Riyo Mountains
A DJ duo devoted to Japanese Minyo. They collect and research Minyo from across Japan, presenting them through DJ performances as well as through the reissue and curation of CDs and vinyl records.
Their major releases include Yumikagura, Sakai Ishi Nage Odori, Kizaki Ondo, and Nanyatoyara (all curated and supervised for EM Records).
They have contributed a mix composed entirely of Japanese Minyo to London based internet radio station NTS Live.
They have performed as DJs at various parties and festivals, including Nomindynamoite in Yamanashi and the Dai Bon Odori at Yamato cho Hachiman Shrine in Tokyo.
They also host the irregularly held party TOKYO MINYO MASSIVE.
Their program Minyo o Tazunete MIXED BY DJ Riyo Mountains is currently broadcast on NHK FM.
Their major releases include Yumikagura, Sakai Ishi Nage Odori, Kizaki Ondo, and Nanyatoyara (all curated and supervised for EM Records).
They have contributed a mix composed entirely of Japanese Minyo to London based internet radio station NTS Live.
They have performed as DJs at various parties and festivals, including Nomindynamoite in Yamanashi and the Dai Bon Odori at Yamato cho Hachiman Shrine in Tokyo.
They also host the irregularly held party TOKYO MINYO MASSIVE.
Their program Minyo o Tazunete MIXED BY DJ Riyo Mountains is currently broadcast on NHK FM.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
The first song that truly shocked me was “Mo Yada!” by BARBEE BOYS.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Soi48We’ve been longtime friends, but more than that, they’re simply the person whose instincts and sense I trust the most.
- 2.Lunv LoyalA rapper and game changer who transformed rural accents and dialects into something genuinely cool.
- 3.HEAT CRIMESThe UNESCO or Smithsonian Folkways of the post-internet generation.
Tokyo's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
Not limited to Tokyo, but lately I enjoy going to snack bars, listening to other people sing karaoke, and sensing the local accents and vibes through the songs.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
Muzik Bar CornerStone— 岩手県千厩町 / Senmaya-cho, Iwate
Not in Tokyo, but a wonderful bar with both a DJ booth and karaoke (DAM). The music, the people, and the conversations all feel completely real.
Record Shop
無し / None
I mainly collect records that aren’t available in record stores.
Café
ドトール / DOUTOR— 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Probably the café I’ve visited the most in my life. I love Doutor and have been to many locations across Japan, but this one is my favorite.
Label / Series
kenken
Also not in Tokyo, but a YouTube channel run by kenken, who lives in Kishiwada, Osaka. He constantly shares something real. I feel like I watch it almost every day.
Which local DJs/artists would you recommend?
DJ ZABIELL
zabiellOver the past year, definitely DJ ZABIELL. Watching the set felt like witnessing a genius. It completely blew me away.
Showcases
Artists from Tokyo
The cosmos, human life, the act of living, history. And parties and gatherings as their manifestation in the spirit of B
Born in 2001. Began DJing and organizing events in January 2024. Builds his sets primarily around techno, footwork, and
Played in a band during the 2000s. Started DJing around 2015. Since late 2023, has been a regular DJ at Ponpoko Mountain
Yumi Iwaki is a Tokyo-based electronic sound artist. Her work traces immersive soundscapes that feel like drifting throu
akii is a Tokyo-based DJ and selector. Moving fluidly between Roots Dub, Steppers, Dub Techno, Experimental Bass, and Am
The cosmos, human life, the act of living, history. And parties and gatherings as their manifestation in the spirit of B
Born in 2001. Began DJing and organizing events in January 2024. Builds his sets primarily around techno, footwork, and
Played in a band during the 2000s. Started DJing around 2015. Since late 2023, has been a regular DJ at Ponpoko Mountain
Yumi Iwaki is a Tokyo-based electronic sound artist. Her work traces immersive soundscapes that feel like drifting throu
akii is a Tokyo-based DJ and selector. Moving fluidly between Roots Dub, Steppers, Dub Techno, Experimental Bass, and Am
L?K?O is a singular artist who fuses the ritual instinct of a club DJ with the experimental spirit of a turntablist, cre