Club Scene and Japanese Underground

[Anonymous]

I have a question for music fans.

I grew up with clubbing. I have been in Japan for a bit now and find myself going through some serious withdrawl. Of course I realize that clubbing here costs some serious money, but I cannot find clubs that have the music I like. To be honest, I don't care if it's the stuff I grew up on (Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, Mode, Janes Addiction, etc), but I would really like to find the same genre in Japan. In the States it takes some effort to really discover the "good" stuff (aka, not top 40). So what is the scene here? Who in Japan writes good industrial/electronica?

I live in Osaka, so if anyone has any ideas where any clubs are in Shinsaibashi or Namba or anywhere, I am all ears. Alternatively, Japanese bands that follow or flirt with the sounds I mentioned?

Thanks!
Stephen

[paul]

Hey Steve I think I understand your dilemma as I had some simular feelings when I first arrived in Osaka. As well as the price being able to follow small maps from magazines is a skill in itself. Number one probelm in finding this underground scene is having a lack of Japanese ability. I have been studying but to read Kanji is my main probelm as many other friends of mine. But alas for my interest in club music and an underground scene is all but satisfied as I have progressed. I recommend buying a magazine called Custom (There are other magazines as well that offer simular info.) You can find it at most convenience stores. It contains a section that has Live HOuse which is not house music like the dance genre but is more rock and roll based, its information is relatively easy to follow. Also included is a clubbing section for your dance styles. You should try and do some exploring as I have done and I am sure you will find that scene your looking for, Tabun!! I can recommend Club Karma for dance music which is in Umeda they also have other styles.
Good Luck and I hope I have helped in a small way...