Mike Chin

Music inspiration from the sub-cultures of Tokyo and the traditional instruments of Japan

As artist/producer, Tokyo Love-In, I sought inspiration for my next album, ‘Nights in Tokyo’, in Japan. There, I collaborated with traditional and contemporary artists including taiko drummers, shamisen and koto players, as well as kabuki theatre performers. Tokyo has many sub-cultures, and I wanted to capture some of these elements for my music. So, on a Sunday morning I caught a crowded train to Harajuku where you can find Cosplayers, Rockabillies, Gyaru and creative street fashions along Omote-sando. In contrast, the Meiji Jingu Shrine is a peaceful haven; as you pass by the wooden gateways your ears are attuned to the sounds of nature. In Ginza, I visited Gibson’s Tokyo headquar ters where there is an amazing collection of Gibson guitars on show.