umine Ogikubo in Suginami, Tokyo, has launched an audition project called “Chuo Line Art Encounter,” aimed at recruiting companions to promote Chuo Line culture. The first event will collaborate with the monthly, free-entry live event “exPoP!!!!!,” organized by NiEW, seeking musicians active along the Chuo Line, including Ogikubo, Koenji, and Asagaya.
The Chuo Line area is known for its rich cultural activities, encompassing film, theater, music, and art. Lumine Ogikubo aims to “expand and deepen the captivating activities in the Chuo Line area and become an important presence for customers” as a cultural enthusiast.
The audition entry period runs from October 19 (Saturday) to November 20 (Wednesday). Five groups selected through audio screening by mid-December will perform at “exPoP!!!!! Chuo Line Special Edition,” scheduled for February 6, 2025, at the live house “The Top Beat Club” in Ogikubo. The best group will have their artist poster displayed at Lumine Ogikubo and be featured in an interview with NiEW.
The judging panel consists of Kazuki Arima, vocalist/guitarist of the band Otogibanashi; Mansaku Kashiwai, representative of NiEW/exPoP!!!!!; and Maki Takenaka and Yume Nomura, operators of the media/community “me and you little magazine&club,” along with the store manager and staff from Lumine Ogikubo. Messages from each judge will also be shared.
Kazuki Arima
Even after nearly two decades of living in Tokyo, my passion for music remains as strong as ever, and I continue to create purely out of that love. If I can deliver melodies that add color to the landscapes I encounter, it would be a truly beautiful thing. I can’t help but feel excited at the prospect of someone, who lives their daily life in this way, bringing a new expression to the Chuo Line area.
Mansaku Kashiwai (exPoP!!!!!/NiEW)
My first experience organizing my own event with my favorite bands took place at ShowBoat in Koenji. There weren’t many attendees, and I felt a sense of frustration. I thought if I could just get people to experience the live performances… That sentiment gradually built up and culminated in the start of “exPoP!!!!!” as a free event 17 years ago. While I typically hold events in Shibuya, I’m excited to collaborate with Lumine Ogikubo to bring “exPoP!!!!!” back to my roots. I hope this leads to wonderful connections and new experiences.
Maki Takenaka & Yume Nomura (me and you)
Since my high school days, I’ve been curious about the music that fills this town, and I often came by to explore. I would be thrilled to meet those of you who continue to create unique music, no matter how small. (Takenaka) Strolling through the Chuo Line area, I can feel the warmth of the community, and it sometimes inspires me to think, “I will create something of my own. I will continue living my life day by day.” I eagerly anticipate discovering fresh music that emerges from this city, where daily life and artistic expression are so closely intertwined. (Nomura)
Lumine Ogikubo Store Manager
At Lumine Ogikubo, we strive to offer high-quality, uplifting experiences that resonate with the daily lives of our community members. To boost the local scene through music, we are excited to launch an audition project for musicians active along the Chuo Line. We welcome local artists with a deep love for their hometown to join us!
Lumine Ogikubo Staff
We are eager to create a vibrant atmosphere alongside fellow enthusiasts of the Chuo Line area through our shared love of music. Musicians from all genres are welcome! We look forward to your applications filled with your passion for this community!
“Chuo Line Art Encounter” Vol. 1: Lumine Ogikubo × exPoP!!!!!
Entry Period
October 19, 2024 (Saturday) – November 20, 2024 (Wednesday)
Audio Screening
Judges will listen to each entry’s audio submission and review the details provided in the entry form to select musicians who will advance to the next stage.
November 21, 2024 (Thursday) – Mid-December 2024
Winner’s Live Performance & Best Award Voting
Five artists who pass the audio screening will perform at the live event “exPoP!!!!! Chuo Line Special Edition” in Ogikubo! Audience voting will also take place on the day of the event.
February 6, 2025 (Thursday)
Best Award Announcement
The results of the Best Award will be announced based on votes from judges and the audience via Lumine Ogikubo’s venue and official social media channels!
Scheduled for late February to early March 2025
Entry Requirements
- All members must be 18 years or older.
- Must have a connection to the Chuo Line area, Suginami Ward, or nearby regions.
- Must have a desire to promote and uplift the local community.
- Must be able to communicate in Japanese.
- Must not have any restrictions that would hinder participation in the project.
- Must be able to participate in the final live event “exPoP!!!!! Chuo Line Special Edition” (held on February 6, 2025, in Ogikubo).
