Here at grape Japan, we're always on the lookout for cool events which put a new spin on Japanese culture, especially those which welcome English-speaking residents and visitors to Japan.

While there are countless options for daytime activities listed in guidebooks and travel websites, the choices tend to thin out when it comes to enjoying Tokyo at night. So, when we heard that there was going to be an all-night event delivering "a unique fusion of Japanese culture, club music, and beverages" at V2 Tokyo (formerly Vanity), one of the city's flashiest and most popular clubs in Tokyo's nightlife capital of Roppongi, we knew we just had to check it out for ourselves.

Of course, we were looking forward to enjoying EDM and club music from globetrotting Japanese DJs like HiRAPARK, DJ moe, DJ Daruma & Jommy, not to mention Reiji Okamoto (of the band Okamoto’s), but we were particularly interested in the celebrated DJ performance group HANABI who blend dance music with traditional Japanese instrumentation. And if it was also a chance to enjoy some award-winning The Premium Malt's and Japanese craft gin Roku, courtesy of Suntory, that made it even better!

---

MATSURI presented by SUNTORY

We were anxious to check out the party, but first, in the hallway leading towards the dance floor, we couldn't help noticing a beautiful photo spot with a silkscreen background along with Japanese parasols emblazoned with Suntory Time. One of the staff members kindly agreed to pose for our camera.

Click or tap on images to zoom in

As the beat of the EDM beckoned, we descended the stairs and began enjoying the party. Everywhere we turned, Japanese traditional decorative elements greeted our gaze. For example, these washi paper lanterns hanging above the bar area:

Matsuri on the dance floor

As many of our readers know, MATSURI means "festival" in Japanese, and the event organizers truly succeeded in creating a festive mood with an international staff of entertainers, dancers, and even acrobats spinning around in hoops suspended above the crowd.

In addition to the entertainment, laser lights, smoke, and occasional bursts of red and gold confetti added to the excitement.

HANABI

Combining the shamisen, the shakuhachi, and the Japanese flute and electronic dance music, the members of HANABI delivered a remarkable performance that enthused the international crowd that had gathered to see them. At first, there were some surprised expressions as the performers began without the DJ's support, purely showing off their virtuoso at the traditional instruments, but when the beat dropped, those faces nearly all turned to smiles as they moved to the music, suddenly realizing what a cool fusion of genres they were witnessing.

other DJs

We also thoroughly enjoyed the other DJs who performed during our time there, beginning with DJ moe...

...and DJ Daruma

The Premium Malt's and ROKU

Party-goers who had worked up a thirst from all the dancing gathered at the bar to enjoy The Premium Malt's or Suntory's craft gin ROKU.

The exciting performances, the good vibes in the crowd, the decor and the festive mood, everything worked together to make it a unique and memorable party. It's a safe bet that the next Suntory-sponsored event is going to be worth putting on your calendar!

---

Special thanks to our photographer K. Lange, who also happens to be admin for legendary web comic Megatokyo, as well as organizer of AnimeltUP!, a global anisong DJ event with an international crew making its debut on January 3rd, 2020.