Next Music from Tokyo (NMFT) is an annual tour that introduces Canadians to the most creative and skilled bands from Japan’s indie/underground music scene.  The tour began in 2010 and has brought over fifty different Japanese bands to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver including:  Kinoko Teikoku, ZAZEN BOYS, mouse on the keys, Akai Koen, Uchu Conbini, JYOCHO, Hitsuji Bungaku, PENs+, group_inou, MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS and even Elephant Gym (from Taiwan).    NMFT 16 has four acts on the roster with an emphasis on shoegaze, emo and post-rock:   Hammer Head Shark is the spiritual successor to Kinoko Teikoku.  A four-piece band mixing emotional shoegaze with beautiful female vocals and thunderous crescendos of noise and power. https://youtu.be/pEw2oDUGezs https://youtu.be/sv4GR_6_roM   サバノオミソニー (Saba no omisony) means mackerel simmered in miso—a perfect example of Japanese soul food.  Sabanoomisony’s music is alternative-pop with diverse influences ranging from shoegaze, jazz, hip hop to math rock.  With solid musicianship, hauntingly beautiful lead vocals and lush instrumentation that set the mood from relaxingly chill to powerfully uplifting, Sabanoomisony’s music is indeed food for the soul. https://youtu.be/18AusE_vbAE https://youtu.be/a1ySfm6RWIs   Nikoん (Nikon) is a three-piece band that rose from the ashes of Teenager Kick Ass.  While the original band played a straightforward brand of driving post-hardcore, Nikoん has vastly matured in creativity and sophistication.  The tone is predominantly chill with intricate bass and jazzy drums; however, Nikoん’s punk/hardcore roots erupt through frontman Osuka’s gnarly guitarwork.  https://youtu.be/kuzwPzCJse8 https://youtu.be/DnHqPzztPrs https://youtu.be/QgNL-XFJggs   Fallsheeps proudly rep the naval port city of Yokosuka (just south of Tokyo and Yokohama). They have a polished alt-rock sound but wear their mid-west emo, screamo and shoegaze roots on their sleeves. Junta’s lyrics are introspective and his word choice peculiar and very deliberate. The combination of ear catching melodies, boundless raw power and energy, and profound lyrics that resonate deeply with fans lead to rambunctious and passionate live performances. https://youtu.be/nq-IXIol3yw https://youtu.be/xMNJ4xc9KwA