Yanakiku (photo: Robert Alleyne)

Over the  9th & 10th of September, J-Pop Summit celebrated its ninth year in San Francisco. J-Pop Summit is about more than just J-pop music, it is a platform to celebrate Japanese culture and all its aspects. This year included a Ramen Summit featuring some of the Bay Area’s best ramen, as well as a Sake Summit, which helped to keep the atmosphere festive throughout the day. Kendama was being played all over the festival floor, and Zoomadanke made regular appearances throughout the weekend.

While the festival delivers more than just music, it is the musical acts which have provided many of the highlights in previous years, and this year’s festival did not disappoint. Saturday’s headliner May’n gave an electric performance and kept the glow sticks waving high throughout the performance. Opening on Saturday, Babyraids and eclectic dance troupe Tokyo Gegegay.

Sunday evening saw Yanakiku return to J-Pop Summit, before the much beloved Drag-Queen content, won by the exciting, original and captivating Cash Monet. The night was closed out by the rock group BAND-MAND who provided a powerful and energetic end to a fun-fueled weekend. Our photographer Robert Alleyne was there to capture all the sights and energy across both days.