Journey to Tokyo and Summer Sonic

There is a major annual music festival every year in Japan called Summer Sonic. It happens in Osaka and Tokyo. This would be my first trip to Tokyo. I was a little nervous getting everything arranged, but my ducks were in a row and away I went. It's a two hour trip into Tokyo. After arriving I check into my hotel and drop off my bag and head out to Summer Sonic. 

There was a lot to see and do. There were seven stages, and over fifty bands playing that day. Even more over the whole event! Some of the highlights, I saw The Oral Cigaretts, Walk The Moon, Lexi, Chance The Rapper, and Beck. I caught a bit of a few other acts, a Japanese idol group, Mike Shinoda, and some other Japanese artist. There were artist painting murals in the hallways, a wondering bagpiper, and a musical clown show for the kids. 

Lexi was the most fun surprise I discovered. His band starts off warming up the crowd, they were all wearing T-shirts, similar to a tuxedo T-shirt, but traditional Japanese. Then Lexi comes barreling onto the stage wearing a brightly colorful Japanese lord's outfit, with funky sunglasses, afro, and holding an inflatable dolphin. He then throws a dozen or more dolphins into the crowd and starts playing some wildly funky tunes. Dolphins bouncing everywhere.

The big highlight for me was getting to see Beck. It's been a secret goal of mine for some years to see Beck perform in Tokyo. It's just felt like the way to see him live. And this was my first time seeing him perform ever! It was the best show I've ever seen. I was right by the front of the stage, everyone was singing and dancing like crazy. He had a special guest, Daoko, come on stage and sing Stay Up All Night with him. Hearing him perform live was amazing, his sound is much different than his studio work, more rocking guitar and bass. It was wonderful. And to close the night fireworks were launched. 

I also picked myself up an exclusive Summer Sonic Version of Beck's album, Colors, with a bonus DVD. This was a transcendent day. I eventually sleep and make my way back to Kashima the next day.