It was mid-November when Kyoto-based band Kukangendai were touring Europe. The cold has set in, and on days like this, it often feels like there is not much to do outdoors. But if you’re open to discovering new music, a whole new world opens up. And then it really is a case of putting on your warm coat and heading out to the music venues. On the day Kukangendai arrived in The Hague, the weather was bleak. It had been raining and, to make matters worse, it was a weekday, so it was anyone’s guess who braved the cold to make their way to the music venue.
Kukangendai at Musicon, The Hague on 19 November 2025 | Photography: Francisca Hagen
The evening kicked off with the band STIP. (including the dot), a three-piece band from The Hague. All three are multi-instrumentalists and love to mix and match musical genres. The keffiyeh has found a place amongst the synthesisers and by the drum kit, whilst the bass guitar also sports a ‘Free Palestine’ sticker. The dance floor was still empty when STIP. kicked off, but gradually the audience gained confidence to come closer. The band was given time to perform eleven tracks. Some visitors sat down to listen to the music. As the turnout wasn’t particularly high, Musicon decided to leave the tables and chairs in place. But that is not entirely a bad thing, given that the three-piece actually thrives in this intimate setting. Whilst the band played danceable tunes, the audience was still a bit stiff. But practically all attention was on the band, which is a good sign.
Kukangendai have played in the Netherlands on several occasions, including at the Holland Festival in 2021. When the band members are ready to perform, they all take their places on stage and get started. The performance is best described as a jam session that goes on without a break, ending with a ‘Thank you’ to signal that they have finished their live performance. There is no further interaction with the audience, but the audience didn’t seem to mind.
Kukangendai at Musicon, The Hague on 19 November 2025 | Photography: Francisca Hagen
The three band members, each playing a rhythmic part, keep things interesting by throwing in irregularities, which catch you off guard. The three musicians are so well in tune with one another that if something goes ‘wrong’, they simply carry on playing as if it were all part of the act. It reminds me a little of the American landscape painter Bob Ross with his well-known quote: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents”.
The rhythm brought the audience much more to the forefront. Some members of the audience even felt inspired to dance (experimentally) to the music. But because of the irregularities, it’s difficult to get a proper feel for the rhythm and keep dancing. Still, that didn’t matter much. The audience was completely absorbed by the live performance and swept away by the music.
Kukangendai at Musicon, The Hague on 19 November 2025 | Photography: Francisca Hagen
Photography: Francisca Hagen
