Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2013
Strange Artifact is the Japanese steampunk band that graced our #992 cover.
Vocalist Mary and music producer JET130 gave us a little more insight into the scene in Japan, as well as what makes steampunk, “punk”.
Who, or what, is Strange Artifact?
We are Japan’s only steampunk-themed rock unit, working to expand knowledge of steampunk in Japan through our music, events, and our accessory brand, Poorman’s Gold Label.
How would you describe your music?
It’s a mix of J-Rock, pop and various other genres, with a sound and lyrics meant to represent a ‘changed’ era of Japan.
What’s your definition of steampunk?
It’s a genre that isn’t tied to any other fashion style, age, gender, body type, job, or nationality; anyone can enjoy it and combine it with whatever they want to create something totally unique and original.
What got you into the genre?
We started in 2010 when we discovered Steampunk Couture’s Kato while investigating outfit ideas for our concerts.
You went to the US for a show at the Steampunk World’s Faire last year. What was it like?
We really got a sense of how much attention Japanese culture gets abroad. People integrated Japanese clothing and accessories such as kimonos and folding fans with their steampunk outfits. There were ninjas, anime characters, goth/lolita as well. We were really surprised. Japanese fashion has had a big influence on steampunk fashion over there. Additionally, we sing in Japanese so we were worried that people wouldn’t quite get it, but after our shows a ton of people bought CDs and asked for our autographs and we were really thankful for that experience.
How does the scene there compare with Japan?
2012 saw the publication of the first Japanese steampunk book (Steampunk Oriental Laboratory vol. 1 and 2), several steampunk-centric events (our own Sakura Steampunk, Steam Garden, etc) and a feature on steampunk aired on NHK’s Tokyo Kawaii TV.The same year, more people started to ask about Steampunk on Twitter and other social media. It’s still a very young scene but recognition is increasing among underground, subculture, and SF fans.
What are some of the challenges you face?
People are interested but there isn’t that much information out there (in Japanese)… there aren’t really any experts and there are relatively few creators so the scene is growing really slowly. There’s a lot of media that is very steampunk, but people don’t make that connection. Also, Japanese people have a tendency to buy high-quality items for a low price. And because of that they don’t really have the mentality of western steampunks, who will buy regular clothes and mod/decorate them to their needs. Steampunk won’t really get recognition in Japan until there’s a steampunk-specific brand, for better or for worse.
What’s next for Strange Artifact?
Right now there’s just two members but we’d like to get more supporting members and perform as a full band. Currently we perform at a lot of underground/goth events, but in the future we want to build up the steampunk scene so we can run our own events as well.
Poorman’s Gold Label leather accessories will be on sale at Artism Market, Apr 20.
