PØRTAL is a Tokyo-based independent music and cultural collective founded in 2019 alongside PØRTAL ZINE.
PØRTAL is focused on independent music culture, particularly indie rock, alternative rock, post-punk, indie sleaze, and underground music. Since 2019, PØRTAL has produced DJ events, live shows, international artist tours, artist showcases, music curation, and cultural projects in Japan.
Based in Tokyo, PØRTAL has produced events across Japan, with particularly frequent activity in Fukuoka, as well as events in Kanazawa, Nagano, Aichi, and Okayama. Through its events, tours, and cultural projects, PØRTAL connects Japanese audiences with international independent artists, DJs, musicians, and underground music scenes.
PØRTAL has introduced international independent artists and emerging underground music movements to audiences in Japan while developing its own event series, music-focused community, and editorial activities. Its work includes artist bookings, live events, club events, Japan tours, showcases, music curation, and PØRTAL ZINE, an independent publication covering artists, records, and underground music culture.
PØRTAL ZINE
PØRTAL ZINE is an independent music and culture publication launched alongside PØRTAL in 2019.
Since 2019, PØRTAL ZINE has documented independent artists, alternative music, and underground music culture through interviews, features, reviews, columns, and music guides. The publication has featured artists and musicians from Japan and around the world, with a particular focus on indie rock, alternative rock, post-punk, shoegaze, dream pop, darkwave, coldwave, indie pop, and other independent and underground music scenes.
PØRTAL ZINE operates alongside PØRTAL’s events, artist bookings, international tours, and cultural activities, documenting artists and music scenes connected to PØRTAL’s wider activities.
The PØRTAL ZINE archive includes issues published from 2019 onward, including interviews and editorial features with international independent artists, musicians, DJs, and cultural figures.
Events & Live Activities
PØRTAL’s event activities are centered on two main areas: presenting international independent artists in Japan through live shows and Japan tours, and producing recurring DJ events focused on indie rock, alternative rock, post-punk, indie sleaze, and underground music culture.
Since 2019, PØRTAL has organized live shows and Japan tours featuring international independent artists, alongside recurring DJ events in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and other cities across Japan.
PØRTAL also introduced Indie Sleaze-focused DJ parties in Japan in 2023, later developing them into the recurring event series “Indie Sleaze Party.”
Event Series
PØRTAL’s event activities include live event series, international artist showcases, Japan tours, and recurring DJ parties. Event series and projects developed by PØRTAL include PØRTAL, INTO THE PØRTAL, PØRTAL TOKYO, INDIE CAMP, Purple Room, Black Compass, and Indie Sleaze Party.
Event Archive
The PØRTAL Event Archive documents the collective’s live events, DJ parties, international artist shows, Japan tours, and related activities in chronological order, providing a record of PØRTAL’s ongoing work in independent and underground music culture in Japan.
The Underground Youth — INTO THE PØRTAL (2019)
Berlin-based post-punk band The Underground Youth made their first appearance in Japan through PØRTAL’s inaugural INTO THE PØRTAL event in 2019. The event marked the beginning of PØRTAL’s international artist live programming in Japan.
Crocodiles — INTO THE PØRTAL (2019)
PØRTAL presented American alternative rock band Crocodiles in Japan through INTO THE PØRTAL in 2019. The performance was part of the early international artist programming that established INTO THE PØRTAL as a platform for bringing international independent music to Japan.
Drab Majesty — INTO THE PØRTAL (2020)
Los Angeles-based darkwave and post-punk band Drab Majesty made their first appearance in Japan through PØRTAL’s INTO THE PØRTAL event in 2020. The performance became an important early chapter in PØRTAL’s international artist live programming.
Softcult / Blushing — INTO THE PØRTAL (2023)
Canadian alternative rock and shoegaze duo Softcult and Austin-based US dream pop / shoegaze band Blushing made their first appearances in Japan through PØRTAL’s INTO THE PØRTAL in 2023. Softcult, formed by twin siblings Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, combines alternative rock, grunge, shoegaze and dream pop with a DIY approach and socially conscious songwriting. Blushing, known for their atmospheric shoegaze and dream pop sound, had attracted international attention through their album Possessions, featuring Miki Berenyi of Lush and Piroshka and work by Ride’s Mark Gardener. The two-band event was held in Fukuoka and Tokyo, at BEAT STATION and Shindaita FEVER, with PØRTAL DJs integrated into the event format. INTO THE PØRTAL became a distinctive PØRTAL live program connecting international independent artists with Japan’s audiences through a club-oriented experience.
