BY NIKIE JOHNSON
njohnson@pe.com | @nikiesnews
Japan is a long way from Coachella, especially if you’re only staying four nights. But being here was worth it for Ai Kawasaki, Eri Ashihara, Hiromi Takeno and Junko Miyak. It is their first time in California.
They and a couple of other friends, most rocking brightly colored pouffy hats,were taking pictures of their group jumping in the air. “It’s big in Japan,” they said. I can see why. It took some coordination and a couple of tries to get it just right, but it seemed awfully fun.
The only Japanese band playing the festival, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, was on the main stage from 1-1:50 p.m. — and they just missed seeing them because they were in the security lines. But they were still looking forward to Blur and Phoenix.
“I watched on YouTube last year,” Kawasaki said. “I can’t believe I’m here now.”