For this show, Time Capsule and Tokyo Riddim Band members Ayana and Euan talk with two incredibly knowledgeable and talented sets of people involved in Japanese music culture.
The first segment features a conversation with members of ‘Seppuku Pistols’ after one of their shows in London. Seppuku Pistols play traditional Japanese instruments such as the taiko drums, shamisen, and shakuhachi, with chaotic fervour and a punk spirit. Their immense live performances (often unannounced in public places) are a trip back 150 years to the edo-era, inviting audience members to rebel against the conveniences of modern life and consider a return to more simple ways. In this conversation, they tell us about how they got started as a band, the origins of Japanese folk music, and the symbiosis of the shakuhachi.
Next, Ayana and Euan are joined by Tokyo-based filmmaker Nick Dwyer, who has directed an in-depth documentary series on the uniquely Japanese culture of ‘ongaku kissa’ (listening cafes/bars). ‘A Century in Sound’ explores this 100 year old culture through exploring a different establishment in each episode, highlighting the dedication to music, audio, and community each space offers – as well as the fascinating history that allowed the culture to emerge. Nick tells Ayana and Euan about his filmmaking journey, what it really means to listen to music, and the global impact of ‘ongaku kissas’.