09/21/2026
𝘓𝘐𝘚𝘛𝘌𝘕𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘗𝘈𝘙𝘛𝘠: On October 2nd, we head back into the ‘80s at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) with “World of Japanese Synth-Pop, New Wave & Art Rock” featuring influential groups like The Plastics, who fused punk, synthesizers, sampling, and forward-thinking art-pop sensibilities for their own unique aesthetic, which was praised by Western contemporaries like Talking Heads, Devo, and The B-52s.
In 1979, Yellow Magic Orchestra took the world by storm with the release of their second album Solid State Survivor. As YMO traveled the world, other artists in Japan were also forging their own lanes within synth-pop and new wave including Ippu-do, Plastics, P-Model, Mariah, and others. Each of these groups drew from their diverse set of influences ranging from world music, punk rock, techno-pop, and beyond. This listening session will focus on the expanding worlds of Japanese synth-pop, new wave, and art rock sounds from those groups, as well as their influence on later artists. Listening session and DJ set hosted by In Sheep’s Clothing’s own and KCRW Music resident Tana Yonas aka DJ Passionfruit + ramen sabakusessions
World of Japanese Synth-Pop, New Wave & Art Rock Listening Party is part of an ongoing collaborative listening series from JACCC and In Sheep’s Clothing. Tickets are available now ~ link in bio ~
