Japanese Breakfast
Masonic Auditorium
August 28, 2025
Photos by Raymond Ahner
After releasing their highly acclaimed new record “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” last Spring, indie dream-pop sensation Japanese Breakfast hit the road for The Melancholy Tour recently, which sees the band criss-crossing not only the United States, but also going global. They recently stopped off at the Masonic in San Francisco for two near sold out nights.Judging from the fans’ reaction, it has been far too long since the last time they played in the city.
Opening the set with “Here is Someone,” vocalist/guitarist Michelle Zauner, along with bassist Deven Craige and guitarist Peter Bradley delivered a very ethereal version of the song while seated on the steps of the stage. It didn’t take long for the band to ‘plug in” though, as things got much louder (in the best possible way) with “Orlando in Love.” A third song from the new record, “Honey Water,” followed, and the packed venue most certainly didn’t seem to mind.
The setlist for the evening featured songs from all the records, and other highlights included “Posing for Cars,” “Road Head,” “Boyish,” a cover from Zauner’s previous band Little Big League, and a cover of Bjork’s “All is Full of Love,” during which she was joined by acclaimed guitarist/ musician Sasami.
The production of the show made the entire venue feel as if you were watching from underwater, and by the time Japanese Breakfast wrapped up evening number two at the Masonic with “Diving Woman,” it almost seemed as if it was a long dream. Perhaps it was.
Here is a slideshow with more photos of Japanese Breakfast by Raymond Ahner:
