1.
street performance; busking; street concert
A live musical performance on a street or in a public outdoor area. In Japan, this is a common way for aspiring musicians to build an audience, especially in areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and around train stations.
Usage
A Japanese-English compound: 路上 (on the street) + ライブ (live performance). The activity is する: 路上ライブをする (to busk, to do a street performance). The performer is called a 路上ミュージシャン or ストリートミュージシャン.
Common collocations
- 路上ライブをする (to do a street performance)
- 路上ライブを見る (to watch a street performance)
- 駅前の路上ライブ (a street performance in front of a station)
Cultural note
Many successful Japanese musicians started with street performances. However, some areas require permits or prohibit amplified music, and police may ask performers to move.