When traveling, it’s common for the traveler to have an interest in the local talent that is on offer (and No, I’m not referring to the opposite sex!). I am talking about the DJs: For many people, the main draw point to a certain club or event. Since arriving in Japan a year ago to work/live, naturally I have had a desire to learn more about Japanese DJs, and the styles that dominate in the dance scene.

Satoshi Tomiie, a Japanese DJ who has become famous around the world, is one man that has earned himself quite a lot of respect both in Japan and internationally. As I hadn’t seen or heard a lot about him since being here, I was interested to check him out myself for the first time. Tomiie, well-known for his Global Underground “Nu-breed” compilations, amongst other things, focuses on a mixture of house, tech-house and progressive – sounds that are very popular here in Japan.

To my surprise, his tour included only two nights, Tokyo and Kobe. Kobe was an unexpected choice for the Kansai Area as most big names play in Osaka – Recently more clubs have been popping up in Kobe, to try and change this Osaka-domination. One such club that is trying to change this is FLARE. FLARE is not really a club but more a disco. Yes, you heard right, a disco. A disco in the sense that it has more class than your average club, with assigned seating on comfortable leather couches and staff dressed in suits. It’s small and intimate yet with enough room to move. Other added bonuses include a free face massage/make-up service (for women AND men) and one of the most spectacular views I’ve seen in a club in Japan. Being on the eighth floor, the dance floor is surrounded by huge windows that overlook the city of Kobe. The large DJ box is situated in front of one of these huge windows, on punter-level. I always enjoy a club where the DJ is on our level….I think it can create a sense of “togetherness” with the DJ and the people. Also no drinks or cigarettes are allowed on the dance floor – a good idea! Overall, FLARE is a very warm and inviting venue that does not put the bar as a main focus – it puts the people first – thus creating an atmosphere different to other venues.

The doors opened at 8pm with Tatsuhiko Fuji (Fusion) on the decks. I unfortunately could not make it there at that time, but when I arrived at 10.30pm, he was still on playing some warm house to cool us off as we came in from the cold winter’s night outside. The crowd was already very relaxed and laid-back, and the music was very audience-friendly. Yoku (ATB) was up next, playing a smooth mix of progressive house and tech-house. Setting the pace, he started with many vocal (but not cheesy) tracks, progressing into more tech-beats, getting darker and darker…..until he turned it more uplifting. The crowd went with his flow and the intimate now laser-enhanced dance floor filled up. He also played a wicked version of “When Doves Cry” by Prince – which everyone sang along to!

Coming up soon was the main man; however there was news that he was feeling ill so there was uncertainty about how long he would play. At 1am, Tomiie graced the decks (one hour earlier than scheduled) and, unfortunately, played for under 2hrs. Obviously lacking energy, Tomiie definitely appeared to be someone who was not feeling well. He did although play some wicked tracks, interwoven together in seamless mixing. A true professional. Notably, the prog version of Dido’s “White Flag” entertained, among others. Disappointed that I didn’t get to witness the true Tomiie experience, I was determined to keep on dancing to the other local DJs as they were giving it all they got! This combined with the excellent lighting system and great sound – not too loud, not too much bass – made for a cruisy upbeat vibe.

Following him was Yoku again, adding a dash of funkiness to his set to a still pumpin’ crowd. Then Taka trailed him, picking up the pace with some more popular, but not cheesy, trance tracks to keep the last few punters dancing until 6am.

On the whole, this party was a lovely way to spend a cold Sunday evening. House-based but not boring, the steady pace of the music worked well with the crowd and the lush venue. I was impressive that Satoshi Tomiie would choose to play in such a small venue to just a small group on a Sunday night. However it was truly disappointing that he was unwell and could not play for longer and with more muscle. I hope that I can see him again sometime in the near future – I did thoroughly enjoy his music choice. The highlight for some of my friends was the make-up/face massage thing on offer, but for me, it was the view…ah yes the view, topped with smooth tunes – just what I needed for my first night out in 2004!
Satoshi Tomiie played at FLARE in Kobe 11/1/04, and at Space Lab Yellow, Tokyo 16/1/04. UNDULATION 1 will be out on Saw Recordings – it’s mixed and compiled by Satoshi Tomiie and Hector Romero www.satoshitomiie.com http://www.sawrecordings.com/ www.futique.com