Music connects us all.
We music fans constantly hear that statement, knowing that music has the power to bring people together. But when you see that music truly has no bounds, you see influence from the music we create here in the United States played in countries far from us.
A perfect example of this is Japan’s bluegrass scene, which is unreal right now.
Although bluegrass originated in the Appalachian region of the United States in the 1900s, its roots span well before that. Rural roots music can trace its origins back to early fiddle-playing settlers from Ireland, Scotland, and England, as well as West African immigrants who brought the first iterations of the banjo. Mix in some elements of blues and jazz and you have what wound up becoming what we consider “bluegrass” today.
While this notably “American” genre was formed in one region of the United States, many people groups from around the world contributed to its formation. One of the best things about music is that it is not limited to any genre and constantly evolves as more emerge, influencing the direction of existing genres. One viral bar is helping influence the next generation of bluegrass players, but they are not emerging from the foothills of Kentucky. This group of stellar players is located in the popular shopping district of Ginza, in Tokyo, Japan.
Yep, you read that right: bluegrass is hot right now in Japan. This is not the first time we have seen bluegrass music have its moment in Asia as a Chinese player, Eric Shi, gained viral attention for his rendition of George Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning.” While Shi put his bluegrass spin on the classic country song, a bluegrass bar in Japan called Rocky Top (how fitting) features players returning to the roots of bluegrass, covering artists like Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs.
According to the website, Rocky Top opened in the ’80s and has been going strong ever since:
“Ginza Rocky Top is a long-established acoustic live house, bar and restaurant that opened in Ginza, Tokyo in 1980. In a casual and friendly interior styled after a mountain hut from the American pioneer era, you can enjoy live music to your heart’s content, focusing on bluegrass and country music. You can also dine here, with reasonable prices for drinks, food and charges! It’s within a 10-minute walk from the subway and JR stations! Please feel free to use it for private parties.”
The menu also offers some American-esque fare including jambalaya, baked potatoes, chili with beans, pizza and more.
Multiple videos from the dive bar have gone viral on TikTok, highlighting different groups on stage. This makes me wonder if this is a jam session-style bar where bluegrass players show up and rotate through songs, exchanging players rather than having a house band. Either way, I’m blown away.
The instrumentalists are spot on, and the vocals feature captivating twang while they sing many of bluegrass’ traditional songs.
@noahrunciman #japan #bluegrass ♬ original sound – Noah Runciman
This video, in particular, has gained the most viral attention, and many viewers, like me, are left in awe of the performance.
“It’s not a location. It’s a state of mind.”
“East Tennessee boy here! I need to visit!”
“I’m sure Bill (Monroe) would love to know this music is all over the world today.”
“I’m from Tennessee, and they got the vibe.”
“This rocks.”
“I need to go here.”
“This gives me life as an Appalachian.”
“There’s a piece of home on the other side of the world?? Crazy.”
Check out more posts highlighting the talent in this bar while you’re here. If you’re headed to Japan anytime soon, make sure to check it out:
@hiroakitakahashi73 Bluegrass Performance in Rocky Top Ginza… #Banjo #mandolin #blugrass #coutrymusic #bluegrassmusic #acousticguitar #fiddle #ginza #tokyo #rockytop ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – Hiro – Hiroaki
@worldbluegrassdayJapanese Bluegrass Band “Redbull” – Fox on the Run #bluegrass #folk #worldbluegrassday #concert♬ original sound – World Bluegrass Day
