MeaganIt was October of 2018. I was casually browsing Twitter when I came across a poster showing all of the carnivals occurring in 2019 from around the world. Out of all of the carnivals, there was one that caught my eye instantly – “Soca in Japan”.
“What?!?” I thought. “There’s a carnival in Japan???”
Japan has always been on the top of my bucket list of countries to visit. And to experience my favorite pastime- carnival – in a country I’ve always wanted to go to?! I just had to go. I actually bought my ticket that same weekend (they had an early bird special going on).
One year later, I attended the festival in what became a week long solo trip, and it was such a great experience overall! So if you’ve always wanted to visit Japan, or feel some type of way after hearing the Osaka Riddim, or just want to know more about Soca in Japan then keep on reading!
What is Soca in Japan?
“Soca in Japan” is pretty much Japan’s version of a Caribbean carnival. Originating in 2016, the festival is also called Soca Weekend in Japan or Japan Carnival. All of the festivities are located in Tokyo, Japan’s most vibrant city and one of the biggest cities in the world. It is held from Friday-Monday during a weekend in September (the cheapest time to travel to Japan, by the way!). There are usually between 5-6 fetes (aka parties) during this weekend, or 1 to 2 fetes a day.
Usually the organizers invite a big Caribbean artist to their biggest party – so far they’ve hosted Machel Montano, 5 Star Akil, and Nailah Blackman. The organizers also attend Trinidad Carnival, so they at least have knowledge about what carnival is all about.
For more info you should also check out their Instagram page socainjapan.
Ok, now how do I sign up?
In order to attend Soca in Japan, you have to purchase your ticket(s) on Eventbrite. There are three types of tickets you can buy:
- The weekend pass: this pass gives you access to all of the parties during the weekend, including J’ouvert and Mas. Tickets go on sale one month after the festival in September ends, and the price increases over time.
- All-inclusive ticket: this pass gives you access to all of the parties, along with different tours all over Japan, hotel accommodation, and ground transportation (to/from the airport, events, and sightseeing tours).
- Individual party ticket – and, if you only want to go to a few parties and not all, you can purchase an individual ticket once the party is announced. The organizers announce parties periodically, so you’ll have to keep up with their Instagram page.
If you plan on playing mas, you can also purchase a costume directly from them or bring a costume from home.
Personally, I bought a weekend pass but only ended up going to 3 out of the 5 parties. I usually purchase tickets on Eventbrite so I didn’t have any issues.
How was the communication?
Communication was actually very good. I had to contact the organizers a couple of times in the months leading up to the event and they were able to get back to me within 24 hours. They use email to keep in contact with their attendees, which I HIGHLY prefer by the way. They also would post updates on their Instagram account and send out a mass email.
For example, we were told we had to pick up our Mas costume at either the first party or J’ouvert. However, just my luck, those were the two parties I could not attend. So as soon as I got to my hotel, I contacted the organizers and told them I cannot pick up my costume at either party, and if they’re any other times I can get it. Somebody contacted me right away and said I can pick it up that Sunday – we can either meet at a spot or I can get it at the Island Nations party. Since I was already attending the party, I picked it up there and had my costume ready for Monday Mas.
Where should I stay for Soca in Japan?
Definitely stay in the Shibuya area if you want to be within walking distance of all the parties. Shinjuku is also an option since the neighborhood is close by, however a majority of the parties took place in the Shibuya area. I would say it’s important to stay close to the parties since trains stop running after 12am, and most parties stop way later than 12am. And yes you can always call an Uber, however Uber rides are very expensive in Japan. So in summary, try to stay within a close distance to the action.
Personally, I stayed in the Nippon Seinenkan Hotel, which is between Shibuya and Shinjuku. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk to the train station, and only one stop away from Downtown Shibuya. I like the hotel because there were plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, and the hotel had a lot of amenities such as a pool, an indoor restaurant, a really fancy bidet, and even its own onsen. And it was definitely more spacious compared to other hotel rooms I browsed (if you didn’t already know, Japan is notoriously known for having very tiny, cramped hotel rooms). The nightly rate was only $105 per night for a Superior Single room.
How were the parties?
The question you’re probably wondering about the most – well how were the parties? Let me tell you a little about me – I’m a Jersey girl but I constantly hang out in New York and, ofcourse, I attend Caribbean parties in NYC as well. And I will tell you – the parties in Japan were equally as great. They had TONS of vibes, vibes I did not expect at all.
My favorite party was one called Rum N Bass. It was held at a Caribbean spot in Japan, and the party went from 11:30pm to 5am. Upon arrival, we were given two tickets to get two free drinks. I got my drink, and went to the front of the room which seemed to be the most live. And while there, I met people from all over the world – Caribbean expats in Japan, Trinidad, and Jamaica to be specific. Even though I went by myself it was easy to meet new people.
And here’s a funny video of the DJ trying to (unsuccessfully) crowd surf.
I also attended the second party called Island Nations, which was the main event. It was held in Club Harlem, which according to another tour guide I met in Japan, Club Harlem is one of the most popular clubs in Shibuya so it was a big deal.
This party was pretty fun as well, and it was also the longest party of the whole weekend. There were many different performers that performed, and then Nailah Blackman was the last performer.
And then, there was Mas on the Sea. Playing mas on the boat was a LOT of fun. I thought the boat was going to collapse because of all the jumping happening, but it didn’t. There was a bit of a mix up with the lines leading into the boat which ended up in confusion. You were also not allowed to store any items on the boat (unless you had a tour ticket). As a result – sadly I don’t have any pics/videos because my phone died shortly after getting on 🙁. So sorry!!!
How does Japan Carnival compare to, let’s say, Cropover or other Caribbean carnivals?
Japan Carnival is nothing like carnival in Caribbean islands. It should be obvious that it’s not the same at all, but when I came back from Japan people did ask me this question since I did go to Cropover last year.
Carnival in the Caribbean is much more deep-rooted and authentic. Japan carnival only encapsulates a portion of the carnival experience. Carnival in the Caribbean takes place in the whole country. Japan’s carnival is muchhh more smaller and much more “discreet” – locals did not know about it since events are held in specific locations and not in the public. Carnival in the Caribbean hosts more parties, whereas Japan Carnival only held 5. Needless to say, you won’t get the “full” carnival experience if you go to Soca in Japan. But if you like a smaller crowd AND the chance to experience Japanese culture, then this is the right experience for you.
Now, as for my experience – was it worth attending Soca in Japan?
100% yes!!! I was COMPLETELY surprised by how big the Caribbean scene was in Japan. I was even more shocked by how lit the Caribbean parties were. And it seems as though the Caribbean expats who live in Japan were very hyped (or at least that’s what I saw when I went).
I would rate my overall experience an 8 out of 10. If I were to do it all over again, I would attend every party, now that I had a chance to explore most of Tokyo.
Here are some other things you should know:
- September is rainy season in Japan. Matter of fact, there was a typhoon the weekend before I went. However don’t let this discourage you – it only rained for one day while I was there and when it did, the rain didn’t last as long. So it’s all about luck I guess
- The drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. So as long as you’re 20 years or older, you can come. Oh, and people of all ages were there.
- For my US readers – save up at least $1200 for the trip. Also, airfare prices usually go on sale in April and May. I left from NYC and spent about $600 on airfare. If you’re from the west coast, most likely you’ll spend less.
- For all international readers – make sure to get a pocket WiFi before attending. This is a must! You would need WiFi at all times (in my opinion) to help you navigate Tokyo or to translate signs that are not in English.
