Japanese busker helping to 'heal' London with his guitar

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imacat at 11:01 AM JST - 6th January

What a great story. Hideaki seems like a really nice guy and I'm sure many Londoners appreciate his music.

My only advice to him would be to play some Japanese tunes, too. There are many great Japanese songs that he could introduce to the Brits. If necessary just change some of the lyrics to English...

My favorite Japanese tune at the moment is "Rainy Blue" by Hideaki Tokunaga which was featured on Kouhaku. Given London's notorious weather that could be a good choice!!
Altria at 11:13 AM JST - 6th January

Just hope he doesn't get mugged by a bunch of chavs who pinch his shoes, phone, and use his busking money to buy a bus pass and a bottle of white lightning.
Crucades at 12:55 PM JST - 6th January

very nice article :) hope the guy is happy with the life that he leads, london being what it is.... good luck to him.
zhazam05 at 01:44 PM JST - 6th January

HATS OFF To a Cat that has the world in his hands !! Yosaku by Kitajima is Heap Big medecine and one has to put heart and soul into it to do it justice!Gambate,Hideaki san!!
AlfGarnett at 05:33 PM JST - 6th January

Crucades: What you on abaht "London being what it is"? The bestest capital city in the world, the home of her Majesty!

This Japanese fella is lucky we is so tolerant of foreigners.

Ask youself Japan lovers/Japanophiles , how many foreigners would be allowed to do this on the Tpkyo subay and get a visa if it was the other way around.

Strewth, article shows the culture and diversity of London and someone puts the city down. Out of order!
AlfGarnett at 05:55 PM JST - 6th January

imacat: Well i'm talking about the tube, not professional performers, who probably have gigs already sorted before they come.

A lot of difference in this fact sonny jim, also you friend may be wrong or telling porkies.
samsarks at 10:21 PM JST - 6th January

i think he is doing a good job but i hope he also comes back to japan to perform on the subways.who knows he might save some people from commiting suicides.kudos
Bogi at 11:30 PM JST - 6th January

Cool story. Cool guy.

Can you imagine if you started strumming a guitar in one of the subways here? People would look at you like you are some kinda weirdo and the station staff would tell you to go away.
Good_Jorb at 02:34 AM JST - 7th January

Good on this guy for doing what he wants to do but saying he is doing it to heal people sounds so cliche.

how many foreigners would be allowed to do this on the Tpkyo subay and get a visa if it was the other way around.

When I went to Ueno Zoo, the were quite a few buskers in the surrounding park and good portion of them were foreigners. As for around the subways, I have more than once ran into white Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and Catholics spreading the good word.
usaexpat at 07:29 AM JST - 7th January

Good for him, if he's happy doing what he's doing he's ahead of 90% of the rest of the world.
taiko666 at 11:37 AM JST - 9th January

Alf/Bogi: London and Tokyo have two different approaches to busking. In London it's illegal except in desginated areas, which include special areas at the bottom of escalators on the Underground. Consequently, busking in London is rare, but legal and of high quality. In Tokyo, busking isn't legal anywhere, but is widespread. Whether you get moved on or fined depends on whether the cop in the local Koban can be bothered to get off his arse and apply the law, which in this case is thankfully rare. I've busked many times outside stations (never inside of course) and in Yoyogi park, and have been busted a few times too. Strangely, even though my Japanese fellow band members have received 30000yen fines I've always been waved away.
ptolemy at 04:06 PM JST - 10th January

Wow what a nice, selfless, and wonderfully charitable humanitarian. It makes one feel all warm and fuzzy inside. With the images of rainbows, butterflies, and cute little bunnies hopping in green fields. Domon you ae a cool fella.
bdiego at 07:15 AM JST - 15th January

Yeah when I went to London last year what taiko says is true. In London it's not common, but legal and high quality. There are designated spots drawn on the ground, and relative to most countries the tube was pretty clean.
Jdudeo at 12:10 AM JST - 16th January

I live in London and use the tube alot so I've probably seen this guy a few times, he should play Japanese songs though, we get enough english shite already. Also you have to live here to really experience how bad public transport is, even though they send out emails telling you what stations are going to be shut that weekend (sometimes entire lines are shut) I have, many times, been over an hour and a half late. Also they jack up the prices about twice a year and service just gets worse and worse, not to mention the staff are extremely rude.
bdiego at 07:18 AM JST - 16th January

The best way to spot foreigners like me in London is when we giggle at the announcer saying "bound..for Cockfosters" so matter-of-factly.