Fishmans

Fishmans was a Japanese band known for their unique blend of psychedelic sounds and dream pop. The group originated in Minato, Tokyo, in 1987. Founded by Shinji Sato (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Kin-Ichi Motegi (drums, vocals), and Kensuke Ojima (guitar), the group quickly established themselves within Japan's underground music scene. Bassist Yuzuru Kashiwabara joined in 1988, followed by keyboardist Hakase-Sun in 1990. After making a name for themselves and garnering a following through their live shows, the group released their debut album, Chappie Don't Cry, in 1991. The album showcased their distinctive reggae and dub influences. They continued to refine their sound with their sophomore effort King Master George (1992). In 1993, their song "Ikareta Baby" became a breakthrough hit for the group, propelling them to wider recognition. This success continued with the release of Neo Yankees' Holiday (1993), which solidified their signature dub sound. In 1995, Fishmans began working with producer ZAK, leading to the critically acclaimed album Kūchū Camp in 1996, which marked a shift towards dream pop. Later that year, the band released Long Season (1996), an innovative 35-minute single-track album that became a landmark in their discography. The tragic death of vocalist Shinji Sato in 1999 led to a temporary halt for Fishmans, but they reunited in 2005 to honor Shinji Sato's legacy. Despite his passing, Fishmans' influence grew, attracting a global cult following. 2005 also saw the release of the compilation 空中 ベスト・オブ・フィッシュマンズ, which peaked at number 33 on the Japanese charts and helped introduce their music to a new audience.