Bassists in Japan

Going to Japan next Saturday for a couple of weeks. Subscribed.

 

I just got back from Japan a few weeks ago... was my second time there.

Basically, in Shibuya, there is a high-end bass boutique shop right outside the station. There is also an ESP store that has great gear.

Ochanomizu (a bit of a train ride but well worth it) is renowned for being awesome for musicians. The whole block is littered with stores. The most friendly store on the street for bassists is (again) the ESP store. They carry a lot more than ESP, in case you're worried.

Hm... I think I saw a few other bass only stores.. but I can't remember where.

Be sure to look for Ishibashi stores as well. I went to a few in department stores in Yokohama. Lots of nice used gear.

As far as gigs, I can't help you with that.

Have fun!

 

I thought Mick Karn was the bassist in Japan.

 

i am about to move to japan in a couple of years, after i get my work visa and visa papers all done =D

 

Junnosuke Kawaguchi of the Blue Hearts.

We did a show with these guys at The Central Tavern in Seattle in the late 80s

Good, intense straight ahead power punk pop. They had a minor hit "Linda Linda".

Very nice guys!

 

That is really great, Pac.

I sincerely wish you the best. Be sure to try all sorts of raamen (the dingier the shop looks, THE BETTER), natchan orange juice, meiji milk (from the glass bottles), curry rice and MELON PAN!

I hope to move out there and teach English once I graduate this fall.

 

I lived in Japan for 4 months as a student and 2 years as a teacher. I found two music stores in Osaka when I was visiting my host family last summer; one was in Shinsaibashi and one was in Umeda. I can't remember exactly where they were, though, as they were the type of places you stumble across while strolling through the shopping arcades.

I wish I'd bought a bass there, but I didn't start playing until after I came back to the States. Now I just pounce on any thread that has a Japanese url in it so I can translate it and drool.

 

I lived in Japan (Tokyo, Shikoku and Fukuoka) from 1995-2002. It's been awhile, so I'm not up to date on the scene anymore, but if you're in Tokyo, Ochanomizu is indeed the place to visit for ogling basses. The often-mentioned Ishibashi music store is there, with a gorgeous selection of Tune basses and other high-end goodies on the upper floors. Unfortunately, most gear is more expensive in Japan than in the U.S., and the current exchange rate isn't making it any cheaper for Americans lately.

 

You're going to love it, Jon. I spent about 15 years on Okinawa and did several TDYs to Yokota. Zillions of things to see and do, temperate climate, great public transportation system. Not sure if you're going accompanied or not, but it's a super family environment too. Oh yeah...and the COLA is sweet.

 

Hey 68,
Search for "Dale James" on MySpace. He's a Canadian bassist living and working in Japan..... words can't describe his playing and take on all things, A real Roshi for sure.

 

I am half Japanese and been there 4 times! But don't live there...BUT I play a bass!

 

Hi,
first post.
I'm moving to Japan next month for a year as an exchange student in the Osaka area, the city's name is Ashiya.
I'm planning on contiunuing taking lessons, so if anyone knows a website where I can find different teachers in Japan listed, I'd like to see it .