Japanese Rock Acts Bring Diverse Sounds to SXSW 2026 Showcase

The official Japanese showcase 'TOKYO CALLING × INSPIRED BY TOKYO' took place at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas on March 13. The event, now in its fourth year, featured six rock-focused acts on the Global Stage at Downright Austin Backyard.

REJAY opened the evening set. She had performed earlier in the day at a separate Japan-focused cultural program. Her performance of 'Middle of the night' was with an electric guitar.

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai followed with a full band, opening with 'WAZA'. The group used English lyric translations on screens and performed their all-English song 'I wish I could speak English'.

Ban Shimoku made their U.S. live debut. The band shifted quickly from a cute vocal introduction to aggressive guitar playing. A mosh pit formed during 'Original Scoop', and fans waved towels during 'Jigoku to Jigoku'.

Alternative rock band Enfants performed 'When We Were In Heaven', a song they recorded in Austin during their SXSW appearance the previous year.

FINLANDS' vocalist and guitarist Fuyuki Shioiri, wearing a large green suit, sang 'Love Song' while making eye contact with the front row. The band closed their set with 'Weekend'.

ISCREAM NEVER GROUND closed the showcase. The band, whose social media followers are reportedly half American, opened with 'Living Steppers', sparking immediate crowd movement including circle moshes and headbanging.

The event was produced by FRIENDSHIP., The Orchard Japan, Spincoaster, Inc., and TuneCore Japan KK, with support from the MUSIC WAY PROJECT.

Source: PR Times via The Orchard Japan