One SXSW evening we were feeling particularly adventurous, so we ventured over to "Japan Night," a collection of Japanese punk/rock bands who promised to be more fun than a marathon of Iron Chef. While we didn't partake in the mosh pit, we did stare wide-eyed at the spectacle of crazy Japanese rockers wiggling around on-stage, thrashing their guitars and proclaiming their love for all things American.

The standout act was Tsu Shi Ma Mi Rae, who were everything you'd want from a Japanese girl band: a trio of the cutest little women you have ever seen, who bounced around singing their heads off, yet looked like they were going to fall over from the weight of their instruments.

Unlike the "garage-band" noise common in much of the festival, the gays are more patient when it comes to uncommon fare like this. It's fun, it's catchy, and who doesn't love tiny Japanese women bopping around? These are the songs you listen to while taking those long boring road trips. If nothing else, Tsu Shi Ma Mi Rae will keep you awake.

Play Big Seeds
Play Ebihara Shinji

Tsu Shi Ma Mi Rae's official site
Another Tsu Shi Ma Mi Rae site

And go read their Myspace page. Cute.