Hikashu, Carmen Maki, and Marianne Shinonome in Shibuya

On September 9, Hikashu will perform at La Mama in Shibuya, Tokyo. Also, as a guest, Marianne Shinonome from Kinoco Hotel will join the band.

The notable for the gig is an appearance of Carmen Maki, the legendary figure who is known as one of early female singers in the history of Japanese rock.

In 1969, she released the first single called "Toki Niwa Haha No Nai Ko No Youni" [Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child] (an original song; not a cover of the famous spiritual). Being still a 17 years old girl but singing a deeply moving ballad, her debut was quite a sensation and the single sold a million copies.

In 1970, she decided to go into rock music, and in 1972, she formed her own group called Oz. In 1975, they released the first album and it sold over 100,000 copies, which was quite an exceptional success for Japanese rock at that time.

In 1984, she stopped performing and retired temporarily from music because of child care. In 1993, she came back to the scene and continues performing to this day.

For the gig at La Mama, Carmen Maki will perform with the rhythm section from Hikashu; Shimizu Kazuto on piano, Sakaide Masami on bass, and Sato Masaharu on drums. All of them have previously performed with her. And Ohta Keisuke on violin will join the accompaniment as well.

Do not miss this rare opportunity with the two legendary figures in Japanese rock being gathered in one occasion.




Carmen Maki sings "Toki Niwa Haha No Nai Ko No Youni" [Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child] 2002



Carmen Maki and OZ - "Tozasareta Machi" [The Excluded City] 1975


Hikashu with Marianne Shinonome, and Carmen Maki
@ La Mama
Shibuya, Tokyo
September 9, 2012
open 18:30 - start 19:00
adv 3,500 yen - at door 4,000 yen


La Mama, Shibuya, Tokyo

View Larger Map

Currents: September 2012

Berlin and Copenhagen likely added to the tour date

It seems that Berlin and Copenhagen are likely to be added to Hikashu's Euro Russian tour held in coming October.

Unfortunately, the details are not disclosed yet for those two cities. Probably the band is still negotiating with related parties.

The dates are announced as Berlin on October 8, and Copenhagen on October 16. Please note that these are just tentatives and subject to change. We'll let you know more about the tour.


Shokotan discovered Hikashu

Recently Nakagawa Shoko, a famous celebrity in Japan, confessed adding Hikashu on her list of favorites.

Nagakawa, widely known by her nickname Shokotan, has been active in various media for years and has a large fan base. In short, she's quite influential, especially among the youth.

(She got a wikipedia entry in English, but it has some issues - anyway it's here.)

According to her own enormously popular Shokotan blog, one day she happened to find a video of Hikashu performing Pike on YouTube, and quickly hooked.

In a way, there is no wondering about her liking of Hikashu. She is famous for having unusual interests for a young Japanese woman, like live-action film, horror comics, and Bruce Lee. And that's one of the reasons why she attacts so many people, especially girls.

Later she reported obtaining a copy of the "Fushigi o Mitsumete" CD on her blog and quite favored the album.


Acchi No Me, Kocchi No Me reissue

Recently Makigami disclosed the band is now preparing to re-release of their 1993 album Acchi No Me, Kocchi No Me [Dazzling Eyes].

The album is notable in various ways - especially up to now it's the only full collaborated work of the band with outside artist; An American voice performer Lauren Newton is featured throughout the album and her participation made it so special.

The release date of the reissue is not clear but maybe late this year. Can't wait.


Hikashu - Acchi No Me, Kocchi No Me

2012 Fall Tour

In September, Hikashu will do a three-cities tour of the Kansai region (wikipedia) for the second time this year. The schedule is as follows:

September 3 - Togatoga, Kyoto
September 4 - Soma, Osaka
September 5 - Chicken George, Kobe

The tour is the first occasion after releasing the two latest reissues ("Uwasa No Jinrui" and "Fushigi o Mitsumete") so we can expect the numbers from those albums which are seldom played.


"Yes and No" Kansai Tour

September 3, 2012
@ Togatoga
Kyoto
open 18:30 - start 19:30
adv 5,000 yen - at door 5,500 yen
(plus two orders minimum)
student: adv 3,500 yen - at door 4,000 yen
(student adv ticket is available only at the club)
show your full-time, valid student id at door

Togatoga, Kyoto

View Larger Map


September 4, 2012
@ soma
Osaka
open 18:00
adv 5,000 yen - at door 5,500 yen
(plus one order minimum)
student discount: show your full-time, valid student id at door and get 1,500 yen refund

soma, Osaka

View Larger Map


September 5, 2012
@ Chicken George
Kobe
open 18:30 - start 19:30
adv 5,000 yen - at door 5,500 yen
(plus 1,000 yen order minimum)
student discount: show your full-time, valid student id at door and get 1,500 yen refund

Chicken George, Kobe

View Larger Map