An Inside Look At The Japanese Subculture Obsessed With Traditional Irish Music
Words: Dray Morgan
Sometimes the algorithm blesses you, and when a video popped up on our feed of some folks from Japan going crazy on the tin whistle, the whole world stopped. How? Why? Who? When?
Pinch of Snuff have been a collective of Irish music appreciation in Japan for 15 years. “We have been together as a band for 15 years but some of the other members have been playing Irish traditional music for almost two decades”. Tiger, leader of Pinch of Snuff, told us.
Formed out of a mutual love for Ireland and a want for performing, Pinch of Snuff take to the stage regularly in Izakayas and pubs across Tokyo. “Irish music is so beautiful, powerful, fleeting and sad. Also, the deep technical and specialised aspects are fascinating and I never get tired of them”.
Although a small community, the niche is strong in the Japanese capital. The spark which ignite the passion for Irish music for them came from the scene in Titanic of an Irish Céilí in the third class cabin. Captured by the merriment, they explored more and discovered bands such as The Pogues and The Chieftains which only added to the momentum of her passion.
The band named themselves after the traditional Irish song of the same name
As of today, Pinch of Snuff have released three full albums. Utilising tin whistles, uilleann pipes, fiddles and a wide range of traditional Irish instruments. Regularly, trad session are organised by the group and the surrounding Irish community and scene in Tokyo, with the resulting footage looking like it’s straight out of the Gaeltacht.
“I have never been to Ireland but I admire the pub culture,” Tiger explained “even in Japan, people get drunk and sing together at our traditional bars.”
There are approximately 1500 Irish residents in Japan and Pinch of Snuff exemplifies the love for the culture there. Regularly selling out shows, it is a beautiful thing to see a cultural exchange span over 10,000 kilometres.
