City Beats: Kyoto
In our City Beats series, we explore underground scenes in cities worldwide, both past and present. This week, we’ll deep dive into Kyoto’s rave scene, the artists behind it, and their mission to save their most cherished underground venue.
History of Kyoto Rave
Kyoto’s history of raving dates back to the ‘90s, when a club called Metro opened its doors and welcomed international DJs and local talent like Mondo Grosso and Kyoto Jazz Massive. Kyoto’s underground scene has always championed artistic innovation, and today it’s well known for its diverse mix of vinyl-only nights, experimental collectives, penchant for house and UK Garage, and incredible mountain festivals like Star Festival.
Rooted in DIY culture and net-label communities, venues like LAB.TRIBE, West Harlem, and Soto act as the spiritual homes for the city’s artists and dancers.
But clubbing in Japan is also a form of resistance. In 1948, the government introduced a controversial law known as the "dance ban" or Fūeihō. It regulated entertainment businesses, especially those related to nightlife, and effectively banned dancing in clubs without a special license. Despite this, Kyoto’s nightlife is vibrant, fusing high energy dance music, a strong sense of community, and experimentation into one vibrant cultural movement.
Kyoto's Rave Scene Rallies for its Future
One of the clubs that’s most synonymous with Kyoto’s rave scene is West Harlem. Tucked alongside the tranquil Kamogawa River in Kyoto’s historic Pontocho district, West Harlem is far more than a club – it’s home to the city’s underground scene. Over a decade, this club has nurtured Kyoto’s community of local talent and welcomed international innovators, all united by a passion for high-quality sound and forward-thinking music. Now, West Harlem is calling on its global community to help secure its next chapter.
A Decade of Dance
Founded in 2013 in the basement of Shijo-Kawaramachi, West Harlem quickly earned a cult following for its warm, bass-rich audio and eclectic programming. From dub and reggae to techno and house, the club has always embraced the full spectrum of dance music and has become famous for its “Supreme Sound System.”
In 2023, they relocated to a picturesque riverside spot, which brought even more possibilities with a larger space, scenic views, and a bigger stage to push boundaries.
To celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, West Harlem dropped a powerful compilation of tracks by artists who’ve helped define their sound. They plan to use any money raised from this compilation to install advanced soundproofing, so they can fully unleash the power of their upgraded Saiko-Onkyo Sound System without disturbing the local neighborhood.
A Soundtrack to the Scene
The West Harlem Compilation is available exclusively on Bandcamp, and features over 35 tracks. It’s a meticulously curated journey through the club’s sonic history, mixed and mastered by Kyoto’s very own Stones Taro of NC4K, and spanning multiple genres. Let’s take a look at some of the artists featured on the compilation, and how they became mainstays of the Kyoto scene.
Stones Taro – One of the defining names in Kyoto’s underground, Stones Taro blends UK garage, house, and breakbeat with a distinct edge. As both a producer and the mastering engineer for the compilation, he credits West Harlem for launching his career, and providing a space for him to hone his sound.
NTsKi – A boundary-pushing producer, vocalist, and performer, NTsKi’s ethereal yet club-ready sound reflects Kyoto’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. Her sets at West Harlem are known for being unpredictable and unforgettable.
Torei – A core resident DJ, Torei is known for his genre-blurring sets that move effortlessly between experimental bass and peak-time techno. His selections capture the unpredictable magic of a night at West Harlem.
RILLA – One of the rising stars of the Kyoto scene, RILLA brings an infectious energy to the decks. Whether playing deep cuts or hard-hitting anthems, his presence on this compilation cements his place as a key figure in the club’s future.
Join the Movement
The West Harlem Compilation embodies Kyoto’s sense of community, and is a direct way to support one of Japan’s most cherished underground spaces and continue its legacy as a sanctuary for adventurous music, deep listening, and sweaty, joy-filled nights on the dance floor. In their own words, the goal is simple: to build a “smiling music paradise” where dancers and artists can thrive.
