Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto is the live music hub of the Kyushu region in Japan. While it doesn’t have the same reputation for live bands as Tokyo or Osaka, it boasts a few lovely little venues that showcase everything from in-house bands to out-of-town rock and rollers. If you’re looking for a gig or two in the area, here’s where to check out. Navaro Opened in 2005 as a bar and live music space, Navaro has established itself as one of Kumamoto’s best live music spots. It relocated to Minamitsuboi ward in 2016 and attracts acts of all genres and descriptions, from rock to J-Pop to hip-hop to techno. Most performers are Japanese acts, although the place does get the odd overseas name in to play. It has a great little intimate setup where you can get close to the stage. Fantastic sound, too. Website: https://navaro.info/ Kumamoto B9 Tucked away on an alley in Kumamoto’s Chuo ward, this venue is bigger than it looks and hosts a few tasty out-of-town bands. It puts on a lot of rock and metal acts where you can get down and dirty in the moshpit, although the venue caters to plenty of other styles if this is…