New album "Nite Hi Naru Toki - The Time quite not the Same" released in Dec 2025 INFO * Upcoming - Monthly Concert 2026 @ SPC Kichijoji Tokyo AUG12 - SEP11 - OCT07 INFO + Crowdfunding Campaign for Hikashu Samarkand Concert (UNTIL LATE JULY)INFO
Currently Hikashu is running a crowdfunding campaign. The goal is to make a Hikashu concert in Samarkand, the 1st goal is 2 million yen (about 12,500 USD) and the deadline is July 15th. Investors are offered various benefits depending on their investment amount.
Samarkand is an old city in southeastern Uzbekistan and there is a plan of huge 4-day music festival in late August this year, and Hikashu is seeking a way to participate it, hence the campaign.
"1978" will be reissued as vinyl disc in September, and Hikashu plans to make the band's concert in the same month a commemorating event for the release. All the ex-members who participated in the album will appear as guests at the concert. The LP will also be sold in advance at the venue.
The "1978" album is a collection of Hikashu's early 4-track demo recordings and originally released in 1996. This is the second time this album has been reissued, but this marks the first time it has been reissued on LP. This vinyl edition includes three previously unreleased take as bonus tracks, among them "Confusion" — an alternate version of which appeared on a fan-club-exclusive flexi-disc.
Hikashu - 1978 [LP edition] (2026)
Side A:
1. Puyo Puyo
2. At the End of the 20th Century
3. Confusion
4. Doro Doro
5. Thrill
Side B:
1. En-Ten-Ka
2. Rhetorics and Logics
3. A Vinyl Doll
4. Losing My Future
5. Yochu No Kiki
6. Proud Mary
September 11, 2026
"Hikashu Monthly Concert 2026 September"
@ Star Pine's Cafe
Kichijoji, Tokyo
guest - Inoue Makoto (synthesizer), Yamashita Yasushi (synthesizer), Tobe Satoshi (saxophone)
open 19:00 - start 19:30
adv 4,000 yen - at door 4,500 yen
Hikash posted a video message for the new year. Here's what they said.
Makigami Koichi
Happy New Year. This year I will be 70 years old. Time flies so fast. Last year we have succeed to release a new album of Hikashu called Nite Hi Naru Toki. And also we have a new member, Koketsu Masayo. Moreover, I have released a solo album of mouse harp, and published the third collection of my poetry. So it was fruitful year indeed. And there is some material to be released so stay tuned. Personally last year I went to Samarkand for the first time. It was impressive and hope to visit there again soon. Anyway, I wish you all the best for a happy and prosperous new year.
Mita Freeman
I'm sure that the coming year will be terrific, in both senses. (He threw some Japanese language jokes, then asked to Koketsu.) How about you?
Koketsu Masayo
(Her resolution for this year is to) stay healthy.
Sato Masaharu
Happy New Year. Sato Masaharu here. Have you heard the new album of Hikashu? It was so fun to make so check it out. Hope to see you in concerts. And the 50 years anniversary of the band will come in a few years. Terrific. I and Shimizu (Kazuto) are new members ... we are in this band for only some 20 years! Besides, I will perform as solo artist as well. I have a band called MASSA, it is a trio with Hosoi Yutaka (keyboard) and Ohta Keisuke (violin). The trio celebrated its 20 years anniversary too. Of course it is shorter than Hikashu but still nice. Wishing you all the best in the new year. Thank you.
Shimizu Kazuto
Last year there were so many things happened as usual. World politics. Virus problem. I have to say things are looking grim. But It'll be all right, as long as we're alive. That's all.
Sakaide Masami
Happy new year everyone. On this new year's day I had slept for 12 hours ... My goal for this year is to stay healthy and get fit. Be in a good shape and make good performances. Thank you for your continued support for the band, and wish you best in the new year. Now I'll go some walking.
