After the 2010 split of underground psych-rock outfit Yura Yura Teikoku, former frontman Shintaro Sakamoto has evolved into Japan's leading psych-pop hero. Never comfortable appearing in public, he has released several acclaimed albums and built up a fanatic following without practically ever playing on stage. But there are signs that such reclusiveness may be a thing of the past: Sakamoto made a surprise appearance at Berlin's Week-End Fest in October, and is now gearing up for his first-ever solo gig in Japan. Joining the enigmatic genius on stage will be band members Aya (bass and chorus), Yuta Suganuma (drums and chorus) and Tetsu Nishiuchi (sax and flute).
