Synchronicity '11

After a string of sold-out gigs at the already far-from-cramped Shibuya O-East, the folks behind Synchronicity apparently decided they needed to scale things up. The one-day music festival serves as a showcase for the less abrasive representatives of Japan's alternative music scene, while also finding space for live painting, film and dance – and doing it all with green energy. Now relocated to the Yokohama bayside area, the latest edition promises to sprawl like never before. Eclectic alt rockers Zazen Boys and jazz-funk party starters Soil & "Pimp" Sessions are just two of a clutch of repeat performers (see also: Sokabe Keiichi Band, Cro-Magnon, Albatrus and Jabberloop), while the bill also finds space for post rock group Te, electronica artist De De Mouse and bona fide rock legend Hiroshi Kamayatsu.