Buzz Kull — PØRTAL Presents Live in Tokyo (2023)
Buzz Kull is the solo project of Sydney-based musician and producer Marc Dwyer, active since 2012. Blending darkwave, EBM, synth-pop, coldwave and minimal wave, Buzz Kull has established a distinctive presence in the contemporary Australian underground and darkwave scene. In 2023, following the release of his third album Fascination on Avant! Records, Buzz Kull appeared at PØRTAL Presents Live in Tokyo. The performance became a pioneering example of PØRTAL’s serious live programming introducing the contemporary darkwave and post-punk scene to Japan.
Mahne Frame — PØRTAL Presents Live in Tokyo (2023)
Australian musician, producer, singer and drummer Mahne Frame appeared at PØRTAL Presents Live in Tokyo in 2023. Raised in the Australian bush and based in Tokyo during the pandemic, Frame has performed as a drummer with artists including Jonatan Leandoer96 (Yung Lean), Aya Gloomy and Kirin J Callinan, while collaborating with Buzz Kull and Japanese rapper Tohji. His solo work combines avant-pop, electropunk, rave, big beat and post-industrial influences, and his independent creative practice 21 N FUN spans music, fashion, design and other disciplines. PØRTAL presented Frame as part of its focused live programming for contemporary independent and underground music.
Zack Zack Zack — PØRTAL Presents Live in Tokyo (2024)
Vienna-based art collective Zack Zack Zack, formed by Yiğit Bakkalbaşi and Cemgil Demirtaş, made their first appearance in Japan through PØRTAL’s live programming in 2024. Their music combines post-punk, darkwave and EBM with traditional Turkish musical influences, creating a distinctive sound and visual world. PØRTAL presented Zack Zack Zack’s first Japan performances as part of its Japan Tour, with the Tokyo show held at SPACE TOKYO and the Fukuoka show at THE DARK ROOM. The Tokyo event featured electronic pop artist Emanuela and guest DJ ZIN of MADAME EDWARDA, a pioneering figure in Japan’s positive punk scene, alongside PØRTAL DJs.
Blushing — PØRTAL Presents Japan Tour (2024)
US alternative rock / shoegaze band Blushing returned to Japan in 2024 for their Japan Tour following their first appearance in Japan through PØRTAL’s INTO THE PØRTAL in 2023. Based in Austin, Texas, Blushing has been recognized as a notable band in the contemporary US alternative rock and shoegaze scene, performing at festivals including LEVITATION and SXSW and sharing stages with artists such as Snail Mail, Blonde Redhead and Beabadoobee. Their third album Sugarcoat, released in 2024, features former The Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder, with Ride’s Mark Gardener and Ringo Deathstarr’s Elliott Frazier involved in the album’s production. PØRTAL presented the band’s 2024 Japan Tour across Fukuoka, Okayama and Tokyo, with PØRTAL DJs participating in the Fukuoka and Tokyo performances. The tour marked the continuation of PØRTAL’s relationship with Blushing and its ongoing presentation of significant international independent artists in Japan.
Geneva Jacuzzi — PØRTAL TOKYO (2025)
Los Angeles-based artist Geneva Jacuzzi made her first appearance in Japan through PØRTAL TOKYO in 2025. A key figure in the US West Coast independent music scene from the 2010s to the present, Jacuzzi is known for her distinctive synth-pop, experimental performance art and multidisciplinary practice spanning music, visual art, video, songwriting and production. Her work has been presented at institutions and venues including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), The Broad and the Getty Museum, and she has been associated with artists including Ariel Pink. In 2025, Jacuzzi also began developing KIDDO, a collaborative music project with The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess.
PØRTAL presented Jacuzzi’s long-awaited first Japan performance at R Lounge in Shibuya, Tokyo, as the live centerpiece of PØRTAL TOKYO. The event featured Yoichiro Yamazaki, editor-in-chief and CEO of rockin’on and producer of rockin’on sonic, alongside a diverse lineup of established and emerging DJs. The event represented PØRTAL’s continued practice of bringing significant international independent artists and influential figures from global music culture together in Japan.
