Students are heading back to school, the fireworks displays are pretty much done and the gyaru (gals) are a lot more tanned. It's too early to declare an end to summer yet, though. There are still plenty of music festivals and concerts in September to satisfy those who don't want to head back indoors just yet.
Starting off the month, Tokyo-based indie label Preco Records will present Preco Night Vol 1. at Shindaita Fever in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, on Sept. 1 (6 p.m. start; ¥2,000 in advance; 03-6305-7899). The lineup includes a number of up-and-coming Japanese acts that are worth checking out. On the roster are Smoug, Fusigi, Miaou and Flau Records owner Aus. The latter will bring along his label's musicians Cokiyu and Cuushe, to perform a rare DJ set.
For more Japanese indie, try heading to "Terminal", a party presented by four-piece act Nile Long (made up of former members of The Brixton Academy) at Clubasia in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, on Sept. 21 (6 p.m. start; ¥3,000 in advance; 03-5458-2551). Dream-pop darling Canopies and Drapes and electro-tinged alternative group Give Me Wallets are already on the bill — those looking for Japanese groups with Western sensibilities shouldn't be disappointed.