Hitsujibungaku

Even as grunge and shoegaze’s heavily distorted textures drifted away from classic-rock playlists, enthusiasts for that alt-rock atmosphere remain plentiful worldwide. Tokyo’s intensely amplified trio Hitsujibungaku stands as a prime example, their instrumental approach one that would have blended seamlessly with Sub Pop or Matador releases of the 1990s, lyrics notwithstanding.

Singer and guitarist Moeka Shiotsuka formed the band in 2011 while still attending high school. The name Hitsujibungaku, meaning “sheep language,” nods both to the indie J-rock outfit Sleeping Rag Sheep and to Moeka’s penchant for crafting substantive lyrics. The frequently shifting roster began stabilizing in 2015 with the arrival of long-haired drummer Hiroa Fukuda. Bassist Yurika Kasai came aboard in 2017 after having become a fan through a shared local-festival performance.

The group’s first EP, Tonneru Wo Nuketara (“after passing through the tunnel”), appeared that same year and included the infectious single “Step,” later featured on their initial full-length, 2018’s Dear Youth. Follow-up releases such as the single “1999,” the 2018 EP A Short Trip to the Orange-Chocolate-House, and 2019’s Kirameki allowed the trio to refine their melodic sensibility, producing hooks suited to Western college-radio formats. Following the 2020 sophomore album Powers, the musicians achieved a longstanding Japanese milestone by recording their debut anime theme, “Hikaru