you somehow, so don’t worry!
The four season changes very clear. We enjoy the beauty and benefits of four separate and distinct seasons. And in every season, there are season words or typical events worth having. In spring, you can see scenery of “Hanami”, people enjoy a banquet under cherry trees in full blossom. In hot summer, its time for the open air events, there are “Matsuri” (=festival) and “Hanabi-taikai” (=fireworks exhibition) all over Japan. In autumn, we admire “Kouyou” and we feel progress of time while noticing a change of a color of an autumn leaf. In cold winter, we enjoy “Nabe” party, it is a kind of home party while surrounding hot pan dishes, bring you a warm atmosphere. We get energy by animism and our senses can be amused by the method of suitable for the change all year. Of course there are party (open air: april to octboer, indoor: november to march), “Onsen” (=hot spring) nice to heal mind and body and “Washoku” (=Japanese cuisine) any time.
About cost of staying in Japan, especially, you should care of accommodation. To cut costs, you can also check staying at not only hotel (business, love or capsule style are low cost) but economical Ryokan (Japanese-style) or Minshuku (family-run type). Or maybe it’s better to check Guest House, as long as you stay one place awhile, easy to find by internet. Any other costs of living (i.e.: food and drink) are ok in general, and you will understand material value to payment (i.e.: travel or entertainment fee). 24 hour convenience stores and various kind of vending machine to buy drink, food, alcohol and cigarettes are here and there. But drunker or smoker on the street are decrease (in trend, or someplace are not allowed).
Interesting place to visit in urban jungle Tokyo, “Roppongi” the most international and sleepless night life there, “Harajuku” to see the cutting edge of fashion, “Akihabara” the place of technology and imagination, and also “Otaku” culture (one of social phenomenon, is also changing as well as trance scene. The industry and market have developed very lively now :) There are cheap lodge from \2500- at downtown tokyo “Sanya”. In Osaka, inner-city ghetto “Nishinari” people like artists or travelers also gather there and it’s possible to stay from \1,500/night, but better to avoid walking alone at night.
Probably the greed for mind to pursue the field of specific hobby is a kind of characteristic. And subcultures have been developing here. Bring your taste to this eclectic style and you will get curious with it!
photos by Kotaro
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