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About Us
How It All Began
Cicada Live started as a passion project within Small World, a Nagoya-based community events group focused on uniting foreign residents and local Japanese communities. A key initiative was Metal Meetup, a regular event pairing local bands with foreign audiences to expand each other’s networks. Its success spurred us to rebrand as Cicada Live, turning our small-scale showcases into a full-fledged platform for overseas bands aiming to explore Japan’s bustling, yet often hard-to-access, live music circuit.
From Community Roots to International Ambitions
After nearly a decade in Nagoya, we’ve developed a rich understanding of local customs, cultural nuances, and the broader music scene. This in-depth knowledge equips us to guide visiting artists through everything from venue selection and promotion to bridging language barriers. Where once we focused on bringing locals and foreign residents together, we now apply those same principles to help touring musicians launch successful shows, grow fanbases, and truly connect with Japanese audiences.
A Vision for Bands Touring Japan
Both Matthew (Managing Director) and Travis (A&R) have spent decades immersed in live music—particularly within the metal scene—so we know first-hand how challenging it can be to establish yourself in a different cultural space. By evolving Cicada Live, we’ve created a direct link between international artists and the vibrant Japanese music community. Our goal is simple: to ensure that foreign fans feel welcomed in local venues, and that Japanese crowds discover the thrills of international acts, sparking new opportunities for everyone involved.
Today, Cicada Live stands ready to help bands of all sizes navigate Japan’s distinctive live circuit. Whether you’re an emerging group testing new waters or a seasoned act looking to broaden your global reach, our extensive network and cultural insight will open doors that might otherwise remain closed. With professional coordination, on-the-ground know-how, and unwavering passion, we’re here to ensure your Japanese tour is both culturally seamless and unforgettably electrifying.
Core Principles
01
Professionalism & Accuracy
Close to a decade in events—spanning community activities, conferences, and professional events—taught us the importance of structured planning and precise execution. We bring those qualities to Japan’s live music circuit.
02
Cultural & Language Support
Japan can be tricky for non-Japanese speakers, so we handle everything from venue negotiations to local promotions in Japanese, offering clarity and ease for our clients.
03
Effective Marketing
With our background in modern, stylish marketing, we design campaigns that grab attention, engage fans, and expand reach in today’s digital-focused world.
Impact on Artists & Audiences
01
A Tour Experience That Feels Familiar
Our methods are in line with international business practices, bridging the gaps that can arise with Japan’s more unconventional approach.
02
Reliability & Efficiency
We keep things running smoothly to a standard seldom seen outside large-scale corporate events.
03
Authentic Local Connection
By tapping into local fanbases directly, we help foreign bands forge genuine bonds with Japanese audiences, and vice versa, all backed by strategic, creative marketing.
Navigating the Japanese Music Scene
We’ve built strong ties with bands from various genres in major cities nationwide. Having lived and worked here for years, we know exactly how to organise events with cultural precision—whether it’s local travel logistics, understanding city-specific quirks, or scouting the perfect venues for each act. Our bilingual team acts as your single point of contact for planning, negotiations, and booking, ensuring artists can focus on performing while we handle the finer details.
Often the biggest barrier for international acts is finding a reliable, English-speaking agent to manage everything from venue contracts to local fan outreach. That’s where Cicada Live steps in. We smooth out any cultural wrinkles, keep communication channels crystal-clear, and bring an element of flexibility that’s sometimes hard to find in Japan’s traditionally structured music scene. The result? A financially viable, high-impact tour that leaves everyone wanting more.
Who We Are
Cicada Live is powered by a versatile team, each bringing extensive events expertise and a profound understanding of Japan’s music landscape. Together, we provide strategic direction, fresh talent discovery, and seamless operations for every tour.
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Matthew Chima
Leads Cicada Live’s overall vision and strategic growth, drawing on years of success in events and marketing. He crafts campaigns that help bands stand out in Japan’s unique music scene, combining professionalism with a distinctly modern touch.
Co-Founder, A&R Manager
Travis Finch
Uses his deep knowledge of the local and international music scene to shape tours and scout emerging talent. Constantly on the road discovering new acts, he brings the best of Japan’s heavy music to foreign audiences and vice versa.
Operations Manager
Keigo Ichie
Keeps the show on track by coordinating logistics, schedules, and venue relations in native Japanese. His eye for detail and technical expertise ensure every event runs smoothly, leaving bands free to focus on their performance.
Ready to Work with Us?
Whether you’re a local Japanese act looking to broaden your fanbase or an overseas band aiming to break into the Japanese market, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today and see how Cicada Live can transform your live music vision into a reality in Japan.