I run a small, DIY record label and I created this page to share my love and passion for the Japanese hardcore scene.
I publish here interviews with musicians and other relevant articles, like bands info, album and gig reviews etc.
If you love Japanese hardcore music, I believe you will enjoy this space.
ANGER FLARES are street punk oi! band from Tokyo, active since late 90's. They stopped playing for a while around 2007, but reformed in 2013 after relocating to Tokyo from Kobe and have since been actively touring and playing gigs.
They are one of the most hard working bands there, regularly putting out great records and playing all over the world whenever they can., bringing out what's best about Japanese oi, authenticity, pride and catchy tunes.
They are familiar to the UK's audience, they have played in the UK a few times before, including Rebellion Festival in 2015, 2017 and 2019, but it was the first time for Anger Flares to play at London's legendary '100Club' as a part of their UK Tour 2023.
Supporting Cockney Rejects on their final tour, which ended with two shows in London on 15th and 16th of December, both dates were sold out way in advance!
I wanted to see Anger Flares badly, I've been following them for a while and never managed to catch them in the UK before. I was also a bit disappointed when I went to Japan and they didn't play any gigs around the time I was there. So it turned out to be a perfect occasion and I luckily managed to get a ticket for the Friday night.
Their set included 13 songs:
United and Strong (which I sadly missed, thanks to the long queue outside the venue..)
Let's Get Drunk
We Got the Power
On the Street Again
Stay Punk
Get Back Future
Never Give In
Fighting For Survival
Go For It
Rebels With a Cause
Keep the Faith
Here Comes Anger Flares
This time along with their undeniable energy and fun, they also brought, for this mini tour, a new drummer.
I wanted to use the opportunity to introduce him with this follow up interview.
(Japanese language version below!)
Hi Yatching-san, it was nice to meet you at the show and watch you guys playing live!
How did it happen that you joined the band just before the UK tour? Did you know each other for long before?
Y: Thanks for contacting me! Since September I have been drumming (with them) at several gigs as a support, and we have come to understand each other. I think that's the major reason.
Besides, I feel like this band also uplifted my motivation.
Their former drummer was a good friend of mine and he used to invite me to ANGER FLARES gigs, which is how I got to know the members.
We haven't known each other for long, but I quickly became friends with SHINJIN (gu) and TAXX (ba) right away because we are the same age.
Could you tell me a bit more about your previous bands you've been involved in? What's your musical background?
Y: I've never been able to stick with one band for long, so I've been hopping from one band to another.
There are many reasons for this...
When I started playing drums at 17 years old, I discovered punk. Then, I explored various genres - punk, melo-core, ska-core, and then came back to punk.
But I've always had punk at the core of my music, and I've never wavered from that.
Was it your first time in England? How did you find the whole experience, what did you like the most?
Y: This is my second time in England.
I think the last time I was here was only for about 3 days. It was during a European tour with a band I played with a long time ago. We performed in Germany, Belgium and England at the time. We only did one gig in England, though.
What struck me in England was the age range of the audience at the show! Of course, I know the Cockney Rejects are a band that has been around for a long time, but I guess the audience consist of old-timers too!
There are old punks in Japan, but they can't compare to those in the UK!
Touring abroad means playing in a completely different environment. I think it's a great way to develop our playing skills by performing in the same way we always do, even in such environment.
I believe it has allowed me to play more closely with the band members, despite having joined the band only recently.
Is ANGER FLARES to be a permanent thing now? And if not, what plans do you have?
Y: As I mentioned earlier, I've never been able to sustain a band for long, so I'm determined to make sure that doesn't happen with ANGER FLARES! Unless something special happens, we'll keep going!
I want to create and release as many new works as possible and tour not only in the UK, but also in various other countries!
.jpg)
