I like to travel with no plan in mind. The way I think about it is: what would I do if I lived there? I book a place in a neighborhood that sounds interesting and go on with my day. And as the night sets in, just like I would in New York, I look for music.
I’m not sure how this came to my attention but seeing that Shame were playing while I was in Tokyo felt like winning the lottery. They had just released one of my favorite post-punk record of the past few years, and I always wanted to go to a punk show in Japan.
The concert was happening at a place called Fever in an area called Shimokitazawa. I think the capacity of the venue was around 200, something similar to Saint Vitus in Brooklyn.
It is often said that the Japanese culture is super polite and respectful, which was always my experience there and something I love. But polite doesn’t mean boring. It feels like it’s just about setting the rules, something Shame’s singer Charlie Steen knew exactly how to do. He stage dived by the end of the first song and it was on.
As I exit the venue I meet Nancy who tells me she plays in a band called BallonD’Or. She gave me their CD and a few recommendations about where to go for dinner and out later.
I have this thing that makes me want to move everywhere I visit. But seriously, one day I’ll move to Tokyo.
Nancy from BallonD’Or
