Open Mic / Street Performing

[TheNationalPool]

I haven't read through the other posts yet so I'm not sure if it's been covered already, but does anybody know of any good bars around Tokyo or Yokohama for open mic nights?

On a side note, does anybody know the rules about street performing? Do you have to get a license first?

Thanks!

Brad

[JonB]

I think in general street performing is illegal - or that is what I heard. There are certain areas where it seems to happen, like yoyogi park on a Sunday, but I have no idea of the procedure.

Sometimes you see them in shopping malls but I would suspect that is by arrangement.

As to open mic nights - sorry can't help you as I don't get out much these days

[adam]

Here in Shizuoka there are street performers every weekend just the Marui department store. It seems encouraged here. In the fall, there is a big international street buskers competition. A few weekends ago, I saw a duo perform - juggling, fire swallowing etc. When they passed around the hat after their show, they seemed to do quite well with tips. I saw a number of people put in 1,000 yen notes. If you are interested, I could find the date and url for that competition.

[Taurus]

I saw a really good puppeteer in Asakusa around New Year's this year. He drew quite a crowd, but it didn't look like he made much money - my girlfriend reckons that's because there isn't such a culture of busking in Japan. Dunno if he got permission or not...

[adam]

Here's information about the festival I mentioned...
http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyotravel/tok ... velinc.htm

Apparently 1.5 million people attended the 4 day event!

[atomsk]

on a Sunday with nice weather there are so many bands performin at yoyogi park and towards the TV studios there.. i cant imagine how they all get licenses for that.