1. Nite Hi Naru Toki [Time Not Quite the Same]
2. Koala Teki Nenriki [Koala-like Telekinesis]
3. Manazashi Kara Kikan Suru [Returning from a Stare]
4. Kawauso No Saiten [Festival of Otters]
5. Bo Ningen [Stick Figure]
6. Ojama Nandayo Chikara Kobu [That Muscle Gets in the Way]
7. Kuuki O Nugu [Taking off the Air]
8. Honoo No Zatunen [Flame of Delusion]
9. Moshika No Sekai [The World of Moshika]
10. Dakuryu Dewa Naku Sazanami No Ariyo De [The Manner of Ripples, not Torrents]
11. Kuuki O Matou [Wrapped Around the Air]
lyrics - makigami
music - makigami (1, 4, 8, 9), sakaide (2, 5), mita (3, 6, 10), sato (7, 11), koketsu (8)
In October, Hikashu officially announced that the band has a new member, Koketsu Masayo, an alto saxophonist and the first female personnel for them.
She has been performing regularly with the band since 2023. Throughout the time, her playing melded well with them, and now she promoted. For Hikashu, it is the first time to add a new member in the 20 years.
Basically a jazz musician, she has played with many first-call musicians in the Japanese jazz scene for years. Currently she has her own band called Nyoinbou.
Beside Japan, she occasionally plays in foreign countries. In the past she has performed in the US, Germany, and Lithuania.
We hope all the best for her and the band in the future.
Koketsu Masayo official site (has links with facebook and X)
masayokoketsu.com
duo with Kirsten Carey in Tokyo
studio recording with her band, Nyoinbou
Hikashu will embark a tour of Kansai and Chubu regions in November 2025. The first in the last 7 years! The dates are as follows:
November 12 - Pangea, Osaka
November 13 - Takutaku, Kyoto
November 14 - Tokuzo, Nagoya
November 15 - Freaky Show, Shizuoka
Tickets are now available through major venders like eplus.
November 12, 2025
@ Pangea
Osaka
open 18:30 - start 19:00
adv 4,500 yen - at door 5,000 yen
inquiries - smash west smash-jpn.com/live/?id=4545
Pangea, Osaka
November 13, 2025
@ Takutaku
Kyoto
open 18:00 - start 19:00
adv 4,500 yen - at door 5,000 yen
Takutaku, Kyoto
November 14, 2025
@ Tokuzo
Nagoya
open 18:00 - start 19:00
adv 5,000 yen - at door 5,500 yen
Tokuzo, Nagoya
November 15, 2025
@ Freaky Show
Shizuoka
open 17:30 - start 18:00
adv 3,900 yen - at door 4,400 yen
(one drink charge required)
op - Maachan with Matsuno, 9090-17, Kotobure
Hikashu just posted a video of new year messages from the members. Here's what they said.
Makigami Koichi
Happy new year. This year we would like to release a new album. And there is a plan of the 3rd collection of my poetry. Moreover I intend to do a solo album for the first time in a while. So stay tuned. Thank you.
Shimizu Kazuto
Hello. Last year a lot has happened and quite fruitful for the band. I'm glad about it. Hopefully the things will be like this for new year. Just keep going. Thanks for your support.
Sakaide Masami
Happy new year. Last year was kinda unfortunate because I had some problems. COVID, pneumonia, and neuralgia. So this year my motto is health first. Thank you.
Sato Masaharu
It's quite cold these days, isn't it? Happy New Year. Beside Hikashu, I plan to do various projects with people like Harada Daijiro, Carmen Maki, and Sakaide Masami. Also Hikashu continue to do monthly concert series this year so come and see us. Thank you.
Koketsu Masayo
Happy new year for 2025. This year is snake [zodiac]. So come and see the band. Also I will release a solo album this year so look forward to it. Thank you.
(alto saxophonist who joined the band this year as semi-regular member)
Mita Freeman
Happy new year. This year I'll turn 70. These days I feel free and it's ok whatever to do. The year of freedom! Happy new year. Yeah.
So, as Makigami announced, there's a plan of new albums of Hikashu and his own released this year. Can't wait! and Happy new year.
Hikashu celebrate their 46th anniversary. The band is in great shape and going strong as ever.
Their monthly concert series at Star Pine's Cafe of Kichijoji, Tokyo is now 7th year. The first appearance of the band this year will be on January 25th. It is the first of the monthly concert this year and birthday of Makigami Koichi.
