I am fascinated with Japan. The traditions and customs, their strange obsession with all things American Pop Culture, the game shows, the vending machines, and yes, the square watermelons. There are quite a few bands out of Japan that cite the US music scene as inspiration, and here are a couple:

JinnyOops!

Normally, I don't dig all-girl bands. These ladies are an exception.



JinnyOops! on myspace

Okamoto's

This quartet proudly boasts that they want to fill the boots left behind by the Ramones. They've even gone so far as to adopt an identical surname- Okamoto, of course. Whether or not Okamoto's is Japan's answer to the Ramones remains to be seen, but their unique sound of early 70's-inspired rock is fun to listen to.



Okamoto's on myspace