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Review - Album
Good old-fashioned Prog from Canada, Crown Lands have already won awards there. This is their debut release in Japan.
Review - Gig
Expectations were high for Vindicta's debut Japanese gigs but they far exceeded all expectations in performance and show.
Interview
Vindicta are coming to Japan this year on their much-anticipated, debut tour. Lilith clarifies a few things about the band for us.
Review - Box Set
Fischer-Z never hit the big time in their native UK. This set of their first three LPs will have you scratching your head and wondering why.
Interview
Jay Pepper, founder of Tigertailz and The Zaltan Peppers, has a few things to say about the state of the music business. I agree.
Interview
I consider it an absolute honour to be able to talk to Marty Wilde about Let's Rock This Place. One of Britain's finest rocks on.
Mendips: the guest house in Tokyo for musicians. The best place to chill during your Japanese tour.
JAPAN UNDERGROUND!
DEBUT FESTIVAL IN JAPAN!
SHIBUYA, GRIT
1st August
BRIDEAR​
BONE DAWN
BERED
FATHOMLESS SKYWALKER
2nd August
KINOKO HOTEL
WENDY
ENA FUJITA
MELLOWS
DJ FOR BOTH DAYS
JPU FOUNDER: TOM SMITH
JAPAN UNDERGROUND and TOM SMITH
'Japan Underground' is a music festival in the UK, launched in 2011 by Tom Smith. For over 15 years, Tom has championed Japanese musicians including Visual Kei, Heavy Metal, girl bands and idols—whomever he found interesting - and it has since become one of the most popular events of its kind. In the same year that Japan Underground began, Tom Smith founded JPU Records, a label releasing Japanese music in the UK and Europe. Starting with the GazettE, JPU Records has released albums by BAND-MAID, LOVEBITES, NEMOPHILA and others.
JAPAN UNDERGROUND IN TOKYO
In 2026, the Japan Underground Festival will make its debut in Japan on Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd, at GRIT at Shibuya, featuring eight bands who are already making headway in the UK. The first day’s lineup is Hard Rock and Heavy Metal; the second day is a mix of vintage Psychedelic Rock, Classic Rock, and Metal. Tom Smith will be the DJ on both days.
​
DETAILS and TICKETS
Dates: August 1 (Sat) and 2 (Sun)
Venue: Shibuya GRIT, Tokyo
Time: Doors open at 3:00 PM; Show starts at 3:30 PM
1-Day Admission: ¥5,000 (plus 1 drink)
2-Day Pass: ¥9,000 (plus 1 drink)
UK FESTIVALS!
CROPREDY 2026
13th, 14th, 15th August​
A NEW DAY 2026
21st, 22nd, 23rd August
Contributions to Shinko Music Mook books
