At first glance the Japanese music scene does not offer much to the discerning listener, dominated as it is by implausibly good looking singers performing heavily commercialised, mind numbing ditties. Scrape beneath the sugar coated surface, however, and a seething underclass of eccentric artists and maverick performers awaits the intrepid explorer. Here are some names to look out for in Japan 's thriving underground music scene:

Merzbow

Formed in 1981 Merzbow is mainly Tokyo born Masami Akita. Over the last quarter century he has released over 100 records, written extensively and performed worldwide. He uses a range of electronic equipment to create soundscapes of extreme noise and heavy distortion. It's a unique sound which is challenging for even the most hardy listener. http://www.merzbow.net

The Boredoms

Since 1986 The Boredoms have been an influential force in alternative music both in Japan and abroad. The band were formed in Osaka by Yamatsuka Eye who was already renowned for his noise project The Hanatarashi. Their work is experimental with unconventional song structures covering a range of genres including noise, low-fi punk, electronic, and modern jazz. The band have spawned countless side projects and releases - too many to go into here.
http://www.bulletsofautumn.com/boredoms/bolinks.html

Melt-Banana

Melt-Banana emerged in the early 90s with a distintive brand of high speed hardcore punk characterised by Agata's multi-effects guitar wizardry and Yasuko's high pitched rapid fire vocals. Early tracks were low-fi and often under a minute long. Over six studio albums their sound has become tighter and more accomplished with longer tracks and polished production but the style remains uncompromising. They regularly tour Europe and America where they have found more popularity than on home ground. Notable fans include producer John Zorn, former Faith No More frontman Mike Patton, and the late British godfather of alternative music John Peel.
http://www.parkcity.ne.jp/~mltbanan/main_frameset.htm

Zuinosin

Decked in whacky trademark costumes this trio perform live shows which are typically raucous and unpredictable. The band made their debut in 2000 at a New Year's Eve show which featured feces throwing in a crowd of pedestrians and policemen. They are not the first band to have a singing drummer but Satojima Nani is no Phil Collins. The zany frontman spends as much time cavorting about the stage and swinging from any available beams and ledges as he does behind the drums belting out furious low-fi punk numbers. The band have quickly established themselves as a tight musical outfit with unshakable stage presence. http://www.macaronirecords.com