After a long hiatus, Japan welcomed back international visitors, and it was time to dive back into Tokyo’s unique alternative and Goth subculture. My return coincided perfectly with a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Midnight Mess, Tokyo’s longest-running Gothic party. Having been a regular at this iconic event since 2008, I was thrilled to celebrate this occasion and even host a mini book release for my new publication, The Little Book of Satanism, at the invitation of the party’s mastermind, Mistress Maya.
japan goths, gothic club night party midnight mess
Image: Revelers at Midnight Mess, a Tokyo dance club known for its gothic and alternative scene, enjoying a night of music and community.
Midnight Mess, a monthly Tokyo Dance Club experience dedicated to Gothic, Industrial, and EBM music, has been a fixture in the city’s nightlife since 2002. For those who remember the early days at Club Marz in Shinjuku, the nostalgia is real! Mistress Maya, the driving force and DJ behind Midnight Mess, went all out for the 20th-anniversary bash. The night was elevated with a captivating cyberpunk bondage performance, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already vibrant atmosphere.
mistress maya kinbaku shibari rope tying goth clubs
Image: Mistress Maya, the DJ and organizer of Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, showcasing her talent in kinbaku rope art as part of the night’s performance.
Adding to the celebrations, I also joined the birthday festivities for DJ Sisen at the newly established Decabar S in Kabukicho. This space-themed party featured a mesmerizing drag performance by Yukiro as Nattmara. It’s hard to believe that Sisen and I have been friends since the MySpace era – a true testament to the enduring connections forged within Tokyo’s alternative circles.
tokyo decadance party dj sisen performers club
Image: DJ Sisen, a prominent figure in Tokyo’s dance club scene, performing at Decabar S in Shinjuku, alongside drag performers and a lively crowd.
Decabar S, another key venue in Tokyo’s alternative nightlife, hosted an all-night party that included another iconic figure: Selia. Selia, known for her operatic enka singing, reunited with DJ Sisen to perform as Seileen, their collaborative musical project.
This blog post revisits these two essential Japanese Goth and alternative events, Midnight Mess and Tokyo Decadance, both cornerstones of my personal experiences and Tokyo’s vibrant underground culture.
lucien greaves girlfriend wife dating The Little Book of Satanism – satanic temple books
Image: The Little Book of Satanism, the author’s latest publication, celebrated at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, blending literature with nightlife.
After being unable to enter Japan for two and a half years, celebrating the release of my latest book at Midnight Mess was a true joy. The Little Book of Satanism is available now – you can find more information here. Thank you to everyone who has ordered a copy, shared the news, and left reviews!
You can purchase The Little Book of Satanism at: Amazon ♡ Kindle (digital) ♡ Barnes and Noble♡ Bookshop Simon & Schuster ♡ Chapters/Indigo ♡ Amazon Canada ♡ Dymocks Australia and other online retailers. You can also request it at your local bookstore.
midnight mess longest running japanese goth party
Image: Celebrating two decades of Midnight Mess, a premier Tokyo dance club for gothic enthusiasts, complete with celebratory balloons.
No birthday is complete without balloons! It’s incredible to think that Midnight★Mess has been going strong for two decades. The Goth nightclub‘s 20th-anniversary party was held in a unique underground industrial space at Sakuradai Pool, providing the perfect backdrop for a night of dark revelry.
Image: Attendees showcasing diverse gothic fashion and makeup at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, reflecting the creativity of Japan’s subculture scenes.
For twenty years, Midnight Mess has cultivated a welcoming community of hosts and guests who share a passion for all things dark and decadent. That evening, the MC was the captivating Stefani St. Sl*t, while Julia greeted guests at the door with her signature otherworldly style. Both are performers in Yukiro’s Haus von Schwarz, a drag collective that deserves its own spotlight, which I’ll delve into later.
steampunk japanese clothing jewelry rings tokyo victorian
Image: A guest in steampunk-inspired attire at Midnight Mess, highlighting the diverse alternative fashion found within Tokyo’s dance club culture.