This month Hikashu have completed the monthly concert series at Star Pine's Cafe at Kichijoji, Tokyo. Now it is the 6th year.
Other than that, the band did various performances with other bands. For example, they did concerts with notable acts from younger generation like Polysics, Urban Garde, and Otoboke Beaver.
And, as reported here before, Makigami Koichi received a grant from FCA, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, a nonprofit based foundation in New York City.
Makigami himself did attend the ceremony held in NYC. He said as follows:
When I attended the award ceremony in 2024, coincidentally a total solar eclipse was visible from New York City. Seeing it with eclipse glasses, I felt like the sun blessed me.
2024 has been a fruitful year for Hikashu. Hopefully the new year will be great and prosperous as well.
In particular, the Paris concert is notable because it is the premiere performance in the city for Makigami. To Europian fans - Do not miss this precious opportunity to see the exceptional performer in person.
2. 20 Seiki No Owari Ni [At the End of the 20th Century]
3. Doro Doro
4. Rhetrics and Logics
5. Love Treatment
6. Dance on Glass
7. Pike
8. Alternative Sun
9. Oasis No Yume [The Dream of Oasis]
10. Uwasa No Jinrui [The Human Beings]
11. Dekigoto [Happenings]
12. Outcast
13. Tencho Na Omotenashi
14. Chimera
15. Biro Biro
16. Puyo Puyo
Universal Music Japan UPCY-7952
Released on March 10, 2024
Golden Best is a series of various artists compilation albums released in Japan by Universal Music which began in 2023.
Selected mainly from the early material, so-called Eastworld label era. But it does include later recordings.
It is important to note that this is released with the band's approval, unlike "Twin Best" which was legitimate but released without the band's consent.
Makigami Koichi became a recipient of the Grants to Artists Award from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts (FCA). On February 15, FCA announced the recipients and Makigami is one of them.
FCA awards Grants to Artists in the following fields: dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and the visual arts. Artists are suggested and selected by their peers in a two-stage process. Each year, FCA invites dozens of distinguished artists and arts professionals to serve as nominators and propose one exceptional individual, collective, or performing group whom they feel deserves and will benefit from an unrestricted $45,000 award. Nominators are selected by field, but are free to propose artists working in any of the five areas supported. They are asked to remain anonymous. A selection panel chooses grant recipients on the basis of the merit and imaginativeness of their work and the effect such recognition and support might have at this point in their careers.
Grants to Artists are administered by a confidential nomination and selection process. Applications and unsolicited nominations are not accepted.
The Foundation for Contemporary Arts (FCA) is a nonprofit based foundation in New York City that offers financial support and recognition to contemporary performing and visual artists through awards for artistic innovation and potential. It was established in 1963 as the Foundation for Contemporary Performance Arts by artists Jasper Johns, John Cage, and others.
The 16th Jazz Art Sengawa will be held on January 11-14, 2024 at Sengawa Theatre, Chofu, Tokyo. It is an artist-driven music festival and its producers are Makigami Koichi, Sakamoto Hiromichi, and Fujiwara Kiyoto.
