What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "culture shock?" Well, for many people on their first visit to Japan, there are several things that may or may not be shocking, but they certainly are different.
If you're an artist looking to broaden your fanbase and make new contacts in the Japanese market, there are several things that you should be aware of before getting here, so as to avoid making mistakes or misunderstandings that can hinder your progress.
In an effort to raise awareness of SDGs, this panel features 3 women who have performed in Japan. They highlight the cultural differences that they view as important by sharing their experiences with Japanese musicians and music fans.
The following questions are covered
* What do you see as the biggest difference between the Japanese music scene and that of your own culture?
* As an entertainer, what is the best way to handle these differences and also benefit from them?
* What do you wish you had known before you first arrived in Japan, and what advice would you give to musicians planning a tour in Japan?
* What are the top 5 do's & don'ts when visiting or performing in Japan?
* Q&A
Eki'Shola can seamlessly draw from jazz, electronica, and soul music to create a sonic landscape all her own. As a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and board-certified internal medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, she has visited Japan many times. She has recorded music with drummer Hidenori Tsugita, Mongolian morin khuur musician, Tatsuya Okabayashi, and many other artists.
Born in Australia of Pacific Islands ancestry, Michelle Rounds is a collaborative artist and singer, predominantly jazz, who also works with world music and rap artists. In the past she lived and performed in the western part of Japan for several years.
Currently based in Cairo, she is active as a vocalist and also a Consultant to AMMAN JAZZ FESTIVAL.
As the drummer and song writer for the hard rock band, The Babes, she performed in Japan in 2019. Moni set an Official World Record to become the first human to ever drum non-stop for 24 hours without a single break. She is signed with Pearl Drums and endorsed by Evans Drumheads - Japan.
As the executive director of KMC, Duane has focused his attention on inviting musicians and music fans from around the world to join KMC in Japan, to create a global community centered on the continual them of "Building Bridges With Music." (see interview)