An all-girls jazz-funk band from Japan drummed up some groovy sound waves across Perth on the weekend during two sold out shows as part of their Australia wide-tour ‘Tokyo Down Under’.
Described as a “sophisticated yet funky trio”, Tokyo Groove Jyoshi arrived on the west coast last Thursday to kick off their national tour.
But before diving into a weekend of packed-out shows, the trio ticked off one of their Aussie bucket-list destinations while taking a visit to North Cottesloe’s beach.
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READ NOW“It is a wonderful city,” band member Emi Kanazashi said.
“I like Perth. All the men and women are very handsome!” bassist Rina Hoshino added.
They sold out both Ellington Jazz club and Duke of George over the weekend and international band manager Peter Kinsman said this meant the band was likely to return.
“At this stage the girls are likely to return to WA in 2025 and may also add some regional events, as our local audience response was absolutely fantastic,” he said.
Old and new fans, as well as Japanese expats including the Japan Consul General in Perth and Yuki Nakamura of Nakamura Chocolates, came together to support the jazz-funk trio.
Formed in 2018, the vocalist trio comprises keyboardist Emi Kanazashi, bassist Rina Hoshino and drummer Mimi Kawakami, who have gained international success, with their hit song ‘Funk No. 1’ gaining more than 14 million views on YouTube.
Tokyo Groove Jyoshi have since jetted off to Melbourne and Sydney for their Aussie tour.