The music of Japan:A phototography project created by chance.
In 2022 I decided to book tickets to a Bridear gig who I had discovered through trying to learn Japanese during the Pandemic (still learning) after this I managed to take photos at another gig and then another.
This gave me the idea to go to as many Japanese music gigs as I can and take photos.
Please contact me directly for projects or to inquire about the images.
mrjgrant@icloud.com
Gang Parade, London, 2024
The final act for WACK in the UK volume 2 Gang Parade, who have been flying high since there comeback in 2022 the impressive unit, each who have there own unique styles and outfits really ended WACK in the UK with a bang.
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ASP, London, 2024
The second act for WACK in the UK volume 2 ASP are self described ANTI STYLE IDOLS and ANTI SOCIETY PUNKS, although there origions have often been linked to an WACK’s punk style they have been experimenting in other musical genres, they will be returning for WACK in the UK volume 3
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Kiss Kiss, London, 2024
The opening act for WACK in the UK volume 2 Kiss Kiss consists of the 5 least senior members of Gang Parade who are currently on the group. I think this is there first overseas gig and might be one of the last with graduating member potential
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Taffy, Birmingham, 2024
Returning to the UK after 5 years away, there shoegaze style with sprinklings of Britpop style is something everyone should enjoy once in there life, it was a very hot night at the Victoria, but they put on a show that was cool enough for the fans
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Garuda, London, 2024
A Solo idol project that focuses on industrial metal started by Sakimura Yuffie, Garuda’s prescence is one to be seen, much like a final boss in an RPG she dominates the stage and bring an array of weapons to do battle with the audience (and the lighting guy)
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Yurapico (burst girl), London, 2024
A solo Idol who has been in several idol groups, this was Yurapico’s first european tour and first live gig in the UK, with incredible passion for her music and her fans she went all out in her performance.
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Minami Deutsch, Birmingham, 2024
The self professed “repitition freaks'" with a love of Krautrock, put on a fantsatic show at the Hair and hounds to a pact crowd. With there pleasnt ambience and pusating electronica in synthesis with with there razor like guitar skills they are one I will be chekcing out again in the future.
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Ayano Kaneko, Birmingham, 2024
Amazing singer-songwriter renowned for her unique blend of folk, rock, and pop. and mesmerizing voice .With several acclaimed albums and EPs, it was a fantastic oppurtunity to see such an enchanting live performance, Ayano really is a beloved figure in the indie and alternative music scene.
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Mass of the Fermenting Dregs (Masu Dore), Leeds, 2024
The post-hardcore/shoegaze band embarked on there first European tour since there reformation, I was lucky enough to get to photograph them at Headrow House in Leeds, where they enraptured a sellout crowd with there incredible high energy presence and meticulous arrangements.
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2& (Double And), Tokyo, 2023
2& has been an idol since 2011, a former member of the idol Guso Drop until her graduation in 2017, 2& has been her main focus and a project she runs in complete independence with a great back catalouge and international appearences in the UK, she has worked with KushiKatsu records, who I also work with.
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Esprit D’Air, Nottingham, 2024
This is the Second time photographing the amazing Esprit D’Air the ethereal metal is amazing to see live and I really think they have one a special place in the peoples of Nottinghams hearts.
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PPPR, Tokyo, 2023
A week before I flew home I was able to catch up with one of the promoters I work with in the UK who I often work with, Kushikatsu records, we met up at an underground Idol event and I had my 35mm camera with me so decided to to some shooting as they advised it was allowed by Issen_ so I was able to photograph three intersting acts.
PPPR (Piraparo) are a two person group who were formed in 2022 and debuted in 2023 and are fully self produced.
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Issen_, Tokyo, 2023
A week before I flew home I was able to catch up with one of the promoters I work with in the UK who I often work with, Kushikatsu records, we met up at an underground Idol event and I had my 35mm camera with me so decided to to some shooting as they advised it was allowed by Issen_ so I was able to photograph three intersting acts.
Issen_ are a two person group who were formed in 2023 and are fully self produced.
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Hades, Tokyo, 2023
This was my final Gig shot in Tokyo (and prehaps my favorite) Hades for me are one of the bands to look out for in 2024 and I am glad to have discovered them while travelling Japan, they were one of the reasons I reached out to black list entertainment to ask if I could work with them.
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Nekomeshi 222, Tokyo, 2023
This was my second Gig shot in Tokyo, I was very lucky to shoot Nekomeshi 222 on the day they announced there first full album Whistling Arrow which will be out on the 22/03/2024, They have a great sound and I hope I get to work with them again in the future.
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Tsushimamire London, 2023
Incredible set from the japanese punk band at the loud women festival in London
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Kuunatic, Birmingham, 2023
Kuunatic are a multi instrument band with a very tribal feel to there work and a fantasic shaman like look.
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, London, 2023
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, an idol legend who’s energy is still as high as when she first came onto the scene, this gig was a blast, the fans were amazing (especially the great costumes) and the idol dance music style was highly addictive.
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Paranoid Void Birmingham 2023
Paranoid Void are my introduction into math rock, a fantastic genre that is focused more on the music then singing and the incredible intricate nature of music and waht can be created, great all round set and a fun band to relax and listen to.
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Shonen Knife Nottingham 2023
Photographed during there 40 anniversary tour, these ladies are still able to bring the spirit and experience, which can only be core to there amazing longevity, intersting fact they toured the UK as Nirvana’s opening act.
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Otoboke Beaver London 2023
Intense and wild Punk band who create wild devastation whereever they go, great crowd interactions and lost of mosh pits and crows surfing, shot with the 35mm in the pit was quite the challenge
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Psydoll Birmingham 2023
The fascinating world of Japanese Cyberpunk is an area of music I am a complete novice in, The Psydoll gig was a great introduction to this music and an incredible insight into this world of music (one I will be investigating further), I decided to shoot colour on the SL with the 24-70 and black and white with the 35mm (Have separated into two pages).
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BnW Project→
The Wisely Brothers, Birmingham 2022
The first UK tour for this Japanese indie band, brilliant relaxed and upbeat songs and a joy to photograph, great highlight for me was the song Julia, was a mild panic with my camera but it turns out the lightining was messed up at the venue.
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Espirit D’Air, Birmingham 2023
First Gig of the new year and what a great start, Espirit D’Air fantatsic metal, high energy and go all out in there gigs, shot mainly on teh 35mm but did try the 75mm as well, I may need to upgrade this to a 90mm
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RE:O London 2023
Great event put on by breaking sound, RE:O were a great find for my photography project and a delight to see perform, I hope to work with them in the future, this gig was the first time I used the SL and a 24-70 lens, having a zoom was a great advantage to experiment.
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Scandal, Islington 2022
Scandals first european tour in several years and one of the first Japanese bands I discovered ever (thanks Myspace).
Amazing energy from the group who looked really happy to be back in the UK. I only used a 75mm lens for this gig but was really impressed with the results.
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Bridear, Birmigham 2022
This was my first attempt at Music photography, and the opportunity to photograph the first Japanese band to do a UK tour was an opportunity I had to take.
Amazing gig at the Falcon and Castle in Birmingham, loud and cosy would be the best way to describe it.
Amazing work by Kushikatsu Records, Setsuzoku Records and Ortion Live International