The highlight of this year’s Nihongo Fiesta is of course Shounen Knife’s performance at San Miguel By The Bay. Accompanied by local bands Duster and Pedicab, these three rocking ladies from Osaka gave everyone a show they wouldn’t forget very very soon.

The festivities were kicked off by all-grrrl punk group Duster, best known for their radio hit Adik. They were followed closely by local dance-punk stalwart Pedicab — who included their J-pop inspired music video track Ang Pusa Mo in their twenty-minute set.

But it was Shounen Knife that everyone was definitely waiting for. The band played a specially selected line up of songs from their almost thirty years together, their set included crowd favorites Banana Chips and Top of the World. The packed gallery sang along to the songs that they knew by heart, and simply bounced around for the ones they didn’t.

Naoko, Ritsuko, and Etsuko had no trouble connecting with their Filipino audience — they knew just enough English to pump up their fans during emcees, and their easy-to-sing but highly addictive pop-punk music needed no translation. With songs covering topics close to the hearts of their local fans: love, peace, and food (who else but Shounen Knife would have songs dedicated to barbecue, sushi, and banana chips?!), Shounen Knife was definitely worth the long trek to Pasay City.

Shounen Knife at Mall of Asia was organized by The Japan Foundation Manila with the participation of the SM Supermalls. The live is part of 2010 Nihongo Fiesta, a week-long celebration that included The 37th Nihongo Speech Contest, a Nihongo Quiz Bee for high school students, and the Japanese Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest.

Thank you very much to the Japan Foundation for the invitation. Thanks also to Keith of Keith Dador Photography for the pics — I was too busy pogo-ing to take my own hahaha 😀 For portfolio or cosplay shoots, or for events coverage, you can get in touch with Keith at +63918-330-1487.