Meet the Rock n Rollers of Harajuku: The Strangers

The Strangers are one of the biggest and oldest groups of rockabillies in Tokyo. Before there were kawaii Harajuku girls or strawberry cream crepes, they were there with greased hairdos and taped-up shoes. They’re the OGs of Harajuku’s subcultures, rocking out every Sunday for 33 years.

Tokyo Weekender sat down with founder Jess Yamanaka, group leader Charlie, sub-leader Miki, music mixer Haruo and assistant music mixer Tatsu. Boil the kettle, sit down and relax with us in a hidden kissaten in Harajuku as we get to know the iconic Strangers.

Produced, shot and edited by Lisa Knight
Accompanying article by Zoria Petkoska
Translation by Lyn Tsuchiya