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.

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Translation by Lyn Tsuchiya
Article by Zoria Petkoska
Filmed and edited by Lisa Knight

[greywolf]

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!!!!

[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! ❤🎉

[robmardle]

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

[Wolfie]

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.

[titanrain]

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

[salx]

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

[shirolee]

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

[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.

[liamramshaw]

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

[DarrellJohnson-ck]

I was in Tokyo two weeks ago and travelled to Yoyogi park to see the "rockabillies". I was disappointed as they didn't show that Sunday because it had been raining. I was really looking forward to seeing this :-(

[reggiegetupkid]

What type of hat is that gentleman wearing looks really cool

[radkonpsygami]

I guarantee that each and every single one of these guys has seen Streets of Fire.

[TRIPPLEJAY]

There is something for everyone in Japan.

[helenf]

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

[典子初澤]

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～😅

[atk]

If I went to Yoyogi Park as a tourist and danced to the song, would I get in trouble with the Yoyogi Park rockabilly men? I wonder if there are risks of swearing or stabbing.

[nabilb]

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

[boyneo]

ロカビリーと一緒にしちゃだめだ エルビスもな
時代 ファッション 音楽性...全て揃ってロカビリーだ
それとロカビリーは不良とは違う
(編集) 左の人 しっかりベンチュラで👍

[family-rpnw]

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❤