Maybe it was all the cartoons full of city destroying robots that filled my childhood?

Maybe it’s the way their accelerated culture reflects ours like some fairground hall of mirrors…

Maybe I read Straight No Chaser too much as a teenager…

Or maybe it’s just the fact that half the girls look like they’ve stepped out of a very imaginative onanist’s fantasy…

Whichever way the deal goes down I have plenty of time for our Japanese friends.

Over the course of the next week the 100% Genki tour will be introducing some of the country’s hottest new acts, Tucker, 80 Kidz, De De Mouse and Riddim Saunter, to UK crowds.

We heartily approve of this kind of cultural exchange, and can only hope that some day soon the British Council will decide to send Slutty Fringe over to Tokyo to further relations.

Catch the bands playing at the following places…

Friday 15th May, Brighton – The Great Escape
Saturday 16th May, Brighton – The Great Escape
Sunday 17th May, Manchester – Futuresonic festival
Tuesday 19th May, London – Strummerville party
Thursday 21st May, London – Stag & Dagger festival
Friday 22nd May, Liverpool – Liverpool Sound City

And download a new mix from 80Kidz below…

Download: 80 Kidz – 100% Genki Mix

Jenny Wilson – Pass Me The Salt
HEALTH – Die Slow (Pictureplane Rmx)
TORO Y MOI – Left Alone At Night (Pink Skull Remix)
Tanlines – Power Everything
The Juan MacLean – One Day
Fan Death – Veronica’s Veil
Low Motion Disco – Love Love Love (Aeroplane Mix)
80kidz – Miss Mars
The Penelopes & Morpheus – Stuck in lalaland (80kidz Remix)
Two Door Cinema Club – Something good can work
80kidz – Frankie (NGTK.Remix)

Domo Arigato!