Rekishi's famous and popular songs

The Last Shogun feat. Mr. Isematsu of the Forestrekishi

Rekishi – “The Last Shogun feat. Mr. Ishimatsu of the Forest” Music Video + Making-of

I thought it was a really good song, and it turns out Takako Matsu is singing it.

Kaho appears in the music video, and Rekishi is surprisingly good at featuring cute girls.

If you listen without thinking, it’s a nice song, but then “bakufu” (the shogunate) suddenly pops up.

KMTR645 feat. Nekokami no Kam Atarirekishi

Rekishi – “KMTR645 feat. Nekokami no Kamatari” Music Video + Making-of

It really brings out Kyuso Nekokami’s style front and center, and overall it kind of feels like a “normal” song.

Of course, if you listen closely, they’re saying things like “Taika Reform,” so it’s the usual Rekishi.

It’s a high-energy, rowdy track, so it seems like it would get people hyped at karaoke, too.

Nengu for you feat. Hatamoto Hiroshi, Ashigaru-senseirekishi

REKISHI – Tribute for You feat. Hatamoto Hiroshi, Ashigaru Sensei

The guests are Motohiro Hata and Seiko Ito.

The song has turned out to be a very refreshing track.

However, the lyrics are about paying tribute to you—lol.

The guitar cutting is cool.

In any case, Seiko Ito is really good at rapping.

A large Buddha statue in Nararekishi

A large Buddha statue in Nara

This uniquely Lex-like track makes history feel close to home, saying, “Even the creation of a grand Great Buddha is a project where everyone joins forces.” Set to an irresistibly groovy funk sound, it paints a human drama unfolding behind the scenes of erecting the symbol of the ancient capital, Nara.

You’ll feel the thrill of looming deadlines, someone quietly reading the room and lending a hand—little moments that make you chuckle and that anyone working in a modern team can’t help but relate to.

It gently resonates with the idea that historic achievements are crystallizations of countless people’s hopes.

Many listeners will find their hearts captured by the warmth that makes distant events from long ago feel dear and familiar.

lesser cuckoorekishi

Rekishi feat. Shotoku Futoko / Hototogisu (Lyrics Video)

Featuring guest vocalist Yuko Ando.

Even though she sings in Japanese, her voice is so good you might think she’s delivering chic English.

It definitely doesn’t sound like she’s speaking in a stilted, textbook way.

The song itself is a strangely stylish ballad, and the piano accompaniment is slick.

Probably Maybe Meiji feat. Ah, Tagirentarōrekishi

Lekishi – “Probably Maybe Meiji feat. Ah, Tagiren Tarō” Music Video

Rekishi is a music project that delivers top-tier funk with Japanese history as its theme.

It’s the solo moniker of Takafumi Ikeda, also known as the former keyboardist of SUPER BUTTER DOG, and his groovy musicianship is second to none.

The project began in 2007 with the album “Rekishi,” and the tracks—featuring star guests like Ringo Sheena and Daichi Miura performing under playful “Rekishi names”—are brimming with a sense of fun.

Ikeda’s entertainer spirit is astounding, too: for the first pressing, he hand-drew the cover art for 10,000 CDs.

Even if history isn’t your strong suit, once you experience Rekishi’s music, those tricky figures and events will start to feel endearing.

It’s a project that will make you want to dive into the world of history.

HIKIBU feat. Awa no Odorikorekishi

Rekishi – SHIKIBU feat. Awa Dancer (Chatmonchy) Music Video + “Takeda’ 2” Recording Footage

The two members of Chatmonchy took part in the track.

Since they’re from Tokushima Prefecture, famous for Awa Odori, they were given the Rekishi name “Awa no Odoriko” (Awa Dancers).

As the title suggests, the song’s theme is Murasaki Shikibu.

The chorus just keeps repeating “Shiki Shiki Bun Bun,” but it really sticks in your head.