Since 2006 Akiba Fest has been the fastest growing Japanese Pop Music Showcase in the Mid Atlantic Region of the U.S. Events are centered around and designed to give a rapidly growing fan base access to authentic Japanese Pop Music (J-Music / J-pop) and its culture by ways of fun shows that feature live concerts from pop music icons from Japan, DJs, sometimes trend setting fashion shows, and other entertainment that celebrate Japanese Pop culture. Our first show in December 2006 introduced America to the Pop Rock group Unicorn Table and also established our commitment to open this market to a wider mainstream audience in hopes to Keep Japanese Pop music and pop culture alive in the U.S. Akiba Fest has since provided the U.S. debut of acts like Psychic Lover, Fice, Sister Mayo and Takayoshi Tanimoto of Project.R, and welcomed Shing02 and Yoko Ishida while introducing new and dynamic marketing practices into the Japan Pop Culture market in the U.S. to help promote and maintain the presence of Japanese Pop music in America.

COMMON QUESTIONS

We take our name from a section of Tokyo, Japan called "Akihabara" where many up and coming entertainers and Idols go to show off their talents and hope to get discovered. Every Sunday the city closes off a section of the street in Akihabara and it becomes a festival of talent from all over Japan.

No, Akiba Fest is a platform that puts on different events. Most of our events are are staged performances- much like variety shows catered around J-music and other related entertainment. We do not have members, feature panels, or offer layered scheduled events.

To have fun! Our show is unique to this industry but we try to make it comfortable for those that are used to going to Anime conventions as well as audiences that are entering our j-pop world for the first time. Expect a fun choreographed stage show presenting live concerts, DJ's and other entertainment, prizes, vendors, and other fun activities including Artist autograph sessions.

For the most part yes, but some events may have age restrictions.

All kinds- But in general expect allot of cool cutting edge kids and young adult fans of Anime, Asian culture, Video Games, Music, Fashion, and other cool popular trends. Our goal is to break Japanese pop music and culture to a wide Audience so everyone is welcome.

We have attracted people from as far north as New York and as far south as Atlanta. Many come from the mid-west, and we have had people come from California and even Japan. As we grow we also expect this demographic to grow.

Yes. Shoes, shirt, dress, pants or skirt (you decide) are required.

Sure! Akiba Fest recognizes that J-music fandom in the U.S. is part of a greater cultural phenomenon that includes fans of cosplay, and Anime, as well as the latest Music from and fashions from the East. We just ask that you do not bring any items that look like and can be considered as weapons.

Yes and no- it will depend on who you are talking to. The term "J-pop" was originally coined to describe Japanese pop Music by it's followers in America. You may also hear the term "J-rock" or even "K-pop / J-rock" to describe Korean Pop music. As Japanese Pop culture grew more popular in the recent years people outside the core fanbase started describing "Japanese Pop Culture" as "J-pop Culture". With Japanese pop Music made up of so many genres (pop, Rock, hip Hop, R&B, Visual Kei, Anime Soundtracks, Goth) and with fans and industry realizing that "J-pop" was taking on two meanings depending on who you were talking to, the term "J-music" arose out of the chaos and is steadily becoming the trendy new term to specifically describe Japanese Pop Music as a whole.

Very! You can say it is the world's best kept secret. For years this music has been the pulse of Japanese pop culture. Anime and Video game fans in Northern and South America, parts of Europe, and of course Asia have have been followers of this music for years spawning a fan base for just the music itself. The fanbase for j-music has created icons as popular as some of America's top music acts. In recent years some acts have broke out to do independent tours around the U.S. and have attracted Thousands.

Yes and no. J-music comes in the same variety of sounds that U.S. music does; Rock, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Techno, House, Jazz, etc. What makes it different is the wide variety layered arrangements, musical styles, and songs sung in the Japanese language. Accompanying the music are well choreographed stage shows which include costumes and other visual treats.