Midnight Mess consistently draws a diverse crowd from Tokyo’s underground scene, including figures like this steampunk gentleman with goggles and intricate rings. (Mess photos courtesy of Joey Wong.)
goth bar tokyo cocktails gothic bars japan
Image: The Cyberpunk Bar at Midnight Mess, a Tokyo goth bar within the dance club, offering themed cocktails and absinthe to patrons.
I made my way to the Cyberpunk Bar, managed by Gothic model Ruku Kuroi, whose corseted outfit perfectly embodied the night’s aesthetic.
japanese gothic lolita model corset dolly fashion models
Image: Gothic Lolita fashion on display at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, with models like Ruku Kuroi showcasing elaborate corsets and dolly-inspired looks.
An absinthe, please! (The bar even stocked Mansinthe). Maya and her team always ensure a magical atmosphere with decorative touches like fairy lights and maneki neko figures.
satanic band party tokyo japan satanism
Image: Promotional flyer for Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club’s 20th-anniversary event, hinting at the Satanic undertones and themes explored within the gothic subculture.
The venue already had a Satanic vibe, emphasized by the poster on the wall… and it became even more fitting as I was invited as a “special guest” to launch my book, The Little Book Of Satanism! (Above is the flyer for Midnight Mess’s 20th anniversary).
satanic wine baphomet cider la cidrerie du golfe satan wines
Image: Themed drinks at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, including a Baphomet cider presented by designer Kiki Gotoh of Kikirara Shoten, enhancing the gothic ambiance.
Ruka, Maya, and I sported designs from Kikirara Shoten, an independent label known for “dark carnival” hats, corsets, bags, and other handcrafted items. Designer Kiki Gotoh brought “La Cidrerie du Golfe” French Baphomet cider, adorned with one of her black coffins, for the occasion.
tokyo tattoos japanese gothic tattoo
Image: A guest displaying a Japanese gothic tattoo at Midnight Mess, illustrating the body art and personal expression prevalent in Tokyo’s alternative club scene.
Midnight Mess has long served as a meeting point for Tokyo’s Goths. It was wonderful to reconnect with friends like Atsushi after years apart. Many of us have been regulars at Mess for over a decade.
the little book of satanism release party book tour
Image: The author presenting The Little Book of Satanism at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, engaging with attendees and celebrating her book release within the community.
As always, Midnight Mess is the perfect place to meet new and fascinating people. Everyone is friendly and open to conversation. The MC, Stefani, invited me on stage to give a brief presentation about my Satanism book and officially launch it with a resounding “Hail Satan!”
japanese kawaii gothic lolita black dress doll
Image: Performer Lolita K posing with a doll at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, dressed in kawaii gothic lolita fashion, showcasing the visual elements of the event.
One of the performers, Lolita K, posed with a doll, wearing a black ruffled dress with a bell skirt and bonnet, exemplifying the intricate fashion often seen at Midnight Mess.
tokyo alternative goth makeup artist cyber
Image: A makeup artist, Hengenshi OLI, applying dramatic goth makeup at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, offering interactive experiences for club-goers.
There’s so much to experience at Midnight Mess: dancing to industrial EDM Goth music, enjoying video projections and laser shows, grabbing absinthe or cocktails at the bar, watching live performances, or even getting a dramatic makeup makeover by Hengenshi OLI (pictured above).
mistress maya midnight mess goth tokyo japan nightclub
Image: Mistress Maya, the central figure of Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, preparing to take the stage in a striking black veil and corset ensemble.
Here’s Mistress Maya, the lady of the night, about to take the stage. She is wearing a black veil and corset by Kikirara Shoten (I’ll be taking you inside this unique boutique in an upcoming post).
Cyber rope Kinbaku with Live laser and visual
Image: A cyberpunk kinbaku performance at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, featuring live laser effects and visual artistry, blending technology with traditional Japanese art forms.
We were treated to a Blade Runner-inspired short video, leading into a breathtaking replicant kinbaku (Japanese rope bondage) demonstration with live laser effects by 100ch.
japanese shibari rope tying ropes
Image: Close-up of shibari rope art, a traditional Japanese technique, performed at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, highlighting the skill and artistry involved.
