Reflecting the growing number of talented foreign musicians, poets and artists in Tokyo, many foreigner-friendly bars and cafes across town host weekly and monthly open mic nights. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved: performers don’t have to pay to get up on stage (a common practice at many live houses in Japan), customers get free entertainment, and the venue gets some extra traffic. Here are our favorite venues to go check out (and participate in as!) local talent.

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