Experimental Japanese music

J-Pop has its place and all, but usually I'm more interested in listening to music that's less mainstream. I really have no idea who pushes the envelope in the Japanese world, so I'm interested in suggestions. I'm particularly interested in groups that have lots of layers to their sound (in the manner of Arcade Fire, Björk, or Radiohead) or that could be labeled as psychedelic, though anything that's different or unique is good.

To start things off, I'd like to suggest the minimal ambient artist Tetsu Inoue
.

If you want some avant-garde noise rock, I suggest checking out Boredoms and OOIOO.

I'd also recommend Takako Minekawa, she probably falls under the J-pop genre but she is in no way an "idol". She writes and composes her own music, mostly experimental electronic work. Definitely one of my current favorite artists.

You may have already heard of Cibbo Matto, best way to describe their music: "Jazz, Hip-Hop, Brazilian music, African Drumming, Japanese Rock, Disco samples, and the cheap, under-funded, un-talented but, nevertheless, creative and genius of the spirit of the underbelly of the city." Sometimes it's a little hard to get into, but eh... I can dig it.

I just finished listening to Taiga by OOIOO. Lovely suggestion, just the sort of stuff I'm seeking. Having difficulty finding means to acquire albums by Takako Minekawa or Cibbo Matto though.

Hmm... I hope I did this right.
I couldn't seem to find anything either so, I uploaded some albums by Takako Minekawa from my collection to MediaFire.
First time uploading, I apologize in advance if I messed up anywhere, should work though.

Albums:
Roomic Cube
Cloudy Cloud Calculator
Fun 9
Maxi On

LISTEN TO BORIS!!!!! Those, the front man plays a twin neck guitar but one neck is a bass the other a guitar.

Boris is really wide in their genres.

Drone metal
Sludge metal
Rock and Roll
Psychedelic rock
Stoner rock
Hard rock
Noise rock
Ambient
Hardcore punk

yea? Their also experimental. Who care what they classify them self as?

None, I was just surprised at how wide their music covers. Mostly Drone Metal but I can understand why you'd call them Experimental. Btw they're amazing! THANKZ

After listining to boris check out the Melvins the band that boris got their name from. Good ol sludge. Acyuall the MELVINS are a direct influnce to nirvana.

I've checked them out before Boris. In fact the only reason I've heard of them is because OF Nirvana. Which led me to Soundgarden...

Completely amazing suggestions Palmas. I posted around just so I could get a 15 postcount to rep you. Takako Minekawa is quickly becoming one of my greatest new finds.

I'm all ears to any further suggestions you may give; I approve of your taste in music.

[Edit] A few problems: "Dessert Song" and "Rainy Song" didn't extract right...



I do happen to already have Sun Baked Snow Cave due to my interest in Japanese noise artist Merzbow (who collaborated with Boris for aforementioned album). Perhaps I am overdue for a proper Boris listen; I'm going to give Pink a try.

That's a very good time

I uploaded the two tracks separately, hope this doesn't cause any problems.

Dessert Song
Rainy Song

I also re-uploaded the album, different version from the last one, so it should work:
Roomic Cube

Hmm, I might just make a Takako Minekawa thread and upload the rest of her discography, already have half of it down anyway.

As for other artists worth mentioning; Rei Harakami, pretty good minimalist electronica. Or if you're open to something a little more weird, check out Geinoh Yamashirogumi.
You should be able to find most of their studio albums in this thread:
https://www.fakku.net/viewtopic.php?p=418773

When I think of a bit more experimental/out of the ordinary music from japan, the following comes to mind:

Melt-Banana (noise rock/experimetal)
Koenjihyakkei (prog rock/zeuhl)
Sigh (avant-garde/black metal)
Toe (post-rock/math rock)
World's End Girlfriend (post-rock)
柏 大輔 / Kashiwa Daisuke (electronic/modern classical)
well yeah and Boris, which has been named here numerous times already.

I like this person right here.

To add to that list I'd put Bondage Fruit, Le Silo, and Happy Family. I enjoy digging for crazy Japanese acts or really crazy acts in general.

Oh I forgot, Acid Mothers Temple Soul Collective and Green Milk From The Planet Orange. Psychedelia ho!

I'm going to second these, but also throw in No.305. His stuff is mostly available on UGU, his personal netlabel, and mostly offered in the form of split albums. It has a lot of other interesting acts to offer as well, although they aren't all Japanese.

Anyone for Acid Mother's Temple Soul Collective?