The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; the Afghanistan and Iraq wars; the Boxing Day tsunami; the "Lehman Shock" — yes, a look back at the last decade is not so great. It's the kind of downer that could drive you to a night of nihilistic hedonism and luckily this year's New Year's Eve parties can facilitate that desire.

Over the last few years, the lineups at parties throughout Japan's capital have been disappointing, with the same DJs and live acts playing the same venues. But for the ride into 2010, promoters have pulled their socks up.

Three parties stand out in particular as being the places to be this year, showering revelers with techno, jazz, funk and house beats.