MONKEY MAJIK is a rock band known for hit songs like “Sora wa Marude.” Formed in Aomori in 2000, the band went through member changes and now consists of Canadian brothers Maynard Plant (vocals/guitar) and Blaise Plant, along with Japanese members DICK on bass and tax on drums—a hybrid four-piece.
They rose to fame with the hit “Around The World,” the theme song for the drama Saiyuki.
Their music features beautiful, Japanese-focused lyrics and catchy melodies.
At the same time, their covers and collaborations with celebrities and artists showcase a free-spirited sense of fun that’s a big part of MONKEY MAJIK’s appeal.
Many of their songs carry a funky, comfortable groove that lifts your spirits.
Enjoy a wealth of classic tracks from MONKEY MAJIK, who are based in Sendai!
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A popular pop-funky track by MONKEY MAJIK. A classic that cherishes Japanese tradition (1–10)
HeadlightMONKEY MAJIK
Let me introduce MONKEY MAJIK’s 15th single, “Headlight,” released in 2011.
The song starts gently, but the chorus suddenly soars and grabs your heart.
Maynard Plant’s falsetto is used extensively in the melody.
The falsetto that bursts in right at the start of the chorus pierces the heart, and that beautiful voice can bring you to tears.
It’s a tender, moving track.
When your spirits won’t lift, it’s the kind of song that lets you cry while still giving you hope.
I truly recommend listening to it at times like that.
Just, thank you.MONKEY MAJIK
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Andō Natsu.” It’s such a warm and beautiful piece that you can imagine it being played in front of a fireplace on a winter night.
I really understand the feeling of having nothing to say but “just, thank you,” not knowing if it truly gets across.
TogetherMONKEY MAJIK
It was the CM song for SUBARU’s 50th Anniversary, “Fantastic moments.” With the interplay of twin vocals and the blend of Japanese and English, I think it’s a song that’s very much Monkey Majik.
I like how the rhymes feel like Western music.
Around The WorldMONKEY MAJIK
Shingo Katori starred in the drama “Saiyuki.” Its theme song was “Around The World,” performed by the multinational rock band MONKEY MAJIK.
The band features Canadian brothers as twin lead vocalists, and their groove-filled vocals in English felt very fresh in the J-pop scene at the time.
Thanks to this song, MONKEY MAJIK became known nationwide.
It also sparked many listeners’ interest in Western music and funk—truly a highly influential track!
The sky is just likeMONKEY MAJIK
It’s a chill, mellow track by MONKEY MAJIK, a band based in Sendai.
The warm acoustic guitar is soothing.
With its organic groove, it would feel great to listen to it in an open, breezy spot on a day off, beer in hand.
There’s also a rap section, and while the song shifts in feel, it maintains a consistent sense of relaxation.
It has the kind of strength that keeps it from getting old no matter how many times you replay it, and the unadorned lyrics have a simple charm.
It’s lifestyle music that stands apart from trends.
I love you.MONKEY MAJIK
As the theme song for the drama “Aishiteru ~Kaiyō~,” it brought the heavy, very serious story to a close.
While the drama depicted social issues, this theme song became a gentle, comforting force of music that embraced each person’s feelings.
international studentMONKEY MAJIK × Okazaki Taiiku
This song, “Ryūgakusei” (International Student), was born from the meeting of MONKEY MAJIK’s stylish, funky sound and the genius Okazaki Taiiku’s cool beats.
It’s catchy, soulful, and simply a great track to listen to—but actually, it’s a double-meaning song that plays on both Japanese and English.
Sometimes Japanese can sound like English, and sometimes English can sound like Japanese, right? This song packs in lots of those kinds of words.
The lyrics are guaranteed to make you laugh, so be sure to watch the music video while you listen!