Sat. March 10

In case you haven't noticed Boston is turning Japanese. No, the small Japanese-American population hasn't changed, but with Daisuke Matsuzaka expected to win, oh, 40 games Red Sox, nation has turned its eyes eastward. Why not celebrate with some Japanese rock 'n' roll? Japan has produced some wonderful rock bands from the Yellow Magic Orchestra to Shonen Knife, and T.T. the Bear's is showcasing four Japanese bands Saturday March 10, beginning at 9:30. They're calling it Japan Nite.  You've got HY, the Emeralds, Asakusa Jinta and The 50 Kaitenz (in photo). Expect an evening of punk, garage and psychobilly, all skewed by a non-Western sensibility. (Which is to say, Japanese bands tend to pick up rock cues from the west and warp what they pick up in a pretty cool way.) Now, English is not a strong suit of most anyone here, but we did an e-mail interview with Danny, singer-guitarist of The 50 Katienz, all three of whom look like they could have been Ramones. The tour's promoter, Audrey Kimura, said everyone had some capabilities with the written English, but listening and speaking were not strong suits. She said Danny had the best command of the language. So, here's what Danny wrote: "We are Rock 'n' Roll band make you dance with no political message! I know you American love Party! and that's what we want to do in America. We show you the greatest rock show. Our sound, we love the Ramones, Dr. Feelgood, Toy Dolls, Pogues, Undertones, Fast Cars." (JSink note: All of these are very good signs in our book.) "We are pop, easy, cool, funny and silly Rock 'n' Roll. We wear frill shirts with ribbon tie, black jacket and tight black jeans and Converse shoes. We all cut hair same like mushroom. Yes, we care how we look a lot!"
We asked if the language barrier was a problem? Did things get lost in translation? "No. Nobody didn't care about what language we sing when we had shows in NY and also in Australia last year. We love Rock 'n' Roll and you love it too. There is no barrier between us."
What's the music scene like in Japan right now? "It's bull shit. People just buy what they wear on the TV. They are all junk. It's ridiculous. But we meet lots of crazy cool bands at the clubs who people never see on TV."
Will any band be able to achieve what some Japanese baseball players have in the US? "Yes! We are ready to sign the contract with more $$$ than Boston Red Sox paid!"
There you got it. Don't know about you, but our appetite has been whetted. Aaskusa Jinta starts at 9:30, followed by The 50 Kaitenz, The Emeralds and HY. Tickets: $12.

10 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-492-0082 ttthebears.com