Brit-Japanese Punk Collective STRAIGHT BACK FORWARD Scores Dream Year-End Slot at J's Shibuya Mega-Event

It's the kind of opportunity most emerging bands can only dream about: as 2025 winds down, the Brit-Japanese punk outfit STRAIGHT BACK FORWARD will share the stage with some of Japan's most respected underground musicians at one of Tokyo's most prestigious venues.

On **30 December 2025**, the band will perform at **Shibuya O-EAST** as part of **Hokama Daibounenkai** (The Arsonist's Year-End Riot)—a star-studded year-end celebration curated by none other than **J**, the legendary LUNA SEA bassist and co-founder. It's a testament to STRAIGHT BACK FORWARD's rapid rise within Japan's punk underground.

The lineup reads like an underground scene all-star roster. Joining STRAIGHT BACK FORWARD are punk heavyweights **ROTTENGRAFFTY** and **BONE DAWN**, plus special guests **Toshiya** of the iconic DIR EN GREY and **Takada Metal** of ELLEGARDEN and MAYKIDZ. More performers are expected to be announced soon.

For those unfamiliar with STRAIGHT BACK FORWARD, the project centers on guitarist **masasucks**—a prolific sessioneer with credits spanning Fullscratch, the HIATUS, Radiots, and numerous other acts—alongside vocalist **Joshua** (NEATZ). The band deliberately rotates in guest musicians from Japan's thriving punk community, creating an ever-evolving sonic landscape that keeps things fresh and collaborative.

2025 has been a breakthrough year for the outfit. Their debut single, **'Don't Back Down / Haunted Home'** (released through London-based JPU Records), made serious waves, with the title track landing on over **200 Spotify playlists**. The band subsequently dropped a live performance video filmed during an October support slot for Dizzy Sunfist and GOOD4NOTHING at Shinjuku ACB, capturing their raw energy in real time.

If you haven't yet checked out 'Don't Back Down,' now's the perfect moment—it's a punchy, hook-laden anthem that showcases why J and the underground scene are paying attention. And if you're anywhere near Tokyo on New Year's Eve eve, a ticket to Hokama Daibounenkai should absolutely be on your radar.

Source: STRAIGHT BACK FORWARD Close 2025 with Biggest Show Yet