One half of the prolific Japanese duo Mallboyz, alongside rapper gummyboy, Tohji is one of the rising stars on Tokyo’s underground scene. Hailing from the city’s outskirts, his music exudes a carefree hedonism, with breezy portraits of suburban life bottled into saturated soundbytes, tied together with the artist’s instantly recognisable, bubblegum blue-hued aesthetic. His terminally online approach has earned him a global fanbase among the internet’s cool corners – he’s a Drain Gang affiliate and the group’s diehard fans take to the r/sadboys forum to obsessively trade track IDs and discuss his latest drops.

Last week, Tohji headlined Japan’s biggest-ever Boiler Room with a one-night takeover featuring key players from his u-ha party series, which has gained a prolific reputation in the Shibuya underground post-pandemic. Attracting an eclectic crowd of fashion-savvy scene kids and in-the-know music heads, it’s the sort of who’s who rave that packs out sweaty dancefloors with high-voltage trance and Eurodance edits that carry you til sunrise. “People are like 4am-type guys not like 1am-type guys,” laughs Tohji.

Below, the Eastern Margins’ David Zhou and Tohji’s manager Shintaro team up to spotlight six creatives from the scene to keep an eye on, from tech-fused fashion designers to avant-garde drag acts. Then check out the gallery above for an on-the-ground POV of what to expect at a typical u-ha night.

JIAN YE, DESIGNER

David Zhou: Jian Ye is a designer who launched a clothing brand reflecting his Japanese and Chinese heritage in A/W 2021. The name of the brand is derived from the Chinese pronunciation of their surname. His tech and functional fashion clothing reflect a fusion of Asian influences, bridging the cultural gap between Japan and China. He also inspired Tohji’s styling and created his on-of-a-kind stage clothing.

NUGA, PERFORMANCE ARTIST

David Zhou: NUGA is a unique and boundary-pushing performance artist in Tokyo, known for challenging traditional Japanese norms. They combine elements of avant-garde beauty, sensuality, and iconoclastic live shows in their work. NUGA’s performances explore themes of sex, human nature, drag, and liberation, often defying conventional categorizations, such as ‘queer’. They prioritize individuality, creativity, and personal sensibilities. NUGA collaborates with Tohji for styling his stand-out fashion and creating one-of-a-kind accessories for him.

YAONA SUI, VIDEO DIRECTOR

David Zhou: Yaona Sui is a video director and videographer from Japan, known for showcasing an extraordinary talent through his work on numerous music videos, including direction work for Tohji, Loota & Brodinski – ‘Iron Dick‘ and bladee x Yung Lean – ‘Bullets‘. His daily work on Tohji‘s vlogs weaves visual narratives that deeply resonate with Tohji‘s soul, making their collaboration a wellspring of artistic inspiration and admiration.

MAMY, ARTIST

David Zhou: Mamy is a talented Japanese artist and designer known for her unique creations in the realm of 3D design. Her distinctive style marries the grotesque with a renaissance-inspired color palette, resulting in a striking and thought-provoking body of work. 

During our conversation, she graciously shared her design journey, which was strongly influenced by her early fascination with music. Mamy's creations stand out for their juxtaposition – where she skillfully navigates the space between contrasting ideas. Her work often features imagery that is both paradoxically repulsive and beautiful, creating a visual language that challenges conventional perceptions and invites viewers to contemplate the intricacies of her art.

ETERNALUSA, ARTIST

David Zhou: Valley is eternal. He’s a visual artist originally from Latvia, now residing in Tokyo, who’s a big part of the visual universe. His work spans everything from 3D design, VFX, music videos to set design. Valley is the person, and EternalUSA is the concept. It’s a concept suspended in hyperreality – a simulation of a simulation. He’s a vital component of Tokyo’s creative community.

E.O.U, MUSICIAN

David Zhou: E.O.U is a prominent luminary within the realm of electronic and underground music, where he effortlessly weaves intricate sonic tapestries of electronica and ambient melodies, conjuring ethereal experiences through his deft command of DJ decks. The year 2021 witnessed the unveiling of his mesmerising mixtape EP, E21, a radiant creation unveiled through his very own PAL.Sounds label. This opus is a vivid testament to his signature style, marked by euphoric synthesiser harmonies and the beguiling rhythm of syncopated drums.