Maya has been performing and teaching kinbaku / shibari, or Japanese rope tying, for what feels like forever.
tokyo blade runner cyber club bar
Image: Neon-lit ropes in a kinbaku performance at Midnight Mess, a Tokyo cyber club atmosphere enhanced by laser lighting and intricate rope work.
She skillfully bound her two subjects with intricate knots, using rope that glowed neon under the laser lights.
weird japan subcultures alternative underground music parties
Image: Diverse attendees at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, from steampunk to gothic styles, showcasing the eclectic mix of alternative subcultures in Japan.
From steampunk fashion to accordion music, Midnight Mess is a perpetually inspiring space to encounter creative individuals from alt-Japan.
la carmina birthday cake japan cute cakes
Image: A custom birthday cake at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, a special touch by Mistress Maya to celebrate attendees’ birthdays and the club’s anniversary.
Another heartwarming detail that makes Midnight Mess so special is Maya’s tradition of bringing out a cake for those celebrating birthdays that month. She included a heart for me and another for the event’s 20th anniversary milestone.
licking a barbie doll dolls
Image: A playful moment at Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club, with a guest playfully interacting with a doll atop the birthday cake, capturing the fun atmosphere.
Vincent, a September baby, playfully licked the doll that adorned the cake.
Covenant concert in Tokyo, Japan. Gothika and 4dmode1 Goth band members at Tokyo Midnight Mess, Gothic nightclub event. DJ Sisen of Tokyo Decadance.
Image: A throwback photo from a 2008 Midnight Mess Tokyo dance club event, featuring members of the goth bands Covenant, Gothika, and 4dmode1, alongside DJ Sisen.
I hope these photos and stories convey the unique and enduring appeal of Midnight Mess. Maya’s legendary Tokyo Goth night has been a unifying force for so many of us over the years.
Here’s a blast from the past: snapshots from a 2008 Midnight Mess! (You might spot Dr John Skutlin, Sisen, Yukiro, Covenant, “I am Sebastian,” and others). While digital camera quality has improved significantly since then, Midnight Mess remains my favorite Gothic party in the universe.
dj sisen selia seileen tokyo decadance
Image: DJ Sisen and Selia performing as Seileen at Decabar S, a Tokyo dance club venue, blending DJ sets with live operatic vocals.
Speaking of other nocturnal creatures… let’s continue the party at another Japanese alternative/subculture space, Decabar S (operated by Tokyo Decadance)! DJ SiSEN invited me to his birthday party, co-hosted by his long-time collaborator Diva Selia (DJ, operatic singer, and the other half of their musical project, Seileen).
nattmara die schwarze frau tokyo drag queen
Image: Yukiro Dravarious as Nattmara, a gothic drag queen, performing at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, adding a dramatic flair to the nightlife.
And look who else was a featured performer… Yukiro Dravarious as Gothic drag queen, Nattmara! (Meaning “nightmare” in Swedish, perfectly fitting for her devilish drag persona).
Besides regular performances at Decabar S and other venues like Dragula screenings at Eagle Blue in Ni-Chome, Nattmara organizes regular drag queen/king events throughout Tokyo with her collective, Haus von Schwarz.
Decabar Super bar shinjuku golden gai kabukicho
Image: The exterior of Decabar S in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, a Tokyo dance club known for its alternative and queer nightlife events.
“Galaxy greetings, cosmic kitties…” DJ Sisen’s party was themed after Space Channel 5, the iconic 1999 intergalactic music video game (which arrived at the peak of human civilization… Everything has been declining since ’99, in my opinion). Many attendees embraced Y2K, candy rave, and cyber alien fashion inspired by the game’s distinctive style.
pentagram spell witch book tome spells
Image: Nattmara as a gothic drag queen at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, holding a pentagram tome and showcasing a blend of gothic and witchy aesthetics.
