Big in Japan Presents Yellow Magic Orchestra, Cibo Matto at Hollywood Bowl

Big in Japan at the Hollywood Bowl brings together the biggest names in Japanese pop music for a one-of-a-kind concert that spans genres and generations. Iconic Japanese electro-pop pioneers Yellow Magic Orchestra (with original members Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi) return for their first show in L.A. since 1979; and after 10 years, Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori reunite Cibo Matto for this special night. Tokyo's Buffalo Daughter and DJ Towa Tei (former Deee-lite member) join the line-up that celebrates Japan. Legendary dance master Fujima Kansuma performs kabuki-style dance with her dance troupe Fujima Kansuma Kai and the Taiko Center of Los Angeles, directed by Rev. Tom Kurai, performs traditional Japanese taiko drumming. KCRW DJ Eric Lawrence hosts.

Returning to Los Angeles for the first time since 1979, Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) is an iconic Japanese group whose innovations included the integration of exotic sounds and techno elements in their so-called "computer music." YMO has been one of the central figures in the techno/new wave movement starting in the late 70s, along with Kraftwerk and DEVO, and have influenced countless techno/hiphop/pop/rock musicians throughout the world. Their Hollywood Bowl performance coincides with a new "Best of" compilation from Sony which will be released mid-June. The compilation features handpicked songs from the band members themselves, spanning the entire YMO catalogue. The songs have been re-mastered and the compilation's aim is to introduce YMO's music to a younger generation, as well as please the long time fans with a fresh take on the band's extensive repertoire.

Upon agreeing to perform as part of Big in Japan at the Hollywood Bowl, Cibo Matto was inspired to take their reunion a step further. They recently announced the Yeah Basically Cibo Matto national tour that begins June 21 in Seattle, and are working on music for a new album due out in early 2012. Big in Japan marks the first time Cibo Matto has performed at a major concert venue in 10 years.

Buffalo Daughter consists of members suGar Yoshinaga, Yumiko Ohno and moOog Yamamoto, often augmented by a drummer and other guests. Buffalo Daughter's latest album, The Weapons of Math Destruction is available on June 14. Their sound is heavily influenced by German progressive rock and techno pop, but also includes bits of dub, club, shoe gaze and post-rock influences. Buffalo Daughter is often considered part of the Japanese 90s pop movement known as Shibuya-kei. This versatile group has collaborated with a wide range of artists including the French group Air, former member of techno-pop pioneers The Plastics, idol Ami Suzuki, veteran Mari Natsuki, Takako Minaka, Cornelius, Naoko Yamano of Shonen Knife and Cibo Matto.

Towa Tei debuted as a member of Deee-Lite in 1990 and solo debuted with the album Future Listening in 1994. As a music producer, he has been involved in producing music for other artists, TV commercials and movie soundtracks. As a DJ, his regular party "Motivation" in Tokyo and Kyoto attract a huge crowd, and his concept party "Hotel H" is becoming a new social spot for industry people. In April 2011, Towa Tei released his 6th original album, Sunny.

Preconcert Festivities (free with a concert ticket)

Big in Japan celebrates Japanese culture with preconcert activities on the Hollywood Bowl grounds at 4:30pm. The festivities include:

Taiko drumming demonstration - Taiko Center of Los Angeles

Kabuki dance costume and make-up display - Fujima Kansuma Kai

Karate demonstration - Monterey Park Karate Club

Kimono display - LA Kimono Club

Origami folding and folk storytelling - Kuniko Yamamoto

Sake tasting (21 and over only) - The Joy of Sake

For complete bios and program details, please visit HollywoodBowl.com.

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the HOLLYWOOD BOWL has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and is home to the best and brightest in all genres of music. It remains one of the best deals in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's concerts. The venue offers something for everyone, from its sizzling summer evening concerts to the daytime summer arts festival for children, "SummerSounds: Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl," now in its 43rd season. In January 2011, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the seventh year in a row at the 21stAnnual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with summer in Southern California. www.HollywoodBowl.com

Tickets ($12 - $104) are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, by calling 323.850.2000, in person at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (Tuesday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m.), or through Ticketmaster. Groups of 10 or more may call 323.850.2050 for information about special rates, subject to availability.

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