Originally formed in 2008 by sisters Be and Meana during their first year of high school, MUTANT MONSTER initially found inspiration from punk rock – particularly classic bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Later to be joined by drummer Chad (who was also a former classmate of the sisters) in 2012, the band built up a following on the back of an extensive number of live shows. They released their limited edition mini-album Follow Me in July 2009 and their first full studio album True Tone followed in 2011. Their latest album, Nekokaburi, was released in 2018.

The trio made their first overseas performance at the Japan Expo in 2016, but also found time to perform in the UK the same year with shows in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, London, and Brighton. In 2017, they also graced the stage at Hyper Japan.

Originally formed in 2008 by sisters Be and Meana during their first year of high school, MUTANT MONSTER initially found inspiration from punk rock – particularly classic bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Later to be joined by drummer Chad (who was also a former classmate of the sisters) in 2012, the band built up a following on the back of an extensive number of live shows. They released their limited edition mini-album Follow Me in July 2009 and their first full studio album True Tone followed in 2011. Their latest album, Nekokaburi, was released in 2018.

The trio made their first overseas performance at the Japan Expo in 2016, but also found time to perform in the UK the same year with shows in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, London, and Brighton. In 2017, they also graced the stage at Hyper Japan.

Originally formed in 2008 by sisters Be and Meana during their first year of high school, MUTANT MONSTER initially found inspiration from punk rock – particularly classic bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Later to be joined by drummer Chad (who was also a former classmate of the sisters) in 2012, the band built up a following on the back of an extensive number of live shows. They released their limited edition mini-album Follow Me in July 2009 and their first full studio album True Tone followed in 2011. Their latest album, Nekokaburi, was released in 2018.

The trio made their first overseas performance at the Japan Expo in 2016, but also found time to perform in the UK the same year with shows in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, London, and Brighton. In 2017, they also graced the stage at Hyper Japan.

Originally formed in 2008 by sisters Be and Meana during their first year of high school, MUTANT MONSTER initially found inspiration from punk rock – particularly classic bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Later to be joined by drummer Chad (who was also a former classmate of the sisters) in 2012, the band built up a following on the back of an extensive number of live shows. They released their limited edition mini-album Follow Me in July 2009 and their first full studio album True Tone followed in 2011. Their latest album, Nekokaburi, was released in 2018.

The trio made their first overseas performance at the Japan Expo in 2016, but also found time to perform in the UK the same year with shows in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, London, and Brighton. In 2017, they also graced the stage at Hyper Japan.

Originally formed in 2008 by sisters Be and Meana during their first year of high school, MUTANT MONSTER initially found inspiration from punk rock – particularly classic bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Later to be joined by drummer Chad (who was also a former classmate of the sisters) in 2012, the band built up a following on the back of an extensive number of live shows. They released their limited edition mini-album Follow Me in July 2009 and their first full studio album True Tone followed in 2011. Their latest album, Nekokaburi, was released in 2018.

The trio made their first overseas performance at the Japan Expo in 2016, but also found time to perform in the UK the same year with shows in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, London, and Brighton. In 2017, they also graced the stage at Hyper Japan.

Originally formed in 2008 by sisters Be and Meana during their first year of high school, MUTANT MONSTER initially found inspiration from punk rock – particularly classic bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Later to be joined by drummer Chad (who was also a former classmate of the sisters) in 2012, the band built up a following on the back of an extensive number of live shows. They released their limited edition mini-album Follow Me in July 2009 and their first full studio album True Tone followed in 2011.

The trio made their first overseas performance at the Japan Expo in 2016, but also found time to perform in the UK the same year with shows in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, London, and Brighton. In 2017, they also graced the stage at Hyper Japan.

Rie fu will be leaving the UK this early summer, and this will be her last show in the UK for a while. She will be headlining the show with a 45-minute set and support from Playmaker.

‘Rising’ is brought to you by some of the music industry’s key tastemakers and curators, culminating in an all-day live music event in aid of War Child UK, a charity dedicated to helping children affected by conflict.

At this special series of events, music fans can select their own ticket price for the show, with all profits going directly to War Child UK.

This collaborative and exciting series will see different guest curators use their expertise and knowledge to handpick artists to create a varied and vibrant line-up of emerging talent.

The different curators will showcase artists from all genres to produce a contemporary, upbeat show where there’ll be something for everyone!

Some of our guest curators contributing towards the line-ups include TicketWeb, TuneCore, Autonomy Music Group, Talentbanq, Big Hug Management, DiscoverNü, Tileyard Studios, The Columbo Group, Tileyard in Education, Hurl, HOT VOX and ICMP.

Tickets start from as little as £3, so give as much as you’re able for this worthy cause. Remember, every contribution counts and each donation could be a step towards changing someone’s life, so what better way to contribute than joining us for an incredible night of ‘Rising’ talent.

Rie fu

A unique singer-songwriter of her own right, with a creative mind since childhood, her first pursuit was to study Fine Art in London.

After picking up a guitar quite accidentally at 17, she came up with 30 songs a month without any knowledge of chords; the demo caught the attention of Sony Music Japan and made her debut in 2004.

