ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION Celebrates 30 Years with New Releases ‘Fujieda EP’ and ‘Skins,’ Addressing Unity Through Music

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, the renowned Japanese rock band, has recently released their latest project, the Fujieda EP, alongside a new single titled “Skins.” Both releases came in consecutive months and were recorded at MUSIC inn Fujieda, a unique residential recording studio housed in a 130-year-old renovated storehouse in Shizuoka. The four-track EP showcases a variety of musical textures, highlighting the studio’s exceptional quality.

New Single “Skins” Ties to Anime

The single “Skins” serves as the opening theme for the anime series Dr. STONE: SCIENCE FUTURE Season 3. The song encapsulates the essence of a world grappling with shifting values, aiming to foster a sense of unity amidst conflict and division. The band expressed their excitement about the release and the opportunity to engage with fans as they approach their 30th anniversary.

The Creation of MUSIC inn Fujieda

Masafumi Gotoh, the band’s frontman and guitarist, shared insights on the inception of MUSIC inn Fujieda. He noted that young musicians in Tokyo often face exorbitant studio costs, making it difficult to create music. To address this issue, Gotoh aimed to establish a more accessible space for artists to explore their creativity. The studio was funded through crowdfunding, with significant community support. The band members participated in test recordings to ensure the studio met their artistic needs.

Impressions of the Studio

Kensuke Kita, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, remarked on the studio’s impressive design, which exceeded his expectations. He noted that the high ceilings create a spacious atmosphere, enhancing the recording experience. The band conducted pre-production at their own studio, allowing them to compare recordings under similar conditions. Kita highlighted the exceptional drum sound, indicating that the studio was thoughtfully constructed with acoustics in mind.

Kiyoshi Ijichi, the drummer, expressed admiration for the preservation of the storehouse, emphasizing the cultural significance of renovating old buildings in Japan. He compared it to European practices where maintaining historical structures is often mandated by law. This preservation effort resonated with him, especially given Japan’s vulnerability to earthquakes.

Takahiro Yamada, the bassist and vocalist, praised the materials used in the studio’s construction, including reclaimed wood from disaster sites. He appreciated the warm atmosphere created by the staff and the overall comfort of the environment, expressing gratitude for being the first band to utilize the space.

Reflecting on “Skins”

Gotoh explained that “Skins” was written some time ago, stemming from a period of introspection following the release of “Life is Beautiful.” He sought to create a song that transcended mere anti-war sentiments, focusing instead on the idea of shedding burdens to reveal a shared humanity. The title “Skins” reflects this concept, emphasizing the vulnerability of being stripped down to one’s essence.

The narrative of Dr. STONE, which explores humanity’s rebirth after a petrifying event, aligns with the themes of the song. Gotoh noted that the connection between the song and the anime’s storyline is more about finding common ground than creating something entirely new.

Music as a Unifying Force

Gotoh articulated his belief that music should not highlight societal divisions. He emphasized that music has the potential to unite people, regardless of their differences. He reflected on the power of music to create shared experiences, allowing individuals to connect through a common rhythm or sound.

He also shared a personal perspective on music’s inclusivity, noting that it has always welcomed him, regardless of his background. This openness is fundamental to artistic expression, which should be accessible to everyone.

Opening for Oasis

The band recently had the opportunity to perform at the Tokyo Dome, marking their first appearance at such a venue. Gotoh recalled his previous visit to the dome 30 years ago for a baseball game, making the experience particularly memorable. Despite initial nerves, he found the sound quality to be surprisingly good, noting improvements in venue acoustics over the years.

Yamada shared that the warm reception from the crowd helped alleviate their nerves, allowing them to perform comfortably. He expressed hope that some audience members would attend their upcoming concert at Ariake Arena, part of their 30th Anniversary Special Concert series.

Ijichi reflected on the emotional significance of the performance, recalling a moment of camaraderie when Gotoh hugged the band members before going on stage. He noted the stark contrast to their previous experience opening for Oasis in Nagoya, where the crowd was less receptive.

Looking Ahead

As ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION prepares to celebrate their 30th anniversary with performances in Indonesia, Mexico, Chile, and Peru, the band members shared their aspirations for the future. Gotoh emphasized the importance of their global fanbase, expressing a desire to reach as many people as possible while continuing to create meaningful music.

Kita acknowledged the support that has sustained the band for three decades, expressing gratitude and a commitment to delivering memorable performances. Ijichi highlighted the challenge of curating a setlist that balances new and classic songs, aiming to satisfy both new and longtime fans.

Yamada reiterated the importance of meeting audience expectations, committing to thoughtful performances that resonate with listeners.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-05-23 06:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk