Born in New York City (and currently based in Tokyo), HIMAWARI, is Lena and Takeshi Ichikawa.
While based in NYC, HIMA performed regularly at club events in the metro area and large-scale loft parties in Brooklyn with as many as 3,000 attendees. HIMA also played such events as the CMJ Music Marathon and were regulars in the Moby VJ Team MOVE*MENT events, where they caught the eye of various media outlets.
HIMA has been furiously active in the fashion and graphic design world.Thanks to a piece in The New York Times , the duo were invited to play a party for Polo Ralph Lauren’s new fragrance and then came a gig at ANIME Next in NYC which helped them realize their dreams of working in the industry.
HIMA’s musical style and imagery have been lauded far and wide. In 2000, they partnered with a Detroit record label and began to conquer the Midwest, making their debut at the heavily techno-influenced event, LIFEFEST, also at clubs around the holy land of Techno, Detroit.
But HIMA’s activity wasn’t limited to the U.S. To much acclaim, they toured Belgium and Tokyo twice with Ceephax Acid Crew, the younger brother of hard-core acid artist, Squarepusher.
And then, word of HIMA spread quickly. They appeared on a compilation album from independent Frankfurt label, SHIBUYAHOT/Apricot Records.
In Winter of 2001, HIMA released their first full length album, "mineral" on Detroit ’ s Rematter, the, sister label of renowned break-core, LOWRES, of Detroit. For the duo, becoming label-mates of such acts as Jason Snell and I:gor, had a large impact on their music.
In 2004, HIMAWARI returned to Japan and excited audiences with live performances in Tokyo. Soon after, HIMA began appearing at monthly events around metropolitan Tokyo, including "Electric Rose" and "Electric Pub", sponsored by "Sonar Sound Tokyo" planners, Third Ear. They also found their way to "COEXIST" at Nishi Azabu’s, Bul-let’s.
In 2005, HIMA’s long-awaited second album "pomposo" went into production.
The CD jacket design by Virgilio Santos of Dzark and the motion graphics from Takeshi Ichikawa perfectly sync with HIMA’s music, ensuring that the new HIMA album will mesmerize audiences around the world.
In Aug. 2006, the documentaly film DVD, "high tech soul" directed by Gary Bredou and interviewed to techno musicians including Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and himawari!, was released from JVC. And the same month, hima had a solo live performance show in Tokyo. There were 1.5 times more audiences than the capacity and it received well in many media.
himawari is looking for a promotor in Europe. we want to have a tour in EU. please contact to us if you are interested.