article by Alex Fisher, Photos taken from Japan Underground's facebook group - (thanks to Sandy Dhaliwal & Steven Cheng)

17th November 2010, 7pm-2am - King Pin suite, Bloomsbury Lanes

Japan Underground was literally a Japanophile’s wet dream.  And, by the looks of the crowd, there were plenty of dreamers in attendance.  A supremely well attended launch night with the best dressed crowd I’ve seen since my last trip to Harajuku!

Set in a perfect venue there was something for everyone; from gamers to posers, singers to gig-goers.  You could even do a bit of bowling to finish off the night.  

On Board's karaoke area was set off in its own room (as indeed it always should be) with an area provided by video game giants Capcom for the game enthusiasts. 

Another little nook was set up by Cosplay Portrait as a purikura-style photo area and was kept busy by the multitude of costume clad cosplayers. 

The main area was kept for J-pop/rock anthems and memorable performances from 10 and HITT.  10 kicked the night off with their unfathomable yet enthralling electronic sounds. 

After a tense moment where everyone seemed unsure he’d made it, HITT (pictured here) stole the show with his catchy J-rock (or visual kei if you’d prefer) and amazing dance moves!  Not to mention his fantastic hair do!

Sort out the ticketing (I waited an hour and a half to get in even though I had bought a ticket online!) and you have the makings of a truly great cult night.  Hopefully the first of many, so in the words of Japan Underground themselves: ‘Come along and rock London, Japanese style!!’

In a nutshell

Japan Link?  All things Japanese in London

What?  Karaoke, Purikura, Cosplay, Visual kei, J-pop.....

Next London gig?  TBC

More info? http://japanunderground.wordpress.com/