Zazen Boys

Zazen Boys formed after the dissolution of influential indie group, Number Girl in late 2002. Singer/guitarist Mukai Shutoku (mastermind behind both NG and ZB), after starting his own Matsuri Label, began playing and writing again with drummer Ahito Inazawa. Various projects with friends and other groups throughout 2003 eventually led to the recruitment of Yoshikane Sou on lead guitar and Hinata Hidekazu (of Art-School) on bass. After playing the Rising Sun Rock Festival in August, Mukai realized the potential of the new lineup and immediately began recording the band's self-titled debut in his own Matsuri Studio, which was released in early 2004. Following the success of "Zazen Boys", the band went on two large-scale tours throughout Japan before heading back into the studio to record "Zazen Boys II," released September 2004. Notably, Shiina Ringo, a big fan of Number Girl and friend of Mukai's appears on Zazen Boys' second album to provide backup vocals. Despite the success that was "Zazen Boys II," drummer Ahito Inazawa left the band in early 2005 to pursue his own interest (he almost immediately formed his own band, Vola & the Oriental Machine). Matsushita Atsushi was brought in as a replacement, and the single, "Himitsu Girl's Top Secret" was released in July, followed by "Zazen Boys III" in January of 2006. Generally considered the 'black sheep' of Zazen Boys' releases, "Zazen Boys III" took the music in entirely new directions. It's impressive to think that Mukai still knows how to surprise his fans after all these years. Zazen Boys continue to tour Japan as of this writing.