Satellite Voices

Tokyo / 日本語

Nisennenmondai

October 21, 2011

Introducing the underground Tokyo, all-girl noise band

• Text by Emi Kameoka

These days the expression of “kakko-kawaii” is becoming very popular. It means unbelievably cool and cute. Nisennenmondai (that means the tech apocalypse of 2000) is the most typical “kakko-kawaii” of all the Japanese girl bands. Zaikawa (bass), Himeno (drums) and Takada (guitar) play astonishing instrumental noise which you would never imagine comes through their cute exterior.

Satellite Voices: How did the band form?
Nisennenmondai: We met through the club in college.

SV: Why girls-only?
Nisennenmondai: There was no intention and we got together in a really natural way. We're just close to each other.

SV: Please tell us the process of creating music?
Nisennenmondai: We have a studio session and listen to the sound source later. Then we pick up the best vibe of it and construct music.

SV: Please name a musician you respect?
Nisennenmondai: It’s a secret.

SV: Which show was the most impressive of all your performances?
Nisennenmondai: The Villette Sonic show in Paris. We were astounded at the size of the venue. And it was the best moment when Takagi shouted “Ca va?” to the audience. Then the cheers of the spectators reached their peak and we thought we could hear the rumbling of the venue.

SV: What do you think is the “unique character” of your music?
Nisennenmondai: If we knew, we wouldn’t be playing music.

Photo by Kim Hiorthoy