The diversity that exists in the Japanese underground scene is mind-boggling. You can literally hear all the sounds of the world inside Japan. From Balinese gamelan to the down-home country blues of America. It really is what makes Japan such a unique place. Of course, there is a very strong Japanese culture but part of that involves the embracing of other cultures.
Chihana is an artist that plays the blues guitar as if she had taken a trip to the crossroads where Robert Johnson once stood and made her own special deal with Legba. Her skill would rival even the most hardened bluesman. I’ve seen her myself perform several times and I’ve even had the pleasure of singing a song or two with her as she plucked away on her steel body resonator guitar. Every so often, she also sings. Nothing sounds better than when she sings through six string.
Blues is alive and well in the Tokyo underground. If you ever get a chance come visit this place you won’t be disappointed by what you find if you happen to see Chihana weave her sonic tale.