ennichi ’25 Brings Japan's Music, Culture and Tastes to Los Angeles
- MIXTAPE 317
- 23 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Bringing the current sounds of Japan, ennichi '25 Japanese Music Experience LA took to the city to showcase Japan's rich hip hop and pop music scene. On December 2nd at Los Angeles' Aurora Warehouse, fans gathered to experience performances by f5ve, JP THE WAVY, Awich and PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE. Before entering the warehouse venue, vendors were lined up to treat fans with tastes from Japan with foods like Tsukiji Gindaco's street style takoyaki and UMACHA's bubble tea.
Just the day prior, ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Industry Mixer took place in the heart of Hollywood, where both Japanese and US industry professionals gathered to connect. CEIPA × TOYOTA GROUP “MUSIC WAY PROJECT,” in collaboration with JETRO Los Angeles hosted the mixer where speakers like Akiko Okumura, Executive Vice President of JETRO and CEIPA Chairman Shunsuke Muramatsu spoke about the impact and importance of Japanese arts and talent reaching a global audience.
f5ve started the night's performances, the warehouse already packed tightly with their fans screaming and cheering for them as they performed. “Magic Clock” and “Fire Truck” were the true fan favorites. After performing, f5ve proudly announced they are releasing their first album. Kaede, the leader of the group, said “We spent a long time preparing for it, we are so happy people love it.” All five members took time to walk around and interact with different sections of the crowd, expressing their love for their fans. After performing their last song, f5ve even handed out signed copies of their unreleased album to the audience.
The night was still young, and JP THE WAVY hit the crowd with his explosive energy and swift rap style. Wearing a giant fur hat, he rapped violently and had a laser show to match. Several audience members jumped to the beat, giving JP THE WAVY encouragement to give more to his performance. Towards the end of his performance, he amped up the crowd by playing a remix of “Tokyo Drift” (originally by Teriyaki Boyz). JP THE WAVY showed Los Angeles another side of Japan, bringing awareness and hype to his culture.
After an unstoppable performance, Awich entered the scene. She instantly won the crowd over with her hardcore flow and heavy metal-inspired music. “We are here to give you the taste of Japan,” she said proudly. “For me, especially, the taste of Okinawa.” From the heaviness, she transitioned into an afro-beat style. Awich still retained her hardcore originality, but the songs inspired dance in the crowd. The audience raised their hands to dance along with the music as Awich rapped to her heart’s content. She left them with these final words, “Please listen to these songs, they are my heart. I’m coming back! Promise you’ll come see me?” To which the crowd roared with encouragement, and a promise was made.
Awich left the crowd wanting more, and PSYCHIC FEVER delivered. They leaped onto the stage to the waiting crowd and delivered a star-studded performance. “SWISH DAT,” and “What’s Happenin’” brought new life to the crowd. After their first appearance in L.A earlier this year, Psychic Fever returned to both old and new fans. “Just Like Dat” brought out earlier performer JP THE WAVY, and they performed their duet together to the hype crowd. The crowd was uncontrollable, dancing and cheering along with the members. The group’s numbers filled the stage, displaying complete synchronization. Psychic Fever leaves a powerful imprint wherever they go, and they were the perfect act to end the night on.
Finishing 2025 with their second event within the US, ennichi '25 carries on after the success of matsuri' 25, continuing to emphasize the growth of Japan's arts and culture among a global audience.
ennichi'25