The schedule:
January 11 thursday
14:00-14:54 screening the film "Zorn" (2016)
15:20-16:19 screening the film "Zorn II" (2018)
19:30-21:00 John Zorn's Cobra Sengawa Operation Anniversary Unit
Yamamoto Tatsuhisa (drums), Yoshida Ryuichi (baritone sax), Sakaguchi Mitsuo (keyboard), Matsumura Takumi (flute), Yoshida Nonoko (sax), Goto Atsushi (trombone), Itani Takashi (drums), Takaoka Daisuke (tuba), Yoshino (biwa), Sakamoto Hiromichi (cello), Fujiwara Kiyoto (bass), Makigami Koichi (promptor)
January 12 friday
13:00-14:18 screening the film "Zorn III" (2022)
14:40-15:34 screening the film "Zorn" (2016)
17:00-18:10 "Crossroad of Sound, Part 1"
Hatano Atsuko (voila+electronics), Takeshita Yuma (Mechanized instruments), Sakamoto Hiromichi (cello, etc)
19:30-20:40 "Tracing a path to Kavakov's Dream continued"
Hikashu with Koketsu Masayo (sax)
January 13 saturday
13:30-14:40 "Crossroad of Sound, Part 2"
Ueno Yoko (voice, electronics, etc), Kikuchi Masaaki (bass, electronics), Sakamoto Hiromichi (cello, etc)
16:00-17:10 "Space and Eyes of Echoes"
Ito Chieko (dance), Fujiwara Kiyoto (bass)
18:30-19:40 "Strings vibrating furiously"
Gordon Grdina (guitar, oud) with Dojo [Yagi Michiyo - electric kotos, electronics + Honda Tamaya on drums], Makigami Koichi (voice)
20:00-20:59 screening the film "Zorn II" (2018)
January 14 sunday
11:00-12:18 screening the film "Zorn III" (2022)
13:30-14:40 "Unexpected electric from the North"
Cubic Zero [Yoshida Nonoko sax, Motoyama Tomoaki keyboard, Sasaki Nobuhiko guitar, Okubo Taro bass, Shibuya Toru drums]
15:30-16:40 "Crossroad of Sound, Part 3"
Hondo Misaki (baritone sax, etc), Suzueri (handmade instruments), Sakamoto Hiromichi (cello, etc)
18:00-19:10 "Tresures of Sengawa"
Jazz Art Trio [Makigami Koichi voice etc, Sakamoto Hiromichi cello etc, Fujiwara Kiyoto bass]
Admission:
2,000 yen for each film screening
3,500 yen for performances (for each stage) except
5,500 yen for John Zorn's Cobra
8,500 yen for 3 stages ticket (John Zorn's Cobra counted 2 stages - films are not included.)
8,500 yen for 1day ticket
22,000 yen for all days ticket
Tickets are available through PassMarket
X (Twitter) @jazzartsengawa
Facebook @newjazzartsengawa
instagram @jazzartsengawa
youtube @Jazz Art Sengawa Official
Hikashu just posted a new year's message on YouTube as follows:
Makigami:
"Happy New Year. This is Makigami Koichi. This 45th anniversary year we have a new album called "Kumo wo Ayatsuru", the 2nd collection of lyrics, and the events commemorating the year. We would like to continue that this year and plan to release a 45rpm vinyl. It's interesting, isn't it? For the first time in some years, I had an opportunity to visit New York City late last year. It was very good and fortunate. And there is also a plan touring Europe in May so please look forward to it. Also, soon we have the 16th Jazz Art Sengawa (January 2024) and hope see you there. Thank you."
Mita:
"Happy New Year. There are lots of events coming this year, Paris Olympics for example. I have a lot of things which could be turned into songs. So what will we gonna do? From now on we'll decide that. Right now nothing has been decided, but anyway happy new year. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching (and walked out) "
Sakaide:
"Happy New Year. Last year many troubles were out there unfortunately. Personally I had some little good things here and there, and I feel it should be embraced. In 2024, I would like to make some diligent efforts. First ... (comtemplating) ... making compositions. This year I would like to compose many songs. Making a little happiness, one by one. Thank you."
Shimizu:
"Last year we went to various places for tour and it was fulfilling. But many difficult things are happening right now, and for me it's not easy to make a positive message, I'm afraid. I just want to stop things destructing. This year I hope such things never happen any more. E veryone feels the same way, I think. Thank you."
Sato:
"Happy new year. This year it's the 45th anniversary for Hikashu making the first release so we will do something special. And for me there is a new release, my 60th birthday concert DVD. It had a lot of guests, like Carmen Maki, Umezu Kazutoki, and of course Hikashu. Too many to mention here, but Makigami's singing is just incredible. This year, Hikashu and myself will make various activities so stay tuned. Happy new year and thank you."
Currently we have no information about the European tour mentioned above but we will let you know about it here later asap so do not miss it.
This year is the *another* 45th anniversary for Hikashu. The band made the first release, the "At the end of the 20th Century" single on Toshiba EMI in 1978. So the anniversary continues.
And the band is active as ever. Monthly Concert at Star Pine's Cafe of Kichijoji, Tokyo is now its 6th year, and certainly various tours will follow.
The band will make the first appearance of 2024 at Jazz Art Sengawa on January 12.
