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 17 has a killer line-up of four bands:   ハク。(Haku) meaning white is a blend of all colors and this 4pc indie-pop band from Osaka reflect on the full spectrum of emotions through their music.  They became a viral sensation worldwide after uploading a cover of Mono no Aware’s  “かむかもしかもにどもかも！“  But instead of exploiting the overnight popularity Haku decided to maintain business as usual and grow their success organically. #no_Haku_tuah Haku have taken an aggressive approach to technical proficiency and the confidence and stage presence of this young band is growing by leaps and bounds. https://youtu.be/J76S5q_ETfo https://youtu.be/yEfJ7j7H2pA https://youtu.be/Dx8wLRK5e50 https://youtu.be/-CC9hGz0lDY Tattletale is a 3pc progressive screamo band from Sapporo. They combine the mathy screamo of the cabs, chaotic delay&chorus laden riffs of Rin Toshite Shigure and even the pop-sensibility and excellent song craft of a mainstream band like Radwimps.  IMHO, they’re already a contender for best band to ever take part in NMFT. https://youtu.be/9OvQ7d_Peus https://youtu.be/VhnpaP5UDNE Carpenter’sBlue is a ‘heartcore’ band from Machida influenced by shoegaze, Japanese hardcore metal, hip hop and even Scandinavian indie… and most importantly their two favorite bands: Kinoko Teikoku and ふくろうず.  Heartful melodies combined with well-timed bursts of thunderous power make for a soul-stirring live performance. https://youtu.be/1acyrQ_Slqg https://youtu.be/H9Z69qQ6sCc 阪歯目 (Banshimoku) is a very young 3pc punk band that don’t take things too seriously.  Despite their youth they’ve honed their skills through studio sessions and relentless touring.  Shion’s sweet yet ferocious vocals pair well with the powerful drums and slap bass for an impressively potent combo. https://youtu.be/IMpawHpYGJ8 https://youtu.be/FBPesJcG970 https://youtu.be/hKsXnZO9_Jo