I am an avid concert-goer. Having spent several years living in Japan off and on (since 1982) I have seen some positive changes in “concert culture.” I can remember about 20 years ago being a bit disappointed with Japanese audiences. The band would be playing a tune, “rockin the house down,” full of energy and excitement, only to get a splattering of polite applause at the end… Something has happened over the years…
Last night I treated myself to a concert at Tokyo Blue Note, the “Tower of Power,” a 10-piece soul/funk horn band from California. We have a new generation of listeners here in Japan now. The band was on fire…electric…loaded with energy… and so was the audience from the moment they started playing until the band left the stage after the encore. It was refreshing to see, to hear, to watch, and witness the change over the years.
Japan will always have it’s cultural differences, as it should. However, living here doesn’t require the sacrifices (westerners) used to endure – everything from food to music to videos to toilets to signs in English…Change is happening everyday. You can do whatever you want here, it is all here. I think I will go back to the Blue Note next month…
jim
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