Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

A commuter-belt city that’s best known for being next to a US Air Base, Zushi isn’t exactly the most rock ’n’ roll of destinations. But for a couple of months each year, it becomes a haven for Japanese music fans, thanks to beachside live house Otodama Sea Studio. Started in 2005 by local duo Kimaguren, it’s the only major venue in the Kanto area where sandals and swimsuits are the norm. This year’s lineup ranges from J-pop icons Ai Otsuka and Do As Infinity to indie rockers Acidman and American singer-songwriter Jason Reeves. The club crowd can get their kicks at beach parties featuring Takkyu Ishino, DJ Kentaro and Rasmus Faber, while “silent comedy” pantomime duo Gamarjobat and horror writer Junji Inagawa will be supplying a dose of weirdness to the proceedings.

Until Aug 29. See www.otodama-beach.com for schedule