Rockbrat Wonders: About The Oasis-Japan Relationship

Note: This is a re-published post – written in 2009 when the great Oasis were still active !

British Rock kings Oasis have always been held in high regard with the Japanese fans – it’s a relationship which has never really been analysed – until now. I am a fan of both subjects, so thought I would post my thoughts ! Why do the Japanese love Oasis ? Great songs ? Absolutely. Great musicians ? Definitely. But it goes further than that. The fascination with western pop and rock music dates back to the 50′s. The Beatles, Stones, Bob Dylan etc have all enjoyed immense popularity in Japan. For some artists, the popularity is fleeting, whilst others (particularly artists like John Lennon) remain consistently appealing to new generations of fans. Oasis are the same. When the boys first played the clubs in 1994 it was pure chaos, with wild scenes not witnessed since rabid Beatlemania circa 64. The band was followed constantly and if you’ve seen some of the images of the fans crowding the bullet trains which the band was on, you’ll know what I mean. Since then, Oasis pretty much conquered the planet, with subsequent tours of Japan almost always sold-out. Liam and Noel are constantly gracing magazine covers like In-Rock, or Cross Beat – even when they are not actually touring Japan. Most recently, the video clip for Acquiesce was of a distinctly Japanese flavour – i.e. the young guy who digs karaoke and sings Liam-style. I for one thought this video clip was superb ! I recently followed the band on the 2009 shows and had a blast. Whether it was meeting up with fans outside venues or on trains – it was a memorable experience to treasure. When I arrived in Nagoya I went to the Tourist shop and the attendant asked ‘Are you here for Oasis? ! Then when I get to my hotel and flick on the TV – bam! – it was Oasis live – (Wembley 10/08) ! How cool is that ! Merch stands in Japan are usually an orderly affair where fans queue up politely to purchase tour items. Often, you will find bootleg merch stands outside venues whish sell an assortment of Oasis related items (see image above). I purchased a bootleg shirt which – at 2500 yen – was cheaper than the official shirt and a much cooler design (I am not condoning this activity as the band miss out on profits – but in saying that, I reckon it’s been ages since Oasis have printed a really cool tour shirt !). Often, in the bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka, they will have an Oasis themed night to co-incide with the tour – so look out for that. The Japanese love and will continue to love Oasis – even when the band decide to call it quits. It is as simple as that. If you are an Oasis fan and you want to experience the band in a totally unique place where they are adored – save your money for the next Japan tour !