Others opted for Gothic fashion and various Harajuku/subculture styles. How charming is Nattmara’s pentagram tome of friendly ghosts? (Speaking of the Devil, I was interviewed about my book and the resurgence of Satanic Panic for Dazed Magazine.)
tokyo deca bar s performers
Image: Performers on stage at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, highlighting the drag and musical acts that are central to the venue’s entertainment offerings.
Over the years, Tokyo Decadance parties have been hosted in numerous venues, and their namesake bar has relocated several times. The current Decabar Super is located in the heart of Kabukicho (downstairs in the basement of the Asahi building at 1 Chome−9−8 Shinjuku).
tokyo ladyboys party club decabar
Image: A lively “Welcome to Pattaya” themed party at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, demonstrating the diverse and inclusive events hosted at the venue.
Tokyo Decadance regularly hosts alternative and queer nights at Decabar S, such as the recent “Welcome to Pattaya” party.
casket of horrors japan drag queen performers events
Image: A drag queen getting ready backstage at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, capturing the behind-the-scenes preparations for the night’s performances.
The queen of the night got glammed up in the tiny (and somewhat precarious) backstage area behind the stage.
dj selia tokyo decadance dance club shinjuku
Image: DJ Selia performing a set at Decabar S Tokyo dance club in Shinjuku, entertaining the crowd with anime-inspired music and electronic beats.
Outside, Selia and other DJs played sets that included anime songs, creating a unique Tokyo dance club soundscape. Guests in cyberlox and Lolita dresses danced to the music on the dance floor.
cyber japan subculture club harajuku fashion rave
Image: Attendees in cyber and rave-inspired fashion at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, showcasing the vibrant Harajuku-influenced styles within Tokyo’s club scene.
While there isn’t a strict dress code, dressing up in creative fashion is definitely encouraged – from cute rave cat ears to devil horns and kimonos, anything goes.
nattmara yukiro drag queen performing dancing
Image: Yukiro as Nattmara delivering a captivating drag performance at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, highlighting the evolution of her drag artistry.
Then, Yukiro took the stage as the deadly Nattmara. I’m so proud of how much her drag performances have evolved since our early days together.
tokyo japan drag queens clubs
Image: Drag queens performing at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, emphasizing the venue’s role in showcasing Tokyo’s diverse drag culture and nightlife.
Now, she runs the monthly Casket of Horrors – a queer cabaret featuring international artists – along with other drag queen events throughout Japan. Information about her upcoming drag extravaganzas can be found on her Haus von Schwarz page.
golden gai goth alien bar tokyo horror
Image: A gothic alien-themed bar setup at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, blending horror and alien aesthetics for a unique visual experience.
Sisen even brought his alien baby with him (it looks like it’s craving food or cocktails from Decabar).
tokyo wildest craziest nightclub bar
Image: The energetic atmosphere inside Decabar S Tokyo dance club, showcasing why it’s considered one of Tokyo’s wildest and most creative nightclubs.
I’ve been attending Tokyo Decadance parties since 2008, back when they were primarily held at Christon Cafe (RIP to that kitschy Jesus-themed restaurant). The events consistently attract artists and creative individuals dressed to impress.
japanese gothic lolitas parties bars events
Image: Guests in gothic lolita fashion at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, demonstrating the enduring presence of lolita styles within Tokyo’s alternative fashion scenes.
While Gothic and Sweet Lolita fashion may not be as mainstream as they once were, you’ll still encounter Lolis at events like this one.
deca bar s decadance bar review tickets
Image: A playful “risky lever” at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, adding an interactive and humorous element to the bar experience, with a potential 20,000 yen drink tab.
A new and daring addition… If you pull this lever, be prepared to spend 20,000 yen on drinks for everyone!
japan satanic horns candy rave club kids
Image: Bartenders at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, radiating energy and embodying the multi-dimensional kandi rave spirit, enhancing the club’s vibrant atmosphere.
The bartenders are always smiling and brimming with multi-dimensional kandi energy.
tokyo teletubbies bag purse harajuku
Image: A Teletubbies-themed bag at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, a nod to the 1990s theme and the playful fashion choices of the attendees.
