The ICHI Anime Show

Summing up one of ICHI’s spellbinding performances is a bit of a challenge, but Steve Lamacq did a decent job when he said “What on earth is this? It’s brilliant!”.

The Bristol-based Japanese singer-songwriter, instrument-maker and performance artist delivers quite the show, and to say he’s unique is something of an understatement. Taking inspiration for his art from far and wide – a melting-pot of punk, reggae and dub, Henri Salvador, tribal music and old scratchy 78s, and with his trusty sampler never far away, ICHI produces something totally idiosyncratic and entirely new. It’s fun and exciting. He takes the notion of a one-man band to new limits combining his handmade inventions with steel drums, toys and everyday objects all in the space of one brilliant set.

For this special one-off performance we have commissioned ICHI to write and perform new music to a selection of classic Japanese animated short films from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Featuring some of the finest short anime films by pioneers such as Osamu Tezuka and Keiichi Tanaami, these psychedelic and offbeat films inspired a whole generation of Japanese animators. Expect to have your mind melted and your senses aroused in what will be a very memorable evening of live music and film.

This live score screening is part of Japan 2021: 100 years of Japanese Cinema, a UK-wide film season supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network. It is also produced by CineCov, brought to you by Flatpack on behalf of Film Hub Midlands with support from the BFI using funds from the National Lottery.

This event is for 18+.

“A TRIP TO LISTEN TO AND TO WATCH” – DON LETTS

“HILARIOUS AND BONKERS AND BRILLIANT” – LAUREN LAVERNE, BBC 6MUSIC

“THE KIND OF IDIOSYNCRASY CULT FAN-BASES ARE BUILT ON” – VENUE MAGAZINE