author: Sxl, Aurore & Kay

source: Japan Expo

Over the past few days, Japan Expo has announced a variety of artists who are to perform at the event. This year, Japan Expo takes place in Paris, France, from July 2nd to 5th. Next to the previously announced girls' group AKB48 and the pop duo Puffy, the following artists have been announced:

TRILL-DAN - July 3rd

"Dangerous and sexy", these are the adjectives that stick to Japanese trio TRILL-DAN, who come this year to kick off Japan Expo on the third of July, with an incredibly hypnotic kind of punk rock.

Created in Kobe, TRILL-DAN is composed by two women, Maru (vocals, guitars) and Juan (vocals, bass) and one man, drummer Giva. TRILL-DAN mixes LOSTPROPHETS's spirit with ZEBRAHEAD's soul. The band left Kobe's urban jungle to fight against unsavory music. Everywhere, they hypnotize their audience with their music: chaotic fusion mixing punk and rock. With TRILL-DAN, a new movement is born!

Ra:IN - July 3rd

Also Ra:IN, who were present at Japan Expo 2008 as well, will be performing again this year. The almost entirely instrumental rock band, fronted by PATA of X JAPAN, will also be kicking off the event on Friday, July 3rd. Fans of pure rock'n'roll should be looking forward to their instrumental pieces, colored by the incredible experience of these exceptional musicians.

School Food Punishment - July 4th

A mix of a pop sound with rock influences, the music of School Food Punishment will not leave you indifferent. Check out this quartet on the JE Live House stage on July 4th!

After releasing three indie mini-albums, the band comes back with a new single, Futuristic Imagination which will go on sale soon. Their performance at JE Live House stage, spearhead of young Japanese artists, will be a good starting point for the beginning of their European career to introduce them to the French audience.

Yui Makino - July 4th

Known for her work for various anime series, the young Yui Makino will be performing at JE Live House on July 4th. Let yourself be enthralled by her universe and light voice.

Born in 1986, Yui Makino started to play the piano at the age of four. Her talent was soon discovered by film director Shunji Iwai and she played piano solos for three of his films, amongst them "Love Letter." Later, she also made her debut as a singer.

SUNS OWL - July 5th

Created in 1998, the band released their first album, SCREAMING THE FIVE SENSES, in August 1998, and in 2001, they released their second album RECHARGED. After this release, they became the main piece of the heavy metal scene in Japan. The band has had the opportunity to play overseas as the opening band of artist such as SYSTEM OF A DOWN, SLAYER and SEPULTURA. In 2005, they were also invited to play at SXSW: the biggest musical convention in the world, which takes place in Austin, Texas.

More information about the event can be found on Japan Expo's homepage.