True to the 1990s theme… Teletubbies even made an appearance.
1980s 80s tokyo dance night club
Image: The dance floor at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, filled with energetic party-goers dancing until the early hours, illustrating the club’s vibrant nightlife.
Dance, dance, dance until you drop. The music continued until 6 am, and as always, the dance floor was filled with amiable party animals.
crazy tokyo bars clubs
Image: Creative outfits and makeup at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, showcasing the unique personal styles and artistic expressions within Tokyo’s alternative club scene.
So many original outfits and makeup styles to photograph! Both Selia and Sisen wore horns, blending Japanese oni and Satanic inspirations.
seileen selia sisen goth opera
Image: Selia of Seileen performing operatic vocals at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, delivering a powerful and captivating musical experience for the audience.
Selia graced the stage to bless us with her magnificent operatic singing. It was moving to see her perform again after all these years – her stage presence is as powerful as ever. Later, she reunited with Sisen to perform tracks from their Gothic-industrial band, Seileen.
japanese witch witches singer
Image: Naniwae Wami performing as a witchy singer at Decabar S Tokyo dance club, showcasing an elaborate handmade costume and makeup, adding theatrical elements to the night.
Naniwae Wami’s witchy singing was also otherworldly. The dedication and detail in her handmade costume, nails, and makeup were astounding!
center gai golden gai shinjuku entrance sign
Image: Exploring Kabukicho and Golden Gai in Shinjuku, Tokyo, near Decabar S dance club, highlighting the vibrant nightlife districts surrounding the venue.
Between sets, Nattmara and I took a walk through Kabukicho and Golden Gai, Shinjuku’s renowned “red light” and small bar districts.
tokyo halloween bars pop up stores
Image: Halloween decorations in Tokyo’s Kabukicho area, encountered near Decabar S dance club, capturing the city’s playful and festive spirit even outside of dedicated events.
We stumbled upon some Halloween decorations – I love this spontaneous aspect of Tokyo.
rupaul
Image: Nattmara, a towering drag queen, attracting attention in the streets of Kabukicho, Tokyo, showcasing the impact of drag culture in public spaces.
Naturally, the over 6-foot-tall drag queen caused quite a stir on the streets. Many men stopped to take selfies with her highness.
host boys signs kabukicho clubs
Image: Neon signs for host clubs in Kabukicho, Tokyo, illustrating the district’s reputation for nightlife and entertainment, near Tokyo dance clubs like Decabar S.
Kabukicho is the realm of host boys and host/hostess clubs – here are some of the latest neon signs illuminating the area.
shinjuku love hotel signs kabuki cho
Image: Love hotel signs in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, Tokyo, a district known for its diverse nightlife, including unique accommodations and Tokyo dance clubs.
And you can always pop into one of the love hotels for an hour or so… They often have cheesy names and décor, such as Hotel Labio and The Art of Time.
club science shinjuku tokyo visual kei jrock venue
Image: Club Science in Shinjuku, Tokyo, a venue for Visual Kei and J-rock bands, also hosting gothic and drag events, part of Tokyo’s vibrant music scene.
Our nightlife superstar, Yukiro/Nattmara, also organizes events at Club Science and Club Heist in Shinjuku. Club Science is a concert venue for Visual Kei and J-rock bands, as well as her own witch-themed Goth nights. You can find updates on her next drag queen events on the Haus von Schwarz Insta page.
haus von schwarz drag queen night
Image: A Haus von Schwarz drag queen night banner, promoting Yukiro’s drag events in Tokyo and highlighting the collective’s contribution to the city’s queer nightlife.
It’s such a relief to witness Tokyo’s Goth/alt nightlife flourishing again after over two years of uncertainty. My recent nights out at Decabar and Midnight Mess were a much-needed reminder of how vibrant and exciting life can and should be. There’s much more to share from my Japan reunion – so much has evolved since my last visit.
Life is fleeting, so let’s make the most of 2023 and beyond. As Yukiro wisely says, “Always forward, but never straight!”
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