In this sixth installment of the ‘We Read Icculus’ livestream series, hosts Andrea and Brian (joining from Boulder and Tokyo respectively) dive deep into the culture and mythology surrounding the iconic jam band Phish. With Brian reporting from Tokyo, the episode interweaves insights about Phish’s musical journey with contemporary reflections on their international impact, including a special focus on the band’s connections to Japan.

The main feature of the episode includes dramatic readings and discussions of three recent essays by Rob Mitchum, a prominent Phish critic and writer. The essays cover a range of topics: ‘Ghosts of Yet to Come’ reflects on the current era of Phish and the directions their fan base hopes the band will take; ‘Revisiting Phish’s Transformative 1999, 25 Years Later’ explores one of the band’s most creative periods; and ‘Turning Japanese’ analyzes Phish’s brief but fascinating relationship with Japan, including a tour that was planned but never materialized. The hosts provide context and interpretation for each essay, connecting musical moments to broader cultural trends, and pay particular attention to Phish’s attempted expansion into Japan’s live music scene.

Beyond Phish, the hosts include lighter moments and tangents, often drawing from the broader jam band universe, such as a comparison between Grateful Dead concerts and baseball games. The program is accessible both to seasoned Phish fans and newcomers, offering an introduction to the band’s mythology, their influence in the United States, and their intriguing (though brief) flirtation with Japan.

For those interested in music journeys connected to Japan, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on the country’s live music landscape and how Western bands like Phish have sought to engage Japanese audiences. Situated in the vibrant context of modern Tokyo, the livestream is an invitation to experience Western and Japanese music culture intersections through the eyes of dedicated fans and critics.