Seppuku Pistols, known for their high-energy performances mixing punk spirit with traditional Japanese instruments, are bringing their special performances to the United Kingdom in August. Fans in London are in for a treat with several days of performances, including live performances, a workshop and a pop-up store.
Formed by four disillusioned punkers in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the tsunami and the fallout at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Seppuku Pistols’ first gig was on the streets near the border of the nuclear exclusion zone. Now a 30-member strong group, they perform shows in their traditional attire like hanten coats and noragi jackets, both indoors and outdoors, that are described as noisy and wild using all kinds of instruments, including the traditional Japanese instruments. Their performances, ranging from festivals to protests, bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. Beyond performances, the members also engage in activities such as local exploration and folklore research, farming, craftsmanship, shakuhachi teaching, and more.
In the meantime, they have been all over the world for (guerilla) performances and they have released two new singles this year, these two songs are representative for how they start and end their shows, 名乗り上げ口上 (Nanoriage Kojo) and やけ節 (Yakebushi). In 2019, a documentary film by Yo Umezaki was created about Seppuku Pistols.
Seppuku Pistols United Kingdom 2024 performances
Friday 2 August, 2024: Cafe OTO – London, United Kingdom
Saturday 3 August, 2024: Brixton’s Baddest – London, United Kingdom
Sunday 4 August, 2024: William Morris Gallery – London, United Kingdom
Tuesday 6 August, 2024: Paper Dress Vintage – London, United Kingdom
Thursday 8 August, 2024: Secret gig – Bristol, United Kingdom
On the fourth of August, in addition to their performance at William Morris Gallery, one of the members will be also giving a geta talk and workshop to make your own Japanese traditional footwear. On the 6th of August, at Paper Dress Vintage, there will be a pop-up event of MURAKADO, a bag brand by two of the members of Seppuku Pistols, in addition to the performance.
