Soul Flower Union, who appear at Osaka's Coke Step Hall on the 10th of this month, are perhaps the most exciting band in Japan at the moment. They haven't yet reached the mega-status of fellow adventurers The Boom but in some ways are even more interesting. It hasn't come quickly for them either. While officially together only since 1993, their history goes way back. Likeable leader Nakagawa Takashi, who sings and writes most of SFU's songs formed SFU by merging his former band Newest Model with female duo Mescalin Drive.
Soul Flower have had two albums plus a compilation, and there's now a new album 'Electro Agyl-Bop'. But that's not all as under their alternative name Soul Flower Mononoke Summit they released an album of songs in Chindon-ya style last year following visits to Kobe to play 'unplugged' for the victims of the earthquake. This has led to some musical conflict among their fans - some preferring electric rock style SFU, others the colourful street style chindon. I go for the latter but fortunately SFU include a bit of everything in their concerts. Apart from Nakagawa's role as leader, the band's two women are vital ingredients in the mix. Guitarist Itami Hideko aids with production and co-writing, while Utsumi Yoko (always in black hat and shades) adds another dimension with her powerful voice and English vocals.
Influences? Nakagawa Takashi sees his band as producing a Japanese sound often rooted in old folk songs. Five years ago he also discovered Okinawan music through Kina Shoukichi and then Daiku Tetsuhiro. Since then he's guested on a Kina album and Daiku has returned the compliment on an SFU single. On stage Utsumi Yoko does a stunning Irish song, and English folk-rock is in there somewhere too. Nakagawa's sense of humour is always upfront but he's also crucially aware of social issues and is particularly interested in the plight of the Ainu, Koreans and Okinawans ("and we hate the emperor" says Yoko). Their song 'Fukko Bushi' was refused release in Japan by their record company Ki/oon Sony, but has now found an outlet in Europe on a compilation for Piranha Records. After this year's Ryukyu Festival in Tokyo, Nakagawa was given a stern warning by a government official to "watch his lyrics". If nothing else this should be reason enough to catch them in Osaka this month.
John Potter
Kansai Time Out Nov. 1996
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