Meet the Rock 'n' Rollers of Harajuku: The Strangers | Tokyo Weekender

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.
To read the full Tokyo Weekender article, click here: www.tokyoweeke...
Follow the Strangers on Instagram at / strangersharajuku_offi...
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Tokyo Weekender
Tokyo Weekender has been the cornerstone of expat life in Tokyo since 1970. We're your go-to for news, events and culture in the city, and amplify the voices of people who make Tokyo the incredible city it is.
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Translation by Lyn Tsuchiya
Article by Zoria Petkoska
Filmed and edited by Lisa Knight

[@greywolf2835]

I lived in Tokyo for 9 years and would see the Strangers on occasion doing their thing in Yoyogi Park. More power to them!
They are not a Tokyo sideshow....they are a group of friends dedicated to keep a modern tradition alive.
We had a rock-a-billy / swing revival in the 1990s here in the States too. I remember going to a few places in Chicgo dancing to older tunes. The magic is still alive!!! It is up to each person to fine their own "something" that gives that little spark of magic.
Rock on Strangers!!!!

[@Wolfie254]

This culture blending of rock-n-roll and Japan warms my heart.

[@BarstoolRevolutionZine]

I've visited Tokyo once in '97 and remember seeing them. More power to them, and I hope younger people pick up the tradition.

[@titanrain3374]

Beautiful video, I loved how even the rain couldn't dampen the passion of the Rock and Rollers. Respect from the USA.

[@thisgirlsopinion]

If I ever make it to Tokyo, this will be on my list before I leave. You are all amazing, and I thank you for what you do! ❤🎉

[@salx4948]

Who is anyone to criticize if it keeps them young at heart ❤❤❤.

[@ItsJustRyan89]

What criticism?

[@palthehuman]

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich genoß dieses Video von Herzen, da ich selbst im Jahre 2008 Japan bereiste und schon damals mich am Anblick der Rock ´n Roller ergötzen durfte. Ich denke noch immer gerne an diese Tage zurück und hatte großen Spaß selbst das Tanzbein mit diesen Menschen schwingen zu dürfen. Ich danke Ihnen für dieses umfangreiche Interview mit diesen Legenden und möchte an dieser Stelle anmerken das dieses Video hier und da ein wenig zackiger geschnitten hätte sein können. Dennoch würde ich dieses Video weiterempfehlen und danke für diesen Inhalt. Liebe geht raus und ich wünsche ihnen ein wundervolles Leben.

[@user-cs6de9yn6h]

An inspirational example of true passion! 🤘

[@robmardle]

I visited Tokyo earlier this month and went to watch these guys in Yoyogi park.Loved it. Brilliant

[@user-gj3de9be4d]

凄い、いいと思います、年齢関係なく青春は、いいと思います😊

[@liamramshaw6969]

These guys are legit Rock n Roll! Absolutely love this video.

[@kkss-kg9ls]

音源担当いるんですね　だいぶ前だけどロカ以外のポップス流れてるの聞いてセンスあるな～って思いました　東京着て３０年たちますがその時から（もっと前からだろうけど）変わらずにいるってすごくかっこいいです、いつまでも踊ってください！

[@shirolee]

This is so awesome!! I'm glad they're still keeping this subculture alive!

[@user-he1kg1fn8k]

REAL✨

[@WreckTheSphere]

Legends.

[@reggiegetupkid]

What type of hat is that gentleman wearing looks really cool

[@johnnyestmort]

❤️‍🔥Strangers❤️‍🔥

[@soriya9306]

久々にレピドールの雰囲気✨
サブリーダーのお姉さんトーク力バツグン!!

[@HecmarJayam]

Awesome people! 🤩

[@peyang100]

自分はある意味彼らと対局にいるような人間だけど、動画を通じて、時に遠くからリスペクト
しながら、ずっと楽しませてもらっています。

[@lyntsuchiroo]

a true group of badass people❤‍🔥

[@helenf4214]

Sadly i went there today..2024 on a sunday
No one there any more.😢

[@thelonelyamazonian7039]

Hi Helen, they were there on Sunday July 7th. Most possibly from 13:00 onwards.
I saw them perform on Rion Ishida’s (Japanese Vlogger) video. It’s on his recent upload titled: Harajuku New Travel Spot “Harakodo” marked at @23:38.
Best Wishes! 👍
😊

[@TokyoWeekenderOfficial]

@@thelonelyamazonian7039 Hello! They still dance every Sunday! We spoke to them recently and unfortunately the forecast was due to rain on Sunday, and when that happens they usually don't dance. Hopefully they'll be there next weekend!

[@richardpartogi]

Still rock senpai🎉

[@user-xn9fd6qy9n]

こんな風に井戸端会議してるんだぁ～♥️
廃工場で焚き火しながら
躍りの反省会してると思ってました～😅

[@ziny2814]

これは、なんというジャンルですか

[@nabilb1484]

Like si tu viens aussi de « Le Japon en noir et blanc » 😅

[@EyBossPusi]

Tokyo Revengers Mikey Getting Old

[@あほたろううう]

Nothing to be. This is rockabilly not Yanky

[@55wasabi5]

さりげなくヒップホップ馬鹿にしてくるね〜　直毛くん

[@family-rp2nw]

東京ロカビリークラブ副リーダーコウジ 初代ストレンジャートラ ストレンジャーのロゴマークを作った相談役ケンさん
キヒロ組のキヒロ
頭おかしいヒロシ
カニとかどうした？😂この女性可愛いタイプ❤

[@yell7954]

トラさんの踊りは最高でしたね👍

[@user-uj3yr7bp6s]

こんにちはお互い良い歳とりましたね😅健康に気を付け頑張りましょ❤コロナも有り会ってないですね😂又ランデブーお話ししましょいう🎉

[@user-fw3ml1tk9j]

男だらけというのが日本独特。欧米なら半数は女性だろう。永ちゃんのコンサートと同じで硬派の男たちが集まって来る。この感覚は日本人にしかわからないかな

[@DeeDee_tesla]

一番若いのが一番ダサく見えてて笑った😂

[@user-kp9fr2wx7u]

腰に手ぬぐい
ぶら下げて〜♪
😂😂🎉🎉🎉😢

[@bobcreature2127]

Man, if they only knew that this was never really that cool in the states and certainly isn't anymore.
I guess the same probably goes for ricers in America.

[@user-lp6eu4yd2y]

リーゼントできないのにね

[@TheUnkosunzen]

今時路上喫煙するとか病気？

[@osakanaification]

わざわざしょうもないこと言いに来てなんなの？

[@user-yc9hc6lv8h]

家でやれ、家で

[@kyoukikyouai]

日本オリジナルみたいに言いたいならアニソン流して踊ったら?