Ningen Isu
Ningen Isu (Japanese: 人間椅子, Hepburn: Ningen Isu, lit. "The Human Chair") is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in Hirosaki in 1987. The band's current line-up consists of co-founders Shinji Wajima (guitar, vocals) and Ken-ichi Suzuki (bass, vocals) alongside Nobu Nakajima (drums, vocals), who joined in 2004. All three members contribute to the songwriting process. They have been noted for their stage personas, with Wajima dressing as a Meiji-era literary master, Suzuki dressing as a Buddhist monk, and Nakajima dressing as a Yakuza-style gangster.
Ningen Isu | |
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Origin | Hirosaki, Japan |
Genres | |
Years active | 1987–present |
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Members |
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Past members |
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Website | ningen-isu |
History
Both natives of Hirosaki, Wajima and Suzuki first became acquainted while attending a concert at the local music venue.[1][2] They eventually became close friends in 1981, when they both entered Hirosaki High School. Their friendship would further develop through frequent exchanges of music records. It was around this time that Suzuki first exposed Wajima to the music of his favorite bands Kiss, Saxon, and Judas Priest, while Wajima shared his love of the Beatles, King Crimson, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. Suzuki was impressed by Wajima's talent for songwriting and wrote a song called "Demon", while Wajima wrote a song called "Apocalypse of Iron Grill", which was not received well by the local music venue but which Suzuki liked nonetheless. Two years later, Wajima and Suzuki joined the band Shine Shine Dan ("Dead Dead Group"), a band formed by members of the local music venue, with whom they played at music festivals.
In 1985, after enrolling at different universities—Wajima studied Buddhism at Komazawa University, while Suzuki studied Russian literature at Sophia University—they formed a hard rock band and settled on the name Ningen Isu in 1987 when drummer Noriyoshi Kamidate joined the band, taking the name from the 1924 short story of the same name by Edogawa Rampo.[3] They first gained public attention in 1989 through a performance of their song "Injū" ("Beast in the Shadows") on Ikasu Band Tengoku (Cool Band Heaven), a new television music competition on Tokyo Broadcasting System Television.[4] Their uniquely heavy sound, technical skill, and lyrics full of literary references took the judges by surprise.
In 1990, they released their first album Ningen Shikkaku, followed two years later by Ōgon no Yoake, after which Kamidate left the band. They kept their heavy sound and lyrics referencing literature. Drummer Masuhiro Goto would support the recording of their fourth album Rashōmon in 1993. In 1995 and 1996, Iwao Tsuchiya served as the band's drummer but was replaced by Goto as a permanent member until leaving in 2003. In 2004, current drummer Nobu Nakajima joined the band. Wajima, Suzuki, and Nakajima once lived in a neighborhood in the district Koenji, Tokyo, which is famous for its subculture, music and free atmosphere.
During the mid-2010s, Ningen Isu saw a significant increase in popularity. They previously spent years in relative obscurity outside of Japan, and the sales of their albums did not go well. The band played at the Ozzfest 2013, hosted by Ozzy Osbourne, which they as Black Sabbath fans felt honored by. In 2019, their record Shin Seinen reached rank 14 in the Oricon music charts, their highest chart position to date.[5] They released the video for their song "Heartless Scat" on YouTube in May 2019,[6] and it has since gained over 14 million views.
The band performed their first world tour in Berlin, Bochum, and London in February 2020.[7]
Musical style
The band's lyrics often reference Japanese classical literature, including authors Edogawa Rampo, Dazai Osamu, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, and Mishima Yukio, in addition to authors in other languages such as Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Georges Bataille. They often address topics such as Hell, Buddhism, the universe, samurai culture, and gambling. Wajima and Suzuki have a local accent called the "Tsugaru dialect",[8] which adds a unique and heavy atmosphere and rhythm to their songs. They, especially Wajima, often use difficult and old Japanese (words used in Edo period to Showa period, often hard to understand even for Japanese people). They often wear kimono and traditional fundoshi underwear on stage.[9]
Influences
Ningen Isu was strongly influenced by Black Sabbath.[10] Other influences include UFO, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Budgie, King Crimson, and similar artists. The style of Wajima's guitar playing is influenced by Robert Fripp, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, Ace Frehley, Michael Schenker, and Tsugaru-jamisen. Suzuki is inspired mostly by Kiss and paints his face white while moving in a style similar to Kiss bassist Gene Simmons.
Members
Current
- Shinji Wajima / Wazzy (和嶋慎治; born 25 December 1965) – guitars, vocals, theremin, main lyrics, composer (1987–present). His costume has motifs of a literary master from the Meiji era. His main influences are the Beatles, blues, and enka. He often uses original effects he makes himself. He sometimes uses a theremin, which adds a cosmic mood. He loves Rakugo.
