Photos and story by Kathy Chee

Harajuku hit the east coast this month. From as far away as Connecticut, and as close as down the block in New York’s Chinatown, the kids were out, the kids were colorful and they were ready to see Japanese rock band, Ayabie, play their debut show at the Knitting Factory NYC on June 15th.

If you were at the show, you may have heard the phrase "Oshare Kei" delightfully exploited a few times. Oshare Kei is a style of music in Japan that is known for its bright street fashion and brighter music. Ayabie didn’t fail to uphold that genre with their colorful stage presence, happy dance moves and bouncy music.

Electric Orchid Productions is the new promotion company behind the Ayabie USA tour and this early success, nearly a sold out show, bodes well for more indie Japanese bands to come play North America.

Special thanks to Electric Orchid Productions and Ayabie.