Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2011

Techno DJ and impresario Takkyu Ishino (pictured) launched his Wire rave in 1999. In a testament to the strength of Japan’s dance music market, it’s still going strong 12 years later. This year’s bash ropes in familiar Berlin faces like Daniel Steinberg and Westbam, as well as fellow Europeans Radio Slave and Frank Muller aka Beroshima. Look out for a live set from influential Detroit producer Carl Craig in his “69” incarnation as well as the Japan debut of California duo Rainbow California, who top up their ’00s ele-pop with insouciant dashes of ethnic drums and world music.

Yokohama Arena, Aug 27 (listing).