- Ken-ichi Suzuki / Suzuken (鈴木研一; born 11 March 1966) – bass, vocals, lyrics, composer (1987–present). Sporting a shaved head and a painted white face, he dresses like a Buddhist monk. He notably wears fundoshi, old-style Japanese underwear, beneath his kimono. In the band's early days, Suzuki often wore clothes inspired by Nezumi-otoko, a rat-man character from Ge-Ge-Ge no Kitaro.
- Nobu Nakajima / Nobu (ナカジマノブ; born 20 September 1966) – drums, vocals, lyrics, composer (2004–present). He wears a koikuchi shirt and sunglasses, taking his look from old-school Yakuza. He sometimes uses Dora, a kind of Japanese gong. His hard and energetic drumming style earned him the nickname "Aniki" ("big brother"). He is a big fan of Hideshi Hino and a collector of sneakers, dam cards, and comic books.
Former
- Noriyoshi Kamidate (上館徳芳; born 14 June 1962) – drums (1987–1992). He was influenced by Cozy Powell and used very restrained moves to match Suzuki's basslines.
- Masuhiro Goto (後藤マスヒロ; real name Masahiro Goto (後藤升宏); born 29 August 1965) – drums, vocals (1993–1995 as a supporting member; 1996–2003 as a full member). His drumming was more dynamic and nuanced, heavily contributing to Ningen Isu's sound during his tenure in the band. He played on five albums and even wrote and sang lead vocals on some.
- Iwao Tsuchiya (つちや いわお) – drums, vocals (1995–1996). He participated in two albums during his tenure, and even wrote and sang part of "Sanjussai" (三十歳) from the album Odoru Issunboushi (踊る一寸法師).
Timeline
Discography
Original albums
Year | Album details | Chart |
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1989 | Ningen Isu (人間椅子; The Human Chair)
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1990 | Ningen Shikkaku (人間失格; No Longer Human)
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31 |
1991 | Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita (桜の森の満開の下; In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom)
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57 |
1992 | Ougon no Yoake (黄金の夜明け; Golden Dawn)
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1993 | Rashōmon (羅生門)
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1995 | Odoru Issunboushi (踊る一寸法師; Dancing One-Inch Preacher)
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1996 | Mugen no Juunin (無限の住人; Blade Of The Immortal)
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1998 | Taihai Geijutsu Ten (頽廃芸術展; Degenerate Art Exhibition)
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1999 | Nijusseiki Sousoukyoku (二十世紀葬送曲; Requiem For The 20th Century)
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2000 | Kaijin Nijuu Mensou (怪人二十面相; The Fiend With Twenty Faces)
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2001 | Mishiranu Sekai (見知らぬ世界; Unknown World)
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2003 | Shura bayashi (修羅囃子; The Band Of Pandemonium)
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140 |
2004 | San-aku Douchuu Hizakurige (三悪道中膝栗毛; Journey Through Three Evil Paths)
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206 |
2006 | Fu-chi-ku (瘋痴狂; Hoochie Koo)
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244 |
2007 | Manatsu no Yoru no Yume (真夏の夜の夢; A Midsummer Night's Dream)
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178 |
2009 | Mirai Roman-ha (未来浪漫派; Futuristic Romanticism)
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2011 | Shigan Raisan (此岸礼讃; In Praise Of This World)
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59 |
2013 | Mandoro (萬燈籠; Ten Thousand Garden Lanterns)
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35 |
2014 | Burai Houjou (無頼豊饒; Fertility Of License)
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27 |
2016 | Kaidan Soshite Shi to Eros (怪談 そして死とエロス; Ghost Stories And Eros And Thanatos)
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22 |
2017 | Ijigen kara no Houkou (異次元からの咆哮; Roar From Another Dimension)
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18 |
2019 | Shin Seinen (新青年; New Youth)
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14[11] |
2021 | Kuraku (苦楽; Pain And Comfort)
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20 |
2023 | Shikisoku Zekuu (色即是空; Matter is Void)
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Best-of Albums
Year | Album details | Chart |
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1994 | Petenshi to Kuuki Otoko ~Ningen Isu Kessaku-sen~ (ペテン師と空気男〜人間椅子傑作選〜; A Swindler And An Aerial Man 〜 Ningen Isu Greatest Hits)
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2002 | Oshie to Tabi suru Otoko ~Ningen Isu Kessaku-sen vol.2~ (押絵と旅する男〜人間椅子傑作選 第2集〜; The Traveler With The Pasted Rag Picture 〜 Ningen Isu Greatest Hits Vol.2)
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2009 | Ningen-Isu Kessaku-sen Nijusshunen Kinen Best Ban (人間椅子傑作選 二十周年記念ベスト盤; Ningen Isu Greatest Hits The 20th Anniversary Best Album)
DISC1
DISC2
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160 |
2014 | Utsushiyo wa Yume ~25 Shunen Kinen Best Album~ (現世は夢 〜25周年記念ベストアルバム〜; This World Is A Dream ~The 25th Anniversary Best Album)
DISC1
DISC2
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50 |
2019 | Ningen-Isu Meisaku-sen 30 Shunen Kinen Best Ban (人間椅子名作選 三十周年記念ベスト盤; Ningen Isu Greatest Hits The 30th Anniversary Best Album)
DISC1
DISC2
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22 |
Live albums
Year | Album details | Chart |
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2010 | Shippuu Dotou ~Ningen Isu Live! Live!! (疾風怒濤〜人間椅子ライブ!ライブ!!; Sturm Und Drang ~Ningen Isu Live! Live!!)
