The Beat Crusaders

Beat Crusaders was instigated in late '97 by Hidaka primarily as an experimental U.S. Lo-Fi Indie Pop unit. The gathering of the rest of the crew culminated as a result of continual experimental gigs performed around the Shimokitazawa (Tokyo) area. Their creative use of analogue, synthesizers and the old Casitone, incorporated with influences of such bands as Weezer and Rentals, and at times the dynamism of Snuffesque rock , had transformed them into a powerfully melodic guitar band. By late '98, Beat Crusaders had already started creating vibes that they were a crazy and fun live act not to be missed. The momentum carried on with a single "E.C.D.T." released in June of the following year which entered independent charts of CD retail shops all across Japan. A month later their first mini-album, "HOWLING SYMPHONY OF..." was released; this entered the charts again with various music magazines giving the big thumbs up. Reflecting their chart action and praise from magazines, numerous live offers followed from notable bands in the Japanese alternative/independent scene, from guitar pop and new wave of new wave, to pop punk and ska bands. The continuted to be busy, with their second single "Firestarter" released in early 2000 and the full-length "All You Can Eat", not to mention involvement in four compilations, their own 'covers' EP and even a split with Australian pop punksters, Captain Hedgehog.In August 2003, three of the four original members of Beat Crusaders left the band leaving behind only Hidaka Tooru. Four new members were recruited later whom now comprises Beat Crusaders. The three members that left went on to form the band ANITA CHILI PEPPERS.Later on down the road, their song "Hit In The USA" was used for the opening of the anime Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad, which helped them out of the indie scene and into the major leagues of Japanese music stardom. They have released several more albums including a cover album of American and British songs entitled "Musicrusaders" and have most recently lended their song "TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT" as the opening of the anime Bleach. In 2006, the band's music made its first American appearance as the opening theme song, "Hey x 2 Look x 2" (Aka "Hey Hey Look Look") to the Nicktoons animated series, Kappa Mikey.