Hikashu

As one of the longest running, most prolific and downright weirdest bands of Japan's original new wave movement, Hikashu really deserve to be a lot better known. Part of the problem might be that their back catalogue was, until recently, surprisingly hard to get hold of, but a spate of reissues has helped elevate the group's profile – while their appearance at last year's Fuji Rock Festival probably didn't hurt, either. Hikashu were in New York last month for a 'Rockin' Evening of J-techno Pop' with helium-voiced singer Tomoe Shinohara, who'll be their special guest at this Tokyo date.