‘Random Ninjas’ in S.F., May 16-17

Random Ninjas are a self-proclaimed 'American' band with decided Japanese traits.

Random Ninjas, an American band whose main emphasis is heavy-metal J-rock, is currently in the middle of a California invasion that began tonight in Long Beach and ends up in San Francisco on May 16-17.

Here’s the tentative sked:

*** Tonight, 5 p.m., DiPiazza’s, 5205 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach CA. Cost: $7, all ages (oops, it’s already over!).

*** Friday, May 16, Fat City, 314 11^th St., San Francisco. Cost: $10. Random Ninjas play at around 9 p.m.

*** Saturday, May 17, JapanTown, along Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore streets, San Francisco. Time has not been firmed up, but we’re told Random Ninjas will crank it up at noon or thereabouts, likely in the courtyard area of JapanTown, maybe in one of the local indoor venues. In any event, just show up and follow the sound. Cost: Unknown, probably free.

*** Saturday, May 17, Off-Market Theater, 956 Mission Street, San Francisco, show time 10 p.m., cost $5.

The Random Ninjas downplay 'J-pop' and consider themselves high-tech rockers.

Be advised that both the Fat City and Off-Market club dates are in venues that attract a lot of hard-core punks, so buyer beware. Best bet is to hang around JapanTown between aa 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. and see this band in a safer locale.

This is a very solid band with at least one listenable tune, “Hoy,” which brings to mind the giant J-pop concerts of Hello Project in its shouts and chants, long with a seismic instrumental line and super-fine vocals – including a very nice female lede singer, Kunoichi Oyuu, who is a pleasant combination of Morning Musume’s Sayu and Takahashi of AKB48.

Other band members include:

*** Supa Lucha Yasuka: From Tokyo, percussion.

*** Funk Masta Ninja: From Palos Greens (Calif.?): Vocals and other sound effects.

*** Caliginous Ninja: More … percussion.

*** Kaato: From Pomona, Calif., bass,  likes “classical junk,” including Mozart.

*** Full Metal Ninja: From … nobody knows. Founder of Random Ninjas in 2004. He is the guitarist and plays with many other techtronic toys.

One tidbit pulled off the Asian Heritage Street Festival blog: “This American heavy rock/fusion band ... can’t quite fit their distinctly Asian American big sound in the J-rock cubby hole that’s mostly full of rehashed punk, 80s glam, and pop rock from America and Europe.” A definite rip on Hello Project-like J-pop, but not unexpected from a band that wants its own identity.

Also on hand will be Filipino star Allan Pineda Lindo, better known as apl.de.ap member of the Grammy Award winning group, Black Eyed Peas, and Animemyu, a live-action anime performing troupe known most for their “Sailor Moon Musical.”

This is Radicalipton signing off – for now.