Trance scene in Japan

Just in case anybody was wondering where to go to hear good trance music while in Japan; this is where it's at.

Weekend trance party picks

By JEFF OGRISSEG
Special to The Japan Times Online

Friday 07.01

Psy16 and Earthcore Japan present "Fractal," a monthly Goa psy-trance party at Club M in Nishi Azabu (aka Club a-life). On the B2 psychedelic floor, live act Gokofuto (Manas) plus DJs Kemix (Psy16), Shed (Apoxina Records/ Chronic Pain), Asteca (El Dorado Sounds) and Yk (Earthcore Japan). On the B1 chill and progressive floor are live acts Fine Diner (Zennon) and Random (Guidelines) plus the Flying Kamoshika DJ Team (Coldring & Matto), Pedro (Psy16) and Jef (Psy16). Starts at 11 p.m. At the door it's 3,000 yen (2,500 yen with a flyer), or send e-mail to psychedelik16@yahoo.com for a discount. I caught Gokofuto, Matto and the Psy16 gang at the Manas open-air a few weeks ago and it was the most fun I've ever had at an overnighter without a tent.

Saturday 07.02

Vision Quest presents "Free Party @ Yoyogi Park" in Shibuya Ward, from noon to 7 p.m. DJs listed are Mitsumoto (Joujouka), Ami (Vision Quest) and Roger (Psyfreaks, Brazil). The weather is looking a bit iffy, 30 degrees and a 60 percent chance of rain. But this party will launch the promotion campaign for The Gathering 2005 (Sept. 23-25), the dates for which have just been announced on VQ's Web site.

Saturday 07.02

Emotional Beat presents "Emotional Beat" at Club Citta in Kawasaki. Live acts Wizzy Noise, Deedrah (aka Synthetik) and Mad Funny Boys, plus DJ sets by Dado (Deedrah) and Ree-K (Hypnodisk / Space Gathering). B-Magic will be providing the laser show. Opens at midnight. At the door it's 5,500 yen. The vibe on this party is going to be a little different - Wizzy Noise (Micky Noise and Uriel from Greece) and Deedrah play techno-influenced full-on trance, while Mad Funny Boys are a "new wave" trance unit and Ree-K can and will blend anything to get the sound she wants.

Upcoming:

Sirius Summer Blast Open Air, Aug. 20-21

It's a full moon and daylight blast somewhere in Gunma! We'll soon know where. Watch the Sirius Web site for emerging details. Live acts now listed are Psysex, Hujaboy vs. E-jekt, Paranormal Attack and 40% and more to come. Tokage has been cooking up this party for months, so it will be worth the drive.

Weekend trance party picks and information are selected and compiled from reliable Web listings, event fliers, verifiable e-mail, first-hand experience and trusted word of mouth. Send potential party pick info to the2ndroom@yahoo.com

The Japan Times: July 1, 2005