Looking for your next favorite Japanese artist? NiEW’s free-entry music event exPoP!!!!! vol.188 returns to Spotify O-nest in Shibuya, Tokyo, on September 25, bringing together five emerging acts to keep on your radar.
This edition features Suisen, Seikatsu no Sekkei, WENDY, Ofuro to Gaitou and Kaoru Hashimoto, spanning everything from alternative rock and Shibuya-kei-inspired pop to genre-blurring rock and intimate piano-led songwriting.
Suisen are a four-piece rock band from Kyoto whose music centers around a sense of “gentle hope.” Tajima (Vo/Gt) and Ando (Vo/Gt) share vocal and songwriting duties, drawing on influences ranging from UK alternative rock to folk pop.
Seikatsu no Sekkei are a two-piece band formed by brothers Shintaro (Vo/Gt) and Kumpei (Dr/Cho). Influenced by soul, soft rock and Shibuya-kei, they make what they describe as “a new kind of Japanese pop,” pairing melodic songwriting with lyrics that vividly capture everyday urban life.
WENDY are a Tokyo-based rock band working under the motto “From Setagaya to the World,” with all of their songs written in English. Their sound has roots in classical music and 1970s and ’80s rock and hard rock, while also bringing in elements of hip-hop and country.
Ofuro to Gaitou is an Osaka-based student artist whose music is built around classical piano, which they have played since the age of three. Their songs aim to reach those feelings that are difficult to put into words, balancing wistfulness with a sense of excitement.
Kaoru Hashimoto is the frontman and principal songwriter of Helsinki Lambda Club. His solo work takes a more personal approach, with open-ended lyrics that leave room for listeners to bring their own interpretations to the songs.
exPoP!!!!! vol.188 is free to attend with a two-drink minimum, with reservations now open via the official website. Can’t make it to Shibuya? The full event will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
NiEW presents exPoP!!!!! vol.188
exPoP!!!!! vol.188
Date: September 25, 2026 (Fri)
Venue: Spotify O-nest
Doors: 6:00 PM / Start: 6:30 PM
Admission: Free (two-drink purchase required)
Livestream: NiEW YouTube Channel
Lineup: Suisen, Seikatsu no Sekkei, WENDY, Ofuro to Gaitou, Kaoru Hashimoto
Ticket Reservations
Advance reservation is recommended, as entry may not be guaranteed without one.
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