The Japanese Mixtape MP3s

I decided to make a Japan mixtape list for all of you. The rules are that every song has to either be about Japan, sung at least partly in Japanese, or performed by a band that has at least one member with a Japanese background, even if they weren't born in Japan. Please let me know if I left out any great songs, and post URL links so that we can hear them.

1. Cibo Matto - About a Girl
This is a cover of the Nirvana song, but only lyrically. Musically, it's Bossa Nova done completely different. I don't know anything about this video, but it's neat, kind of an old family home movie feel.
2. Seagulls screaming Kiss her Kiss her - Sister Sister
I am crazy about this band's name! Also, this song is pretty adorable.

3. Blonde Redhead - Misery is a Butterfly
My favorite Blonde Redhead song is Chi e Non e, but I decided to put this one on here because Kazu is singing in it. I love Blonde Redhead. The video isn't from the song, it's clips from Godard's "Breathless" and if you haven't seen that, go do watch it because I love it.

4. The Plastics - Copy
This band came years before I was born, and I love them so much. This was the first Japanese band I ever really got into in high school. They were also featured in the movie Downtown 81 with Basquiat and Debbie (Blondie) Harry.

5. Omoide Hatoba - Sugar
I actually really love the video for this song. It's funny because one of the guitarists from the Boredoms is in this band and it sounds absolutely nothing like the Boredoms.

6. Deerhoof - Milk Man
Milk Man is such a pretty song and Deerhoof is awesome.

7. Smashing Pumpkins - Thirty-Three
James Iha is Japanese-American he was in this band. I love this song and I adore the video so here you go. I'm going to pretend that Mr. Corgan didn't just re-animate this moneymaker to trot it off touring worldwide because I grew up with this band.

8. Macdonald Duck Eclair - Clarion
This is one of my favorite names for any band.

9. Tom Waits - Big in Japan
I was lucky enough to see Tom Waits perform for my 20th birthday. He was really funny and charming and did magic tricks.

10. Queen - Teo Torriatte
This song doesn't really go with the others, but I love Queen so much and this song is gorgeous.

11. Sean Lennon - Home
I think I am the only one I know who actually likes this song. It reminds me of really old Smeared Album Sloan mixed with his dad. What's wrong with that?

What's your favorite song or band that has to do with Japan?
I intentionally left out two really good bands. And I like to hear of new ones.

Check out this amazing Japanese Indie Music website for more great music.