just wanna know if any of you Soompiers are Japanese Indie rock fans as I am.
I've really been into it for about 5 years now and not many people are familiar with the Japanese Indie scene as it is often over shadowed by Anime-featured mainstream artists...not saying that these artists aren't the best, but I think it's best to expand your range of interests in terms of Japanese music...so...shall I introduce?

here's downy...not to be confused with the fabric softener, they recently broke up, but their music continues to rock the Indie Underground scene in mostly Shibuya, Kyoto and Osaka...sooo here's downy....NEVER spell it with a capitol D lol.

downy myspace page

and then there's Zazen Boys, previosly known as Number Girl but they broke up into their own solo projects, and u can hear Mukai Shutoku the lead singer in both bands..as most Japanese artists do. they recently had a show in Baltimore that I missed ..so they're getting lots of exposure these days.

Zazen Boys


these are all I can think of at the moment..so yea..if anyone's interested in hearing more bands..lemme know!!

I haven't been into Japanese indie music as long as you have, (only 3 years~) but I'm a HUUUGE fan of it : D
downy were great. I've only heard a couple of song's from the lead singer of downy's new band, Dhal, but I think they're equally good.
I LOVED Number Girl, but I'm kind of disappointed with Zazen Boys. Their first two albums were excellent, but ZBIII and ZBIV were...not good :X On the topic of post-Number Girl bands from the members of Number Girl, I really dislike Inzawa's vocals for Vola & the Oriental Machine. He was an amazing drummer, I don't understand why he stopped and decided to take up something he sucks at DX Toddle are alright, but it would be nice to see Hisako become a stronger vocalist. I think the other girl in Toddle is a better singer. I also wish Hisako didn't join bloodthirsty butchers...they were better with just three members >__>
Haha, I can seriously talk about Japanese indie all day long. Most of my favourite bands are from the 90's j-indie scene. Cowpers, NAHT, bloodthirsty butchers, kiwiroll, Number Girl, eastern youth, and a lot more. I also like Japanese hardcore/screamo and some present day j-indie stuff like Spiral Chord, Foe, Discharming Man, and My Way My Love just to name a few : D