The journey took on after that, from performing with squatters to the legendary members of the Pretenders in London, releasing consecutive original albums and establishing as an authentic singer-songwriter inspired by the great female singer songwriters such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush.

She ambitiously pursues both painting and music through combining live shows with exhibitions and visual performances.

Her vocal hero is Karen Carpenter.

Brought to you in association with Gig Connection: Hasiken x Hidè & the Gig Connections at The Castle

Tickets: £7 (+ fees) / £10 on the door

Hasiken, singer-songwriter, composer

Born in 1968 in Saitama, Japan. Hasiken is influenced by rock, pop, Shima-uta (traditional Okinawan folk music), Rinsyo Kadekaru (Okinawan traditional singer) and The Beatles.

Since 1993 when he studied Shima-uta from Masao Teruya (Okinawan traditional singer), Hasiken has dedicated many of his work for Okinawa & Amami’s culture, people and nature and has been a tourism ambassador of Amami, Okinawa.

His composition, “STILL THE WATER (Futatsume no Mado)” directed by Naomi Kawase was nominated for Cannes Film Festival 2014 (composition category) and was released in about 20 countries in the world.

Hasiken’s Official Website:
http://www.hasiken.com

＜ハシケン・プロフィール＞
『ハシケンの歌を聴くと、思うのだ。
人生とは、世界とは、なんて豊かなのかと。』
川口美保（編集者/ライター）
95年デビュー。ソロ、ドラム伊藤大地・ベース上地gacha一也との『ハシケントリオ』、
バイオリン磯部舞子【ベチコ】とのデュオの3スタイルで作品制作やライヴ活動中。
2016年に沖縄で全編再録音したベスト盤『うた』（Music from Okinawa）は
ハシケンの真骨頂とも言えるソロで一発録音され、躍動感と臨場感を詰め込んだ
素晴らしい作品に仕上がり大好評を得ている。
河瀬直美監督作品『2つ目の窓』、『朱花の月』（どちらもカンヌ国際映画祭ノミネート）。
若松孝二監督作品『千年の愉楽』の映画音楽も手がけるたぐいまれなシンガーソングライター。

ハシケン公式HP:
http://www.hasiken.com

Hidè Takemoto, guitarist / composer

Hidè Takemoto graduated from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music as a Bachelor of Music, Postgraduate Diplomas in Music Performance and Composition in 2006 and started performing in the U.K., Europe and Japan.

Inspired by his guru, the great virtuoso and composer Keigo Fujii, Hidè’s guitar technique can be traced back via José Luis Gonzaléz, Andrés Segovia, Miguel Llobet to the great Francisco Tárrega.

Hidè’s wide influences come from classical, rock, Indian, Spanish, Celtic and Japanese music, allowing him to collaborate many musicians including Kuma Harada, rie fu, Hibiki Ichikawa and many more.

Followed by his debut CD “FOUR SPRINGS”, Hidè is performing with many gigs, festivals and acquiring international recognition.

Hidè’s Official Website:
www.hideguitar.com

＜武本英之・プロフィール＞
ロンドンを拠点に活動するギタリスト、作曲家。
15歳からエレキギターを始め、19歳の頃からクラッシックギターを藤井敬吾氏に師事。1999年から名門、ギルドホール音楽院で学び、奨学金を得てバチュラー（楽士）、演奏家ディプロマ、作曲家ディプロマを取得。
音楽的バックグラウンドはクラシック音楽の枠を超え、インド、スペイン、ケルト、日本の伝統音楽、ポップ、ロック、ヘヴィ・メタルと幅広く、クラシックギターの新しい可能性を追求し続けている。
2017年に読売テレビ「グッと！地球便」に紹介される他、Monocle Radioや多数のメディアに取り上げられる。
作品に津軽三味線とのコラボCD『FOUR SPRINGS』の他、自身のギターからオーケストラ作品まで多数の委嘱作品、オリジナル、編曲がある。

武本英之公式HP:
www.hideguitar.com

Formed as a sub-unit of idol outfit Sakura Gakuin under the gaze of producer Kobametal, the BABYMETAL concept was designed to weld J-Pop and Heavy Metal together. Originally a trio consisting of the trio of Su-Metal, Moametal and Yuimetal, BABYMETAL set out as an independent outfit, eventually signing to the Toy’s Factory label and releasing their first major label single ‘Ijime Dame Zettai’ in January 2013.

Best known for kinetic anthems such as ‘Doki Doki Morning’ and ‘Gimme Chocolate!!’, BABYMETAL swiftly went on to enjoy global success by crossing genres in a way that was surprising, but more importantly, accessible. Their eponymous 2014 album hit the Oricon Top 5 in 2014 and the 2016 follow-up, Metal Resistance followed suit.

Now existing as a duo since the 2018 departure of Yuimetal, BABYMETAL continue their path of domination for the Fox God…

BABYMETAL will be supported at this performance by Amaranthe + Sleep Token.

Sale Dates and Times:

Public Onsale : Fri, 26 Apr 2019 at 10:00 AM
O2 Presale : Wed, 24 Apr 2019 at 10:00 AM

HYPER JAPAN is your one-stop experience for all things Japanese in London. Take in the festive atmosphere with family and friends, and share your passion for J-culture! Learn about Japanese traditional culture, and enjoy live performances from various artists.

Savour everything from sake to sushi and sweets. Try crafts or watch martial arts. Learn some Japanese, or get travel advice about your trip to Japan!

Confirmed musical guests for the summer event include occult idol outfit NECRONOMIDOL and Visual-kei rock artist Miura Ayme. Japanese Shamisen Rock Band KUNI-KEN will also be performing their first ever UK show at Hyper Japan.

EUROPEAN INQUISITION TOUR 2019

NECRONOMIDOL

Occult idol outfit Necronomidol have become one of the most high profile underground idol acts in recent years. Drawing on occult imagery, much of Necronomidol’s material takes influence from the work of HP Lovecraft, the iconic horror writer responsible for the Cthullu mythos.

Currently a 5-piece outfit consisting of Risaki Kakizaki, Rei Imaizumi, Himari Tsukishiro, Kunogi Kenbishi and Michelle, Necroma draw a lot from rock and heavy metal, although they have a sound profile that’s uniquely their own.

Their music utilises heavy guitar licks where necessary, augmented by a judicious use of synths. Songs such as ‘Skulls In The Stars’ and ‘Dawnslayer’ are bolstered by tight guitars and dramatic vocals. In a live environment, these tunes take on a fresh vitality when combined with Necroma’s energetic choreography.

No strangers to the UK, Necroma are also guests at this summer’s Hyper Japan event. But this concert gives UK audiences an opportunity to catch them outside of the Japanese cultural event.

YUKIKA

The multi-talented YUKIKA is a Japanese musician, YouTuber and radio personality who is also adept at both Japanese and English lyrics.

In 2018, she guested at Hyper Japan and also released her album Who I Am.. Combining both rock and acoustic guitar in her compositions, Yukika also displays a boundless energy on stage. Dynamic melodies on songs such as ‘LET IT GO’ engage audiences and presents a talent for captivating tunes.

VIP upgrade details to be confirmed for this event.

EUROPEAN INQUISITION TOUR 2019

NECRONOMIDOL

Occult idol outfit Necronomidol have become one of the most high profile underground idol acts in recent years. Drawing on occult imagery, much of Necronomidol’s material takes influence from the work of HP Lovecraft, the iconic horror writer responsible for the Cthullu mythos.

Currently a 5-piece outfit consisting of Risaki Kakizaki, Rei Imaizumi, Himari Tsukishiro, Kunogi Kenbishi and Michelle, Necroma draw a lot from rock and heavy metal, although they have a sound profile that’s uniquely their own.

Their music utilises heavy guitar licks where necessary, augmented by a judicious use of synths. Songs such as ‘Skulls In The Stars’ and ‘Dawnslayer’ are bolstered by tight guitars and dramatic vocals. In a live environment, these tunes take on a fresh vitality when combined with Necroma’s energetic choreography.

No strangers to the UK, Necroma are also guests at this summer’s Hyper Japan event. But this concert gives UK audiences an opportunity to catch them outside of the Japanese cultural event.

Support and VIP upgrade details to be confirmed for this event.

Shonen Knife return with their “Alive! In Europe 2019” plus: Pabst and Final Coil.

“When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.” – Kurt Cobain

Shonen Knife – from Osaka, Japan – formed in 1981 by sisters Naoko & Atsuko, long before terms like ‘riot girrrl’ and ‘girl rock’ entered the lexicon, the all-female trio were happily snapping guitar strings to the sound of imported Ramones covers. Like fellow cult Japanese girl group The 5,6,7,8s, Shonen Knife have weathered decades of musical change by adhering to what they know best: belting out their own infectious brand of feel-good pop-punk.

Over the last 37 years they might not have packed out out stadiums but have been credited as a huge influence on alt rock acts from Sonic Youth to Nirvana.

Despite years on the road, their enthusiasm for live performances remains a joy to see as they delve into an extensive back catalogue ranging from solid thrash rock through to hit parade melodies.

EUROPEAN INQUISITION TOUR 2019

NECRONOMIDOL

Occult idol outfit Necronomidol have become one of the most high profile underground idol acts in recent years. Drawing on occult imagery, much of Necronomidol’s material takes influence from the work of HP Lovecraft, the iconic horror writer responsible for the Cthullu mythos.

Currently a 5-piece outfit consisting of Risaki Kakizaki, Rei Imaizumi, Himari Tsukishiro, Kunogi Kenbishi and Michelle, Necroma draw a lot from rock and heavy metal, although they have a sound profile that’s uniquely their own.

Their music utilises heavy guitar licks where necessary, augmented by a judicious use of synths. Songs such as ‘Skulls In The Stars’ and ‘Dawnslayer’ are bolstered by tight guitars and dramatic vocals. In a live environment, these tunes take on a fresh vitality when combined with Necroma’s energetic choreography.

No strangers to the UK, Necroma are also guests at this summer’s Hyper Japan event. But this concert gives UK audiences an opportunity to catch them outside of the Japanese cultural event.

Support and VIP upgrade details to be confirmed for this event.