DISC1 (CD)
DISC2 (CD)
DISC3 (DVD)
Bonus. Promotion Video for Shinagawa Shinjuu (品川心中; Love Suicide At Shinagawa) |
180 |
2017 | Ifuu Doudou ~Ningen Isu Live!! (威風堂々〜人間椅子ライブ!!; Pomp And Circumstance ~Ningen Isu Live!!)
DISC1 (CD)
DISC2 (CD)
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Singles
Year | Single details | Format |
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1991 | Yashaga-ike (夜叉ヶ池; Pond of Yaksha)
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8cmCD |
1991 | Koufuku no Neji (幸福のねじ; Happy Screw)
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8cmCD |
1993 | Motto Hikari wo! (もっと光を!; More Light!)
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8cmCD |
1996 | Katana to Saya (刀と鞘; Sword and Sheath)
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8cmCD |
2015 | Doro no Ame ~NINJA SLAYER Ver. (泥の雨~ニンジャスレイヤーVer. ; Mud Rain ~NINJA SLAYER Ver.)
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download |
2015 | Jigoku no Aloha (地獄のアロハ; Hell's Aloha) - by Kinniku Shōjo Tai with Ningen Isu
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CD/DVD |
2015 | Doro no Ame (泥の雨; Mud Rain)
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download |
2016 | Hari no Yama (針の山; Hell's Mountain Of Needles)
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Phonograph record |
2018 | Inochi Urimasu (命売ります; Life for Sale)
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download |
2020 | Mugen no Juunin Butou-Hen (無限の住人 武闘編; Blade of the Immortal: The Fatal Battle)
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download |
Videos
Year | Videos details | Format |
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1991 | Yuigon-jou Housou (遺言状放送; Testament Broadcasting)
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VHS |
2000 | Kaijin Nijuu Mensou (怪人二十面相; The Fiend With Twenty Faces)
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VHS |
2002 | Mishiranu Sekai (見知らぬ世界; The World Unknown)
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VHS |
2006 | Yuigon-jou Housou (遺言状放送; Testament Broadcasting)
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DVD |
2006 | Mishiranu Sekai (見知らぬ世界; The World Unknown)
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DVD |
2015 | Kurushimi mo Yorokobi mo Yume nareba koso "Utsushiyo ha Yume - Band Seikatsu 25 Shuunen -" in Shibuya Koukaidou Kouen (苦しみも喜びも夢なればこそ「現世は夢~バンド生活二十五年~」渋谷公会堂公演; Pain and Joy is a Dream "This World is a Dream - Band Life 25th Anniversary -" in Shibuya Public Hall)
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DVD/Blu-ray |
2018 | Odoro Mandara -Music Video Shu- (おどろ曼荼羅~ミュージックビデオ集~; Horrid Mandala -Music VIdeo Collection-)
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DVD/Blu-ray |
References
- "Ningen Isu". Spirit of Metal.
- Angus Cargill Hang the DJ: An Alternative Book of Music Lists 2008 Page 75 "Ningen Isu The first Japanese band I ever saw and still the very best; Black Sabbath reborn in the Tohoku region of Japan. Fourteen albums to date and you need them all."
- Mark Driscoll Absolute Erotic, Absolute Grotesque: The Living, Dead, and Undead - 2010 p139 "In the short story "The Human Chair" (Ningen Isu) published in 1924, Rampo intuited this neuropolitical invasion of the body and the de-anthropomorphizing effects that ensue. In the story a worker in a small factory becomes so engrossed in."
- "JAPANESE BANDSTAND". Washington Post. WP Company LLC. Washington Post. 1990-09-19. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- "Ningen Isu on Oricon". Oricon. 2019. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
- "Japanese Metal Band Ningen Isu's Epic 'Heartless Scat' Video Nears 1.5 Million Views: Watch". Billboard. 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
- "NINGEN ISU in Europe for the first time!". Nine Lives Entertainment. 2019. Retrieved 2019-10-12.
- ROCK ATTENTION 25 ~人間椅子~ (in Japanese). Beeast. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
- "Ningen Isu explores death, lust on new album | The Japan Times". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2017-11-17.
- 人間椅子 来るOzzfestに向け、あふれる「サバス愛」を語りまくる (in Japanese)
- 週間 CDアルバムランキング 2019年06月17日付 [Weekly CD Album Ranking on June 17, 2019]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Retrieved June 12, 2019.