Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

The eclectic Japanese ska-jazz combo Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra was formed by percussionist Asa-Chang in Tokyo in 1985. Originally composed of 11 members, the group released its eponymous EP in 1989 and later signed with Epic Records for their studio debut Skapara's Intro (1990). The album contained the track "Monster Rock," which was the band's first big hit in Japan. This success was followed by the release of the albums World-famous (1991) and Pioneers (1993), their last one with founding member Asa-Chang. The group would suffer another loss in 1995 when frontman Cleanhead Gimura died of brain cancer while the band worked on the follow-up to 1994's Fantasia. Released later that year, the more pop-oriented Grand Prix (1995) was released as a tribute to the late singer. After releasing Tokyo Strut in 1996, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra severed ties with Epic and moved to Avex Trax, making their official debut for the label with 1998's Arkestra. Now led by saxophonist Tatsuyuki Hiyamuta, the band delivered a series of critically acclaimed releases such as Stomping on Downbeat Alley (2002), High Numbers (2003), Answer (2005), Wild Piece (2006), and the jazz-tinged Perfect Future (2008). During this time, they also performed at some of the world's biggest festivals, including Glastonbury, Eurockeennes, and Bonnaroo. Over the next few decades, subsequent releases like World Ska Symphony (2010), Walkin' (2012), Ska Me Forever (2014), Glorious (2018), and SKA=ALMIGHTY (2021) cemented their reputation as one of Japan's finest and longest-running ska acts. In 2022, "Small White," a joint single with the band Saucy Dog, reached Number 39 on the Japanese Top 100.

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