2023 is the 45th anniversary year for Hikashu. The group was formed in 1978.
They had been busy this year indeed. Besides monthly concert in Kichijoji, in summer, new album "Kumo wo Ayatsuru" [Cloud Management] was released and two special concerts were held in Shibuya with many guests plus the original Hikashu reunion. Then the grand finale came.
Hikashu fanclub posted the following tweet with images which are from the december 28 concert.
Hikashu - Kumo wo Ayatsuru - Cloud Managament (2023)
1. Tanada ni Harugashumi - Spring have over the rice fields
2. Kumo wo Ayatsuru - Cloud management
3. Dokomade ga sora nanoka - How far is the sky?
4. Inori wa kyou mo yukuefumei - Prayer is still missing today
5. Kocha no simi no zenonpu - Tea stain whole note
6. Jinsei no arch - The arch of life
7. Solomatkin-san wa untenshu - Mr. Solomatkin is a driver
8. Tanada shiki transparent - Rice fields style transparent
lyrics - Makigami Koichi
music - Makigami Koichi (1, 5, 6), Sakaide Masami (3), Mita Freeman (2, 7), Shimizu Kazuto (8), Sato Masaharu (4)
recorded at 1714 Studio (Atami) & IGO studio (Tokyo) in 2023
recorded live at Echigo-Tsumari Art Field on July 30, 2022
engineered and mixed by Sakaide Masami
live recording by Kondoh Yoshiaki (GOK Sounds)
mastered by Ono Seigen at Saidera Mastering
produced by Makigami Koichi
Hikashu will tour Hokkaido this summer and this covers not only cities like Sapporo and Asahikawa but so-called remote areas.
July 8, 2023
Nishinikarishite Festival
@ Nishiokoppe
Okhotsk (near Abashiri)
11:00 - 24:00
5,000 yen - under 15 2,000 yen (id required) nishinikarishite2023.com
Tickets available at teket.jp
Nishinikarishite Festival (Outdoor stage)
July 9, 2023
@ Mosquito
Asahikawa
open 18:00 - start 19:00
adv 4,500 yen - at door 5,000 yen mosquito.html.xdomain.jp/
Mosquito, Asahikawa
July 11, 2023
@ MP Hall
Iwamisawa
guest: Yoshida Nonoko (saxophone)
open 19:00 - start 19:30
adv 4,500 yen - at door 5,000 yen Facebook
MP Hall, Iwamisawa
July 12, 2023
@ Kotoni Patos
Sapporo
open 18:30 - start 19:00
adv 5,000 yen - at door 5,500 yen website
2023 marks the 45th anniversary year for Hikashu, which formed in 1978, and commemorating it they will hold a special concert for two evenings in Shibuya, Tokyo. Also they invite guests for each night.
The Day 1 will feature "Hikashu 1978," the original line-up of the band: Makigami Koichi (vocal, bass), Mitama Masamichi (guitar), Inoue Makoto (keyboard), Yamashita Yasushi (keyboard), and Tobe Satoshi (alto saxophone). Also Togawa Jun.
The Day 2 the guests are Tachibana Hajime, Marianne Shinonome (from Kinoco Hotel), Otomo Yoshihide, Koketsu Masayo.
The pre-show DJ will be provided by Takagi Kan, and there will be special installations designed by Hinibo Katsuhiko.
August 8-9, 2023
"Hikashu 45th Anniversary Concert"
@ Club Quattro
Shibuya, Tokyo
open 18:00 - start 19:00
adv 6,000 yen
Hi. I'm an avid follower of a Japanese rock band, Hikashu. They are formed in 1978 and still going strong. Simply put, they are the greatest band from Japan. Really. They play some pretty good compositions, and collective improvisation of mastery kind. If you like the Mothers of Invention, Henry Cow, John Zorn, Derek Bailey, or any kind of good music plus having a sense of humor, just try them. They are so unique that I cannot describe what the band exactly is, but I try my best. Also, I did all the translations of the lyrics, except where noted.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is NOT official and NOT affiliated with Hikashu in any way. The opinion expressed here is solely mine, an advocate of the band, and it doesn't reflect their intention. Take a note for that, and have fun.
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