Shinsei Kamattechan

Self-described as an “Internet pop rock band,” Japanese group Shinsei Kamattechan create melodic, piano-driven pop songs with noisy guitars and manic, unhinged vocals. Frontperson Noko’s dark, unflinching lyrics often address subjects such as self-harm, suicide, mental illness, and gender identity. They initially gained a fan base through their extensive live streaming and homemade music videos, and have been a fixture of the Japanese charts since their first release, the 2010 mini-album Tomodachi wo Koroshite Made, while their major-label debut, Tsumanne, and contributions to anime series such as Attack on Titan established the band’s cult following overseas. While their early efforts are their most jarring and experimental, subsequent releases such as 2012′s Tanoshiine and 2014′s Eiyū syndrome are more polished and accessible. More recent albums like 2019′s Child’s Medical Record are a mixture of the group’s pop and experimental impulses, and 2025′s Danchi Thesis incorporates orchestral and acoustic elements. Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Noko (Ryōsuke Ōshima) and keyboard player Mono (Yukiya Kaidō) have been friends since youth. Noko, who was born in New York but moved to Chiba soon afterward, was subjected to bullying as a student and dropped out of high school. They have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. Noko and Mono formed Shinsei Kamattechan in 2007, and while a few members played in the group prior to their debut release, they settled on a quartet lineup including drummer Misako (Misako Suzuki) and bassist Chibagin (Daisaku Sakuma). In their early years, Shinsei Kamattechan frequently streamed live performances and posted music videos online. Drawing from an extensive backlog of songs written by Noko, the band became highly prolific once they began releasing music. Debut mini-album Tomodachi wo Koroshite Made (“To Kill a Friend”) was released by independent label Perfect Music in March 2010. Searing non-album single “Yūgata no Piano” (“Evening Piano”) appeared in July, and the band signed a major-label deal with Warner Music Japan. Tsumanne (“Boring”) arrived in December, simultaneously issued on the same day as Minna Shine (“Everyone Die”) on Perfect Music. Shinsei Kamattechan contributed the opening theme song to the anime series Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl in 2011, featuring an appearance by voice actress Asuka Ōgame. The band starred as a fictionalized version of themselves in the drama rock’n’roll wa nariyamana, additionally providing the film’s soundtrack. It was screened at the 2011 New York Asian Film Festival under the English title Ringing in Their Ears. 8-gatsu 32-nichi e (“To August 32nd”) was released in August, and became the band’s first Top Ten-charting album. Shinsei Kamattechan collaborated with B.B.Queens, covering the J-pop group’s 1992 single “Yume no END wa Itsumo Mezamashi!” (“An Alarm Clock Always Ends My Dream!“). Tanoshiine (“It’s Fun”), a step in a more accessible direction for the band, appeared in November. In 2013, Noko released an album titled Shinsei Kamattechan, containing unique arrangements of the band’s songs. The following year, the group released the DVD Live History 2009-2013, then issued a trio of singles (including “Front Memory,” featuring guest vocalist Makoto Kawamoto) leading up to the release of studio album Eiyū syndrome (“Hero Syndrome”). Best Kamattechan, the band’s first compilation album, appeared in 2015. Natsu.Install (“Summer.Installation”), a pop-punk-leaning mini-album, appeared in 2016. “Yuugure No Tori” (“Twilight Birds”) was used as the ending theme to the second season of anime series Attack on Titan in 2017. The song was included on the band’s eighth album, Osanasa wo Nyuin Sasete (“Hospitalize My Childishness”). Tsundere followed in 2018, with Regal Lily’s Honoka Takahashi guesting on the song “Akizora Cider” (“Autumn Sky Cider”). Jidō Karte (“Child’s Medical Record”) appeared digitally in November 2019, and a physical release followed in early 2020. Chibagin performed his final tour with the group in January. Yūnosuke began filling in, and later officially became the group’s bassist. The band performed “Boku no Sensō” (“My War”), the opening theme for the fourth season of Attack on Titan, and the full song was released as a single in 2021. The group’s second compilation, Seinaru Kōsaten (“Holy Crossroads”), was released in 2023, with ACA-Ne (Zutomayo), Ano, and Jun Togawa making appearances on the collection’s new songs. Returning to Perfect Music, the band released Danchi Thesis in 2025. ~ Paul Simpson