Japan Blues on Knyx Radio

Past glories of UK-Japanese trade: Yaohan

On the ley line of the Edgware Road, lies Colindale. Not far from Brent Cross, the crossroads that in the early 1970s gave birth to the first purpose-built shopping centre in Britain. In the early 1990s, as the economic bubble sagged in native Japan, one of its pioneering businesses, Yaohan, opened a shopping centre of its own, in Colindale. More reasonably priced than other Japanese outlets in London's West End, it was a small oasis standing proud of the huddle of car showrooms. There were several restaurants, the ubiquitous sushi, but also okonomiyaki and other more down-home fare. There was a micro version of a 100 yen shop, seasonal entertainments, a games room and most usefully, a huge Japanese supermarket.

Sadly, the Yaohan empire crumbled under the strain of too much global expansion and accumulated debt. One of Japan's greatest post-war miracles was over. The faceless block was taken over fairly swiftly by Oriental City, possibly a more democratic view of pan-Asian cuisine, commerce and culture, but the quality was never the same. It was closely followed by China City, which also faltered. Now it awaits the predictable fate of being turned into apartments. 

More here

Shunga exhibition

At the British Museum from October 3

Details here

Fuji Keiko

Most of Fuji Keiko's songs were laments, songs of loneliness, loss, regret and death, the melancholy underscored by her bluesy, yet athletic, delivery. She endures, peering out from record sleeves, her expression a beguiling mix of coldness, fragility, sadness and defiance.

The daughter of two itinerant musicians, which possibly explains Fuji's gritty singing style; she once covered "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", and could be compared with Dusty Springfield. Japanese popular music has always had its blues, or burusu, borne out of the popularity of songs like "St. James Infirmary" in the pre-war years. No one in pop had taken the cue to sing from the guts, until Fuji. 

An unsuspecting listener, once acclimatised to the slick, sentimental Victor Orchestra backing, is assailed by Fuji's voice, emerging vengeful, ripping through the velvet with a shocking force - considering her steely performing style and svelte build. A giant ruling the charts in the seventies, she retired from the music business early. Attempted comebacks were given scant support from record companies struggling to keep up with new fashions. Whatever may be said about her, Fuji Keiko's greatness will live on, within a slew of epic grooves, carved into the heart of Japanese pop history.

Japan Blues 2013.

Last Japan Blues of the season

Japan Blues

Hibiki Ichikawa (Tsugaru shamisen)
Akari Mochizuki (voice)

Live.
+
Howard Williams
 plays
 50s rock'n'roll to 80s disco/boogie.
 All Made In Japan.

Friday August 9
8.00-12.30

Free

Masaaki Hirao Album launch party

Japan Blues


Album launch:
Masaaki Hirao - Nippon Rock'n'Roll

Live enka and minyou
Ichikawa Hibiki - Tsugaru shamisen 
+
Akari Mochizuki - voice
+
Howard Williams
 plays
 50s rock'n'roll to 80s disco/boogie - all Made In Japan

Saturday July 13

Cafe OTO
8.00-12.30

Free

Masaaki Hirao - Nippon Rock'n'Roll LP out now