Minyo Crusaders

Formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2011, Minyo Crusaders (English translation: Folk Crusaders) is a group that mixes traditional Japanese folk music with other world music genres including Latin and Caribbean, plus a hint of funk music. Founded by Katsumi Tanaka (guitar) and Freddie Tsukamoto (vocals), the group was completed with the addition of local musicians including keyboardist Moe, saxophonist Koichiro Osawa, bongo player Matsumi Kobayashi, conga player Irochi, and timbales player Ide Sonoo. During their career, the line-up has also included vocalist Meg, trumpeter Stefan Yamauchi, and bassist Shoji Ishiguro. They made their recording debut with the single “Kushimoto Bushi” in 2015. Two years later, they signed with the P-Vine label and released their debut album, Echoes of Japan (2017). The album was a critical success and Minyo Crusaders toured several European countries and played high-profile music festivals. They followed their debut album with the Folk Song Cumbiero (From Tokyo to Bogotá) EP in 2020, which was a collaboration with Bogotá-based group Frente Cumbiero. Minyo Crusaders then issued the 2021 live album Live at Le Guess Who, which was followed by the 2023 release Tour of Japan.