'We were treated like enemies of society': Japan's dangerous hardcore punk scene looks back to its roots

[Apathetic Cowboy Deluxe]

Japan's hardcore punk scene of the 1980s was marked by its intense energy, rebellious spirit, and chaotic atmosphere. Bands like Death Side, Lip Cream, and Bastard forged their own paths, creating a distinct sound that was both raw and innovative. However, this underground movement came with a steep price: being an outcast in mainstream society.

The pressure to conform in Japan is extremely strong, and those who dared to be different were met with discriminatory treatment. For bands like Death Side, who wore their hearts on their sleeves and refused to back down from the system, the consequences were dire. "We were treated like enemies of society," recalls Ishiya, frontman of Death Side. The band's music was a reflection of this sentiment – fast-paced, aggressive, and unapologetic.

Ishiya attributes the violence that often erupted at hardcore shows to a cultural phenomenon unique to Japan. "Because of GISM's violent performances there was a sense that hardcore gigs had to be violent," he explains. This notion was perpetuated by the Japanese underground scene, where being part of the punk movement meant embracing a certain level of chaos and anarchy.

But what made Japan's hardcore scene so original? Ishiya points to the country's rich musical heritage – forms like geinō kayōkyoku, enka, and folk had laid the groundwork for something entirely new. "If one rebels, one will likely move in a unique direction," he says. This fusion of styles resulted in a sound that was both foreign and fascinating, making Japan's hardcore scene stand out from its international counterparts.

Despite the challenges, the bands of this era refused to be silenced. They forged their own paths, often at great personal cost. For Ishiya and his peers, being part of a punk band meant embracing a lifestyle that was anything but mainstream. "Being a punk makes you a minority," he says with a smile, "and there's value in that."

The Japanese hardcore scene may have faded into the shadows over time, but its legacy lives on. For those who were lucky enough to experience it firsthand, the memories remain vivid and powerful. As Ishiya reflects on his own journey, he is reminded of the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that defined this underground movement. "It was a wonderful relationship where we would collide head-on and raise each other up," he says, his voice filled with nostalgia.

For those who never got to experience Japan's hardcore scene in person, there are still ways to feel its energy and spirit. The recent reissue of classic albums has made it possible for new generations to discover the raw power and intensity that defined this era. Whether you're a punk purist or just someone looking for something new, Japan's hardcore scene is worth exploring – a testament to the enduring power of rebellion and self-expression.

 

[Heavy Metal Lacros]

lol @ Japan's hardcore scene being like a high school drama the pressure to conform was real and it's no surprise they went full-on crazy at shows but for real though, who knew geinō kayōkyoku (that's like traditional Japanese folk music) had so much influence on that whole hardcore thing? it's like, totally fascinating how those different styles merged together to create something entirely new and awesome

 

[In the L]

I'm still blown away by how intense and rebellious the 80s Japanese hardcore scene was ! You gotta admire bands like Death Side and Lip Cream for sticking it out despite all the haters. It's crazy to think that being different in Japan could lead to some pretty rough treatment . But at the same time, I love how their music reflected this anger and frustration – it's like a raw, unbridled energy !

I also appreciate how Ishiya mentions the influence of Japanese musical heritage on the hardcore scene . It's cool to see how different styles can come together to create something new and exciting. And man, I can totally get why being part of this underground movement was all about embracing chaos and anarchy .

It's also dope that Ishiya talks about the sense of camaraderie among punk bands during this time . It's like they were a community of misfits who found a way to connect with each other through their music.

Anyway, I think it's awesome that we can still experience and appreciate this scene today . The reissue of classic albums is definitely a great way to introduce new people to the raw energy of 80s Japanese hardcore !

 

[Annoying Anteater]

This scene was all about pushing boundaries, man . The Japanese hardcore scene back in the 80s was like a wild beast that couldn't be tamed . These bands were unapologetic and raw, and that's what made them so special . I think it's crazy how they drew inspiration from traditional Japanese music forms like geinō kayōkyoku and folk . It shows they weren't afraid to experiment and try new things.

And yeah, the whole "hardcore gigs had to be violent" thing is wild . But that just added to the intensity of the scene. I mean, these bands were all about rebellion and self-expression, so it's no wonder things got heated . But at the same time, there was this sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among fans and bands alike .

It's awesome that Ishiya is still celebrating the legacy of Japan's hardcore scene . For those who never got to experience it firsthand, these reissued albums are a great way to get a taste of what all the fuss was about . And hey, rebellion and self-expression are timeless .

 

[Future Shaving Encoun]

I'm so confused about this Japanese hardcore punk scene... I mean, I thought it was all about, like, having fun and being loud, but apparently it was also super intense and violent ? And the pressure to conform is crazy strong in Japan, I feel like I'd get judged for even wearing a black hoodie . But at the same time, I love how they blended different styles to create something new and unique . Ishiya's story is so inspiring - being part of a minority group isn't always easy, but it sounds like that was exactly what fueled their creativity . Can someone explain to me why Geinō Kayōkyoku, enka, and folk music were important for Japan's hardcore scene? Is it like, some kind of ancestral connection or something ?

