On Tuesday, March 11th, the official showcase of Japanese artists, “TOKYO CALLING × INSPIRED BY TOKYO showcase supported by MUSIC WAY PROJECT” was held at Mohawk at the large festival “SXSW 2025” in Austin, Texas, USA.
“TOKYO CALLING” and “INSPIRED BY TOKYO” have held their own showcases at SXSW, but this year marks the first time this year that they will be held simultaneously at the two-stage live house Mohawk. Support for this showcase was provided by the General Incorporated Association Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), which was established by the five major organizations in the Japanese music industry, the Japan Recording Association, the Japan Music Producers Association, the Japan Music Publishers Association, and the Concert Promoters Association, and the MUSIC WAY PROJECT by TOYOTA GROUP.
The event was held on the indoor stage at the main venue, INSP IRED BY TOKYO, which will be a fuss about the next generation of artists in Japan and Asia. Kitamura Tsubasa was the first batter. Kitamura said that this was his first performance overseas, and while he could feel the tension a little, he sang “amaranthus” in a moist manner. The venue was surrounded by a pleasant tone that combines piano and singing, ambient and electronic.
R&B singer-songwriter VivaOla will bring a mellow mood to the venue by showing off a number filled with the charm of alternative R&B. “I’m still jetlagged, so my talking voice is very low, but I’m ready to go crash!”, narrowing the gap with the venue with a natural conversation that seemed to be chatting with the audience.
The elegance of the city of Tokyo, with its shining neon-like atmosphere, has completely changed, and the sound of Kyoto-born singer-songwriter luvis blew a refreshing breeze, as if to signal the arrival of spring to Austin. For the unreleased song “gimme! (jugem),” the audience’s voices were recorded on the spot in the part of Hook’s “gimme! gimme! gimme!”. (Scheduled to be released later)
XAMIYA, a unit featuring dreamy and electro-music songs, will entertain the venue with playful sounds. Many fans pointed their cameras at KAMIYA’s dolly costumes, reminiscent of Tokyo’s cute culture. “Let’s get crazy!” The audience thrilled, and the sound echoed with a sparkling, colorful sound.
On the outdoor stage, the participating artists from TOKYO CALLING, one of Japan’s largest live circuit events, played the band sound. The Uchizuki Komon Club took the lead. As if to vent his regret that he had unfortunately canceled his appearance last year, he let out a deep, loud bass with Muscle My Friend, and the audience raised their fists and began headbanging. The performance of the Uchiku Komon Club, which comically expresses everyday life, with songs such as “The Cat Planet” that represent cat lovers and “I don’t want to leave my futon,” sparked not only a loud noise but also a laughing laughter.
Mayumura Chiaki, who will be appearing in SXSW for the second time, will perform seven songs that have been put into practice, including “Tokyo Voice Machine,” which is based on the conflict, confusion, and ways of life of people who live their lives to the fullest in Tokyo, “Indian Apple Shop,” which features unique track makeup and her high-tone voice, and a special medley she created for “SXSW 2025.” The powerful singing voice resonated in the night sky of SXSW outdoor stage and the performance that carried out a unique worldview were impressive. Cheers were also circulating from the floor: “Chiaki Daisuki! (Chiaki, Daisuki!).)
When alternative rock band Enfants plays a classic Rage Against the Machine song at a soundcheck, they headed closer to the stage to attract the rock fans at the venue. Despite this being his first performance in the US, many fans must have felt a charisma for Matsumoto Dai, who has a dignified and unstoppable appearance, and singing with all his heart and soul.
The final performance was the early impulse of Tokyo, a four-member band that will be appearing in the second time since last year. Guitar vocalist Shina shouted “Japanese famous!” and performed a “menchikatsu.” It was the second song and he quickly dived into the floor with a bold dive, showing off his punk spirit. Meanwhile, in “Koi Seyo Maiden,” she sings a charming love song about the youth of a girl in love. This gap is what makes this band so appealing, and it was a live performance that gave me the energy of Tokyo girls.
Regarding the showcase, James Minor, VP of Music Festival at SXSW, who serves as the general director of SXSW’s music division, said: “The Japanese music scene is growing and diverse. American audiences and Japanese audiences are different. We can see artists who appear on SXSW many times each year and gain confidence.”
“TOKYO CALLING” and “INSPIRED BY TOKYO” bring the diversity of Japanese music to the world. As the saying goes, “Continuation is power,” this showcase is held every year at SXSW, and it is certain that overseas audiences are able to get to experience Japanese music, and the number of fans is steadily increasing.
Text by Megumi Hamura
Photo: © Mori Ryota
[Event Information]
“TOKYO CALLING × INSPIRED BY TOKYO showcase supported by CEIPA”
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, START 9:00pm (AUSTIN local time)
Venue: Austin, Texas, USA
Cast:
(TOKYO CALLING stage)
Uchikubi Gokumon Club / GOKUMON (Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai)
Enfants
ENTH
Mayumura Chiaki
(INSPIRED BY TOKYO stage)
Kitamura Buta
XAMIYA
VivaOla
Luvis
Planning and production:
FRIENDSHIP.
LD&K, Inc.
The Orchard Japan
Spincoaster, Inc.
TuneCore Japan KK
Planning cooperation:
VISIONGRAPH Inc.
SXSW Japan
■TOKYO CALLING × INSPIRED BY TOKYO showcase details
▼What is CEIPA × TOYOTA GROUP’s “MUSIC WAY PROJECT”?
Due to changes in lifestyles due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the growth of streaming business, the market for entertainment content has expanded, and the presence of Japanese culture is also becoming increasingly attracting international attention. Now that people around the world are beginning to get excited, we will co-create the “path” that young people who are shaping the future of Japanese music will move forward in order to spread Japanese content more to the world, and promote the globalization and sustainable growth of essential Japanese music. That’s “MUSIC WAY PROJECT.” With the motto of “Japanese music drives the world,” we will provide a place for young talent to become more active.
