The much-slept on Japanese folk artist Shugo Tokumaru deserves your eyes and ears. I first posted about him here in August 2006, but even now, there’s still not much I listen to which sounds like his music – happy, folky, organic, catchy, poppy, frantic classical guitar with chimes and bells.
Shugo has three albums – Night Piece, L.S.T (featured on my albums of the decade list) and Exit with a fourth coming out in Japan called Port Entropy on April 21st. You can get the first two albums on eMusic for now. Here is the first glimpse from Port Entropy – a song called ‘Lahaha’ – which is classic Tokumaru.
This song is from 2007’s Exit:
MP3: Shugo Tokumaru – ‘Parachute’
Official | Myspace | Wikipedia | Twitter
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
Hey nialler,
have you any other good Japanese music recommendations? Having a party for a friend who is emigrating there and want to make up a playlist. She loves electronic musicx
Hmm not too up on my japanese music. Will ask Twitter.
Here’s a few to start with:
Cornelius (all of his albums are brilliant)
Lite – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc1yD9H7Rb8
Nujabs
DJ Krush
De De Mouse
Yellow Magic Orchestra – http://bit.ly/9yhlJC
Toes – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR_GMdQZzsg
DJ Kentaro
Boredoms
Melt Banana
I should point out that some of these came via my lovely Twitter followers.
Also:
It’s not Japanese per se but Yamasuki Singers is an amazing French/Belgian compilation on Finders Keepers which features a Japanese kids choir and a judo master throughout!
You can find the Japanese entries in the monthly MAP post here:
http://www.nialler9.com/?s=japan&x=0&y=0
And the Japanese blog here too:
http://jpoplovernet.blogspot.com/
These guys are so fecking cheesy but they play traditional japanese instruments.
Not electronic but Boris are great for experimental rock. Also Susumu Yokota makes beautiful stuff.
Forgot the link :/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERXiliJfdI
Oh no? Hip hop producer not unlike Dj Krush. Played recently in TP. http://hypem.com/#/artist/oh+no
OOIOO(Boredom’s side project)their album ‘Gold and Green’ is great. Also, you can forget the kitsch heaven of Pizzicato Five!
that should have been CAN’T stupid keyboard 🙁
Following on from Boris and the rock – Screaming tea party, Electric Eel shock, polysics, leveload (half japanese) and the mighty Bo ningen. Technically you can have Damo suzuki so thus a few CAN tracks which can be melodic.
Sorry no electronic – this is what Wiki said!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Japanese_electronic_music_groups
OGRE YOU ASSHOLE
Check out Bill Laswell presents Tokyo Rotation, if you are into Jazz, Dj Krush is involved! Some amazing music
If you’re in any way dubstep/glitch hop/electro/wonky-inclined check out:
Made In Glitch | http://www.madeinglitch.com
Tokyo-based label/podcast/events night
Raid System | http://raids.jp
Another ace collective of Tokyo producers
oh and check jazzysport aswell.. great label
I’m late! but I love http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takako_Minekawa : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnjoIkq4y7s
Thank u all, great suggestions. Rediscovering Krush and Cornelius and the raid system/made in glitch links are v interesting. Will pass this all on to my friend so she can make the most of nightime in Tokyo.