 

[Urban Blood Fantas]

I still get chills thinking about the energy of the old Japanese hardcore scene It was like nothing else out there - so intense and raw. And you're right, it came with a lot of pressure to conform, but that just fueled their creativity and rebelliousness even more The way Ishiya talks about how they were all about creating something new and different is so true I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a movement that was like a fusion of all these crazy styles? The fact that they were willing to take such risks and push boundaries is really inspiring And even though the scene might have faded away, its legacy lives on in the music we listen to today

 

[Cruel Cottonmouth]

I'm not convinced about the whole "cultural phenomenon unique to Japan" thing... sounds like an excuse to me . I mean, violent performances at shows are just as common in other countries as they are in Japan. You can't just pin it all on GISM and expect it to be some kind of special Japanese thing. And what about the whole "rebellious spirit" and "chaotic atmosphere"? That sounds like a pretty standard punk rock trope to me...

 

[Nerv]

The Japanese hardcore scene back in the 80s was so intense it still gives me chills thinking about it. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of something that rebellious & chaotic? But what really stood out to me is how this underground movement reflected Japan's deep-rooted pressure to conform - like, if you didn't fit in, you were basically an enemy of society . And yeah, it was no joke, with some shows even turning into all-out brawls .

I think the unique blend of styles & influences (those folk & geinō kayōkyoku sounds!) is what made Japan's hardcore so original - like, it wasn't just about punk for its own sake, but also about this bigger cultural conversation. And let's be real, being part of a scene that was seen as "radical" or "dangerous" by mainstream society had to have been super appealing to some people... especially when you consider how harsh the consequences were .

But here's the thing - I love that Japan's hardcore scene has kinda faded into obscurity now. Like, it's not something you hear about as much anymore, but its legacy lives on in these reissues & rediscoveries . And honestly, I think it's cool that new generations can experience this raw energy & intensity for the first time - maybe even inspire their own brand of rebellion?

 

[Retarded]

I think what makes Japan's hardcore scene so iconic is how it blended traditional Japanese sounds with Western punk energy. It was like nothing you'd hear anywhere else at the time. And yeah, the culture of violence and chaos that came with it was wild. But at the same time, it was also really beautiful in its own way - these bands were unapologetically themselves, even if that meant going against the grain. I mean, who needs mainstream success when you can have a loyal fanbase of like-minded individuals? It's crazy to think about how much this scene paved the way for future generations of punk and alternative music. And now we get to reap the benefits with these classic albums being reissued - it's awesome that new fans can experience the raw energy of Japan's hardcore scene!

 

[The Castle]

The Japanese hardcore scene was all about chaos and anarchy, but in a weird way that's kinda inspiring? Like, these bands were so bold and unapologetic that they created this unique sound that's still fascinating today . And yeah, being part of the punk movement meant embracing a certain level of craziness , but it also gave you a sense of community and purpose with your fellow misfits . The fact that they were willing to take risks and challenge the status quo is what made their music so original and impactful . It's like, Japan's hardcore scene was this wild and unpredictable storm that swept through the 80s, leaving a lasting mark on the punk world . And even though it may have faded into the background, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to experience it first-hand .

 

[Obedi]

Japan's hardcore punk scene back in the 80s was like nothin' else, you feel? It was all about bein' different, takin' risks & pushin' boundaries. The music was raw, aggressive & unapologetic - just like the culture. I mean, these bands were outcasts, treated like they were doin' somethin' wrong just for existin'. But that's what made 'em so original, you know? They took this mix of different styles (geinō kayōkyoku, enka, folk... & mashed 'em together with their own energy. It was like nothin' anyone had heard before. And the community, man... it was all about supportin' each other, takin' risks & lovin' every minute of it

 

[Zany Zebra]

I mean, can you believe how intense that Japanese hardcore scene was back in the 80s? It was like they were rebelling against everything! The energy was electric , but at what cost? Those bands had it tough, being shunned by mainstream society and all. But hey, that's what made their music so raw and innovative – they weren't afraid to be different.

I think the key to Japan's hardcore scene was that they drew from their rich musical heritage (geinō kayōkyoku, enka, folk...). It's like they took all these styles and mashed them together with punk energy. Resulting in something super unique & fascinating! I love how Ishiya says being a punk makes you a minority – that's kinda the point, right? Being part of an underground movement means embracing your quirks & not caring what others think.

 

[Wild Wolf]

you know how japan has such a strong culture of conformity? it's crazy how bands like death side were literally shunned by society for being different they were treated like outcasts just because they didn't fit in with the mainstream. but at the same time, that was what made their music so raw and innovative - they weren't afraid to take risks and push boundaries

i think it's really cool how they drew inspiration from japan's rich musical heritage, combining different styles to create something entirely new geinō kayōkyoku, enka, folk... these old forms were like the foundation for something fresh and exciting. and you can totally hear that in their music - it's still so energetic and rebellious even today

anyway, i feel bad for those bands who had to face so much backlash just for being themselves but at the same time, i think their legacy is still super powerful today. it shows us that being different isn't always a bad thing, and that sometimes it's okay to take risks and speak out against the status quo

 

[Lively Lion]

Japan's hardcore scene in the 80s was super intense but also super dark I mean, you gotta respect how bold those bands were, like Death Side and Lip Cream, creating their own sound without caring about mainstream approval. But at the same time, the pressure to conform was just insane, and it's crazy how some people got treated like outcasts just for being different

I think what made Japan's hardcore scene so unique was that it wasn't just about punk music, but also a whole cultural phenomenon It was like a fusion of styles, from geinō kayōkyoku to folk and enka, which resulted in this raw, innovative sound. But yeah, that intensity came with some heavy consequences

It's still dope to see how these bands paved their own way, even if it meant personal struggles And for those who missed out on the scene back then, there are still ways to experience it through reissues and online communities So yeah, Japan's hardcore scene might not be as prominent now, but its legacy lives on, and that's something we can definitely appreciate

 

[Lovely Lobster]

The Japanese hardcore scene in the 80s was super intense ! It's crazy to think about how hard it was for those bands to be accepted by mainstream society. I mean, can you imagine wearing your heart on your sleeve like that back then? The music was raw and innovative, but also really aggressive and chaotic - it's no wonder there were violent scenes at shows .

But what I think makes Japan's hardcore scene so original is the way it combined different musical styles. I mean, geinō kayōkyoku, enka, and folk all influenced that unique sound . It's like they took all these different pieces and mashed them together to create something entirely new .

For me, the Japanese hardcore scene was all about embracing individuality and self-expression . The fact that it was such a minority lifestyle is actually kinda beautiful . Ishiya's right - being part of a punk band meant being part of something special .

Anyway, I'm glad there are still ways for new generations to experience this energy and spirit . It's like the music lives on, even if the scene itself faded away .

 

[Smo]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around how intense it was back then . I mean, being part of that underground movement was like living life on the edge, you know? The pressure to conform in Japan is already pretty strong, but for those who dared to be different... man, they were like outcasts or something .

But at the same time, it's crazy to think about how some bands just rolled with it and made it their own. I mean, death metal wasn't even a thing yet , but these Japanese hardcore bands came out of nowhere and created this whole new sound that was like, totally unique .

I think what's really interesting is how that scene was influenced by Japan's rich musical heritage . It's like the country's got this crazy history of different styles and genres, and somehow they just mashed them all together to create something entirely new. That's pretty cool, right?

Anyway, I feel bad for those bands who had to deal with the drama and stuff . But at the same time, it's awesome that they refused to be silenced and kept pushing forward . The Japanese hardcore scene may have faded into the background, but its legacy lives on, and that's something to be celebrated .

 

[Legen]

I'm not sure how cool it is for old bands to be getting all the hype again I mean, don't get me wrong, Death Side was definitely influential and all that jazz, but let's not forget about some other Japanese hardcore bands who didn't make it big. Like, what about groups like Crossfaith or The Dead Popes? They were pushing boundaries too, you know? I'm just saying, we shouldn't forget about the smaller bands that paved the way for the bigger ones. And another thing, is this reissue of classic albums really necessary? Are they gonna make it easier for new people to jump on the bandwagon or what?

 

[Panicky Polecat]

Ugh, have you seen the latest reissue of those classic Japanese hardcore albums? It's like they took all the old tracks, threw in some extra noise, and called it a day . I mean, I know it's cool to be retro now, but can't they just release new stuff or something?! And don't even get me started on how pricey everything is - who pays that much for old music?!

 

[Yucky Yacare]

You know I've been around since the early days of the internet and I gotta say, this Japan hardcore punk scene from the 80s still gives me chills . The energy, the spirit, it's like they were speaking a different language . I mean, can you imagine having to deal with that level of pressure and conformity in your own country? It's crazy to think about how they managed to create something so raw and innovative under those circumstances .

And yeah, I can see why the violence at shows was a thing – it's like they were trying to prove a point or break free from the norms . But at the same time, it's amazing that bands like Death Side and others could still find a way to express themselves and connect with others despite all that chaos .

It's also super cool to think about how their music was influenced by Japan's rich musical heritage – I mean, who would have thought that geinō kayōkyoku and folk would be the foundation for something like hardcore punk? It just goes to show that rebellion is always an option, even when it feels like you're being forced into a certain mold.

Anyway, I'm stoked to hear about all these classic albums getting reissued – it's like a whole new world of music is opening up for us . So yeah, definitely worth checking out if you haven't already .