Masterpieces and popular songs by Tokyo Jihen
Here are some songs by Tokyo Jihen, the rock band centered around Ringo Sheena, who is also active as a solo artist.
Although Tokyo Jihen disbanded in 2012 to much regret, we received the happy news of their “reboot” at the start of 2020!
Their appeal lies in the mysterious power of their music: it isn’t exactly pop, yet it’s catchy and irresistibly listenable, combined with the high level of musicianship of each member.
The band was formed when Ringo Sheena, who was working solo at the time, found it difficult to maintain her motivation and thought, “If I compose as though I’m writing songs for band members, maybe I’ll feel more inspired.”
With that origin in mind, give another listen to the many masterpieces that Tokyo Jihen has created.
Tokyo Jihen’s famous and popular songs (1–10)
Killer tuneToukyou Jihen
It’s a lovely song that says the luxury of the heart, not material things, is on your side.
It opens with a striking line that feels like a retort to the wartime slogan “We won’t want until we win.” It’s also a very fun piece to play with the band, so it’s one of the songs often covered by copy bands.
Invisible ManToukyou Jihen
It’s one of the most popular songs.
It’s incredibly pure—a song with a heart that feels clear and transparent.
It’s very hard to cover, but I think that’s exactly why the intricate movement of the instruments and the vocalist’s clear, crystalline voice are so moving.
It’s a song that can bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ultramarine DaysToukyou Jihen
This is included on Tokyo Jihen’s first album, Kyōiku.
For many people, this song is the one they think of when they hear Tokyo Jihen.
As a signature track of the band, it often closes their live shows.
The music video also gained a reputation for how cute Ringo Sheena looks in it.
Flash GirlToukyou Jihen
This is one of the most popular songs by Tokyo Jihen.
Even people who don’t know the band very well have likely heard this track.
The depiction of “can’t wait,” from yesterday to today, and from today to tomorrow, feels youthful and wonderful.
The sky is rumbling.Toukyou Jihen
The melody evokes a chill of early morning, but Seiji Kameda, who actually composed it, said he envisioned an environment of extreme cold, like absolute zero.
The music video is memorable for the members looking straight into the camera, and personally, I like the fried-egg scene that appears partway through.
Every girlToukyou Jihen
Shiina Ringo has said that for most of her songs, the natural target tends to be women, and I feel that especially strongly with this one.
It’s a song that celebrates an invincible kind of cuteness—like a witch—that many girls dream of at least once.
Another highlight is the music video, where Shiina Ringo herself keeps transforming.
Black Cat RoadToukyou Jihen
When you hear “cat,” especially a black cat, what kind of image comes to mind? “Cute,” “willful,” “free,” “a bit ominous”—I imagine those are common.
This song packs all of those black cat impressions into a single track.
The lyrics bounce along briskly with a lively tempo, making you want to move your body and tap on whatever’s nearby.
It’s a stylish piece with a charming appeal that brings a smile to your face and draws you in.
Much Ado TonightToukyou Jihen
In the PV, each member plays a role.
It feels like a foreign movie, which makes it fun to watch and, I think, is one of the work’s charms.
The chorus by Ukigumo together with main vocalist Sheena Ringo, and the distinctive piano melody, are a perfect match.
OSCAToukyou Jihen
This song is characterized by a slightly edgy sound.
Shiina Ringo’s vocal delivery is idiosyncratic to the point that it’s hard to make out the Japanese lyrics.
Although it’s short, each instrument has its own solo part, and each produces a distinctive tone that makes you realize this track is built from those individual flavors.
setting sunToukyou Jihen
“Rakujitsu” literally means “the setting sun,” and by extension it is also used to signify “the end of a life.” True to that image, the song begins slowly, with a lonely, sorrowful tone.
Yet it doesn’t end there: despite its almost narrative style, the chorus has such power that you can’t help but clench your fists.
It’s a beautiful, delicate, and yet brimming-with-energy masterpiece that seizes the listener’s heart and won’t let go.