Zack Zack Zack — PØRTAL Presents Japan Tour (2026)
Vienna-based art collective Zack Zack Zack returned to Japan in 2026 following their first Japan performances presented by PØRTAL in 2024. Known for their experimental darkwave sound and distinctive live performances, the collective has developed a strong following within Europe’s underground music scene. PØRTAL organized their 2026 Japan Tour across six cities—Kanazawa, Fukuoka, Okayama, Nagoya, Nagano and Tokyo—connecting Zack Zack Zack with independent music communities across Japan. The Tokyo performance at SPACE marked the inaugural edition of PØRTAL’s new live series Black Compass, further expanding the collective’s programming for contemporary darkwave, post-punk and underground music.
Buzz Kull / Holiday Sidewinder — INTO THE PØRTAL (2026)
Australian dark electronic artist Buzz Kull returned to Japan through PØRTAL’s INTO THE PØRTAL in 2026, following his PØRTAL Presents Live in Tokyo appearance in 2023. The solo project of Sydney-based musician Marc Dwyer, Buzz Kull has established a distinctive position in the contemporary darkwave, EBM and underground electronic scene, and in 2026 toured North America with Cold Cave and released his latest album Deep Hate on Heartworm Press. Joining him was Australian pop artist Holiday Sidewinder, who made her first appearance in Japan through INTO THE PØRTAL. Known for combining synth-pop, city pop, sophisti-pop, disco and yacht rock, Sidewinder has performed as a support act for artists including Mac DeMarco and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The Tokyo event at SPACE brought together two distinctive contemporary artists from Australia’s independent music scene, with Tokyo shoegaze / indie rock band Oeil and PØRTAL DJs completing the lineup.
PØRTAL Guest DJs & Collaborators
PØRTAL has invited DJs, musicians, music journalists, media figures, artists, and cultural figures from Japan and overseas to participate in its DJ events and cultural programming. These guests reflect PØRTAL’s connections across independent music, indie rock, alternative rock, post-punk, shoegaze, emo, indie sleaze, underground club culture, and international music media.
Ryan Riot
Swiss DJ, music producer and remixer Ryan Riot has participated in PØRTAL’s DJ programming as an international guest. Based in Switzerland, Riot is known for his work across indie dance, electro, post-punk and indie sleaze, and has performed at PØRTAL events in Japan as both a DJ and music collaborator. His participation represents PØRTAL’s direct connection with contemporary independent club culture and DJ communities outside Japan.
Alex Baker
Alex Baker is the founder of Post-Punk.com, an international music platform covering post-punk, goth, industrial, EBM, new wave, shoegaze and related alternative and avant-garde music. Baker has participated as a guest DJ in PØRTAL’s programming, connecting the collective’s Japanese events with an international media platform dedicated to documenting contemporary post-punk and underground music. His participation reflects PØRTAL’s relationship with international music journalism and the global post-punk community.
ZIN (MADAME EDWARDA)
ZIN (Zin-François Angélique) is the vocalist and leader of Japanese post-punk band MADAME EDWARDA and a pioneering figure in Japan’s positive punk, gothic and underground music scene. In the 1980s, ZIN founded CLUB WALPURGIS in Tokyo and served as its principal DJ, becoming an important figure in the early development of Japan’s positive punk and gothic club culture. He continues to work as a musician, DJ, poet and visual artist. ZIN has participated in PØRTAL events on multiple occasions, connecting the history of Japanese underground post-punk and gothic culture with PØRTAL’s contemporary independent music programming.
Andrew Schueneman
Andrew Schueneman is a musician associated with Worst Party Ever, an American emo and indie rock band from California. Worst Party Ever is known for its emotionally direct songwriting and guitar-driven sound and is connected to the contemporary American emo and independent rock scene, drawing on traditions of emo, indie rock and alternative music.
Schueneman has participated in PØRTAL’s DJ programming in Japan, bringing a musician directly connected to the contemporary American emo and independent rock community into PØRTAL’s club events. His participation demonstrates that PØRTAL’s international network extends beyond post-punk and shoegaze into emo and alternative rock communities.
Yoichiro Yamasaki
Yoichiro Yamasaki is the representative director of Rockin’on Inc. and editor-in-chief of the Japanese music magazine rockin’on. He is also a producer of rockin’on sonic, the music festival organized by Rockin’on. As one of the established figures in Japanese rock journalism and music media, Yamasaki has participated as a DJ in PØRTAL programming. His involvement connects PØRTAL’s independent music and DJ culture with one of Japan’s longest-established international rock media organizations.
MYZK
MYZK is the director of A STORE ROBOT, a Tokyo-based fashion and cultural retailer with a long-standing connection to alternative fashion and underground culture. MYZK has participated in PØRTAL events as a guest DJ on multiple occasions. His involvement reflects PØRTAL’s connections between independent music, alternative fashion, club culture and Tokyo’s wider underground cultural community.
Taichi Tsuji
Taichi Tsuji is the editor-in-chief of Sound & Recording Magazine, a leading Japanese publication focused on music production, recording, and audio technology, while also working as a DJ and producer. Under the name House Violence, he produces deep house and has released independent records internationally, including a 12-inch on Canadian label YUNG DUMB Records. His work has also appeared through labels including House Cookin’ in Belgium, Plastik People in the United States, FuFu in Hong Kong, and UNKNOWN season in Japan.
In addition to his own productions, Tsuji has worked on remixes and music production for artists including am8 and Haruna Yusa, and has been involved in engineering and audio production for Yuki Kawamura. His activities span DJ culture, independent electronic music, music production, recording, and music media.
Tsuji has also participated in PØRTAL’s DJ programming, connecting his work as a music-media editor and active DJ/producer with PØRTAL’s independent music and club culture.
Jacob Soto & Michelle Soto (Blushing)
December 10, 2019
Guest DJ — PØRTAL – Secrets –
Blushing is an Austin, Texas-based dream pop and shoegaze band formed in 2016 by two husband-and-wife duos. Featuring Michelle Soto on guitar and vocals and Jacob Soto on drums, the band blends shimmering guitars, dreamy melodies, and alternative rock influences. Their music draws from Lush, The Sundays, Cocteau Twins, and My Bloody Valentine, and they have become a notable presence in the modern shoegaze and dream pop scene.
Todd Manion (Bat Nouveau)
July 15, 2019
Guest DJ — PØRTAL – Metamorphoses –
Bat Nouveau is an Australian gothic rock and post-punk duo formed in 2008 by Todd Manion and Alex Palmer. Drawing from early goth, post-punk, deathrock, coldwave, and garage rock, the band developed a dark and distinctive sound that has earned them recognition within the international underground scene. They have shared stages with Peter Murphy and Gary Numan.
Moanzy
September 13, 2025
Guest Live
Moanzy is a Dutch indie and emo-pop artist known for raw, honest lyrics, melancholic melodies, and energetic live performances. Since 2021, he has toured across Japan, the Netherlands, and Germany, building an international audience with his emotionally charged DIY sound.
Venus In Noise
June 8, 2024
Guest Live
Venus In Noise is a London-based noise-pop duo blending post-punk, dark electronics, and glitchy rhythms with a strong DIY sensibility. Formed in 2019, they draw on influences ranging from Le Tigre to experimental electronic music.
J HOLMES (FVRMN)
December 14, 2024
Guest Live — PØRTAL: Emo Forever
J Holmes is a Tokyo-based songwriter and musician, formerly of The Ladderback and frontman of alternative punk band FVRMN. His solo work explores acoustic rock, folk, and alternative country, blending classic songwriting with a distinctly modern edge.
Jay MartinsThe (Native Broadcast)
April 12, 2025
Guest Live
The Native Broadcast is a Tokyo-based multinational alternative rock band formed in 2021. Blending rock, alternative, electronic, and other influences, the band is known for genre-fluid songwriting and ever-changing live performances.
Through these guest appearances and collaborations, PØRTAL’s DJ programming has connected international independent musicians, DJs, post-punk media, Japanese underground music pioneers, emo and alternative rock communities, established music journalism, fashion and contemporary club culture. This network of guests forms an important part of PØRTAL’s history as a Tokyo-based independent music and cultural collective.