The 2015 J-POP Summit, the Japanese pop culture event held annually in San Francisco, has announced key live programming and artists that highlight DAY 2 of the colorful Festival.
The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT takes place Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district.
Sunday, August 8th will feature a second evening concert performance of J-POP Live Night, presenting a captivating line-up of headlining artists including Japan’s legendary techno DJ, Ken Ishii, electronic chiptune/bitmap band, Anamanaguchi, the futuristic electro-pop mannequin duo, FEMM, and the kimono cosplay pop duo, Yanakiku.
Throughout the afternoon on Sunday, attendees also will be treated to encore live performances by other artists including the stylish female pop duo, Faint★Star, the laugh out loud hijinks of comedy duo, Jaru Jaru, and Little Glee Monster, the amazing 6-member Japanese female a cappella group, and FES★TIVE, a unique act built around the concept of Japanese “festivals” that has garnered a global following with their up-tempo, catchy sound..
The 2015 J-POP Summit presents a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture, fashion, pop art, live music, technology and travel, in addition to celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cosplay and pop idol contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other on-site attractions.
KEN ISHII
Ken Ishii is a legendary techno DJ and producer who has composed music for many different media outlets. Rising from the club scene in the 90’s, Ishii’s work first became internationally recognized when his single, “Extra,” won a music video award at the MTV Music Awards in 1996. He is also known for composing the music for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony as well as various video game soundtracks, He has performed live internationally and enjoys a worldwide fan base in the electronic music scene.
Anamanaguchi
Anamanaguchi is a 4-piece bitmap/chip tune group that creates, “Emotional dance music for the video game generation!” The group is composed of hackers and producers currently based in New York City and raised on the Internet. Anamanaguchi is part of a wave of young Internet romantics, influenced by Japanese pop culture and nostalgic for a future they know may never come, but they can see the seeds of it in the beauty that surrounds them.
FEMM
FEMM (Far East Mention Mannequins) is an extraordinary “mannequin” dance duo from Tokyo comprised of RiRi and LuLa, which are programed and controlled by their “agents” Honey-B (RiRi) and W-Trouble (Lula). The pair is known for their unique concept and story and mesmerizing live shows that performed in English with a dynamic mix of Japanese subcultures. After the influential entertainment blogger Perez Hilton (6 million Twitter followers) and popular YouTuber Miles Jai introduced FEMM’s twerkin’ & provocative lyric music video “Fxxk Boyz Get Money” as the new girls anthem, the single has gone on to be a smash hit among the teenage girls from the US and throughout Europe.
Yanakiku
Yanakiku is a unique Japanese kimono cosplay duo consisting of members Yana and Kiku. In 2013, they performed for international audiences at Hyper Japan (London) and TIFFCOM (Japan) and have garnered a massive following for their costume and dance performances. YANAKIKU made their U.S. debut at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT and became a favorite with festivalgoers. The duo returns this year for live performances and also to serve as the cultural ambassadors of the Ryokan Pavilion inside the J-POP SUMMIT POP TRAVEL Area.
DAY 2 Daytime Live Performances
FES★TIVE
The 8-piece Japanese idol group, “FES★TIVE,” is a unique act that builds on the concept of “festivals” and focuses on performing at festivals in Japan and all over the world. FES★TIVE made its major label debut through Tokuma Japan in May, and throughout 2015, they will continue to showcase their “FESTIVAL FROM JAPAN” theme to intentional audiences. With their up-tempo and catchy sound, FES★TIVE is a rapidly growing force in the international music scene.
FAINT★STAR
Faint★Star is a Japanese pop-duo consisting of Hina (formerly of Tomato’n Pine) and Yuria that debuted in 2014. The duo gained international popularity after a Tokyo Girls Update article on their 1st music video became the most viewed article on the site. Faint★Star is produced by the music agency, “Agehasprings,” and are known for their live performances that integrate advanced visual technology.
JARU JARU
Jaru Jaru is a Japanese comedy duo made up of Shusuke Fukutoku and Junpei Goto, and managed by the Yoshimoto Creative Agency. The pair is one of the most successful and popular comedy acts in Japan with their brand of Manzai – a traditional style of Japanese comedy consisting a fool and a long-suffering companion. In the twelve years that they have been active, the duo has received countless awards, made many TV appearances, and even starred in several movies.
LITTLE GLEE MONSTER
This 6-member group composed of teenage girls has gained wide acclaim for their exceptional vocal skills and harmonies. Little Glee Monster was formed in Tokyo in 2013 by winners of a “Best Young Female Singer Audition” contest. The music video for the group’s first single, Houkago High Five, featured on their major label debut for Sony Music has been viewed more than 500 million times! Little Glee Monster’s “Gao Gao All-Star” was selected as the ending theme song for the Pokemon XY anime series and their music also will be featured in the upcoming anime feature, Pokemon XY The Movie: The Archdjinni of Rings.
