MUKAI ON THE WHITE STAGE IN 2009

MUKAI ON THE WHITE STAGE IN 2009

Tokyo duo Kimonos is made up of Leo Imai and Zazen Boys’ Shutoku Mukai.  The synth-pop and post-punk act are currently promoting their 2010 self-titled debut.  They’ll play in the Red Marquee on July 30.  The White Stage was packed with fans in 2009 when local alt-rock legend Mukai gigged with Zazen Boys.  While Kimonos are a very different band, I suspect Mukai and Imai will have little trouble drawing a sizeable crowd.

Intended as a single-album collaboration, in an interview with me for The Japan Times Imai said that Kimonos will likely only perform a few more shows after this summer.  This should serve as extra motivation to get out to see them at Fuji Rock.

Live, Mukai handles guitar while Imai plays keyboard and sampler.  Both members sing.  Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier made a guest appearance on Kimonos’ album.  Deerhoof are performing at Fuji Rock ’11 (in the Red Marquee on July 29), but Imai doesn’t foresee a Saunier joining Kimonos during their set.

Here’s Kimonos music video for “Soundtrack to Murder.”

Check out my Japan Times interview with Imai here.

*Photo by Hiroshi Maeda and used with permission of Fuji Rock Express ’09.