As we previously learned, 2014 J-Pop Summit Festival will be taking place on July 19th and 20th in San Francisco’s historic Japantown District and today a large number of singers and bands have been announced for the event, many of which fans of anime and J-Pop will likely be familiar with.
Up here I will simply mention who will be arriving as the full details about the artist and their appearance times can be found below. First we have the singer May’n who is best known for her work with anime and numerous other songs, the teen pop idol group Tokyo Girls’ Style, DAICHI, a special musical performance by Una, the U.S. debut of YANAKIKU, the hard rocking J-Rock band Pinky Doodle Poodle and the all girl punk rock trio The Akabane Vulgars.
Additional details including when each group will be performing as well as if tickets will be required can be found below:
May’n – Special Appearance AT UNION SQUARE ON Saturday, JULY 19th &
HeaDline Show at SLIM’S S.F. ON Sunday, JULY 20th
Japanese pop/rock/anime star May’n (pronounced “Main”)is known as the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy Sheryl Nome from the blockbuster anime film, Macross Frontier, as well as many other popular anime series. Her powerful rock and pop vocal style has drawn critical acclaim and legions of fans. In addition to a very special appearance at J-Pop Live At Union Square, the 2014 J-Pop Summit Festival proudly presents a May’n Special Live Concert at the famous SF live venue, Slim’s (333 11th St., San Francisco, CA 94103) on Sunday, July 20th, at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are available along with special VIP show packages that include an exclusive artist meet-and-greet. (Quantities are limited) More details on the Slim’s show are available here.
Tokyo Girls’ Style – Two live shows On July 19th & July 20Th
Tokyo Girls’ Style is a massively popular Japanese teen idol vocal group and will make their U.S. debut at J-Pop Summit this year. The group will perform at J-Pop Live At Union Square on Saturday, July 19th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20th. Tokyo Girls’ Style consists of 5 teenage girls whose funk and disco sounds infused with glossy urban appeal have garnered the group a massive following in Japan. Additional info is available here.
As part of the U.S. debut of Tokyo Girls’ Style, the J-Pop Summit Festival and the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) will also present the U.S. theatrical premiere of Count Five to Dream of You, an inspiring feature film starring Tokyo Girls’ Style set in all-girls high school that captures the short-lived and unforgettable moments of adolescence. Also set to premiere is Kotodama – Spiritual Curse, a J-horror movie about a haunted school based on the bestselling book “Gakkou no Kwaidan,” in which members of Tokyo Girls’ Style play the leading roles. Both films will screen at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema following the group’s special appearance. Advance ticket sales start on June 3rd at the JFFSF website.
Daichi – Two live shows On Saturday & Sunday July 19th & July 20Th
The 23-year-old Japanese human beat-box, DAICHI, taught himself his amazing vocal skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, DAICHI can create more than 50 different sounds using only his voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody simultaneously. DAICHI is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers. DAICHI will perform at J-Pop Live At Union Square on Saturday, July 19th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20th. Additional info is available here.
UNA – Two live shows On Saturday & Sunday, July 19th & July 20Th
Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career in 2010. It didn’t take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks and edgy fashion style Una represents a new type of model capable of expressing not only Kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. Una also has a budding singing career and has performed with top artists including Katy Perry and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. She will appear at J-POP SUMMIT in support of her newest single, “BOOM BOOM BOOM,” and will participate in this year’s HARAJUKU KAWAii!! fashion events as well as perform at J-Pop Live At Union Square on Saturday, July 19th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20th. Additional info is available here.
Yanakiku – Live Performance on Saturday, July 19th
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 makes their U.S. debut at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival and will perform on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Saturday, July 19th and participate in the Festival’s cosplay contest and events. The duo will also host a meet and greet session and have a selection of merchandise available for sale to attendees. Additional info is available here.
Pinky Doodle Poodle – Live performance on Sunday, July 20th
Pinky Doodle Poodle is a high energy, female fronted rock band from Tokyo that formed in 2008. The group features lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist Yuria, a successful Japanese anime singer often heard in popular video games in Japan as well as on solo records and with her band Honey Bee. Pinky Doodle Poodle just completed their first full-length record which was produced by Goo Goo Dolls member Robby Takac. The 10-song self-titled album, Pinky Doodle Poodle, was released worldwide in the spring of 2014 on Takac’s Good Charamel Records. Pinky Doodle Poodle will perform on Sunday, July 20th on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown. Additional info here.
The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass – Live Set On Saturday, July 19th
The Akabane Vulgars On Strong Bypass is an all-girl punk rock trio from Tokyo and returns for their third consecutive concert appearance at J-Pop Summit. A favorite with Festival-goers, the band plays in support of their two newest releases “Proclamation” and “Live in Brooklyn.” Catch the Akabane Vulars on Strong Bypass on Saturday July 19th for a powerful live set on the Pagoda Main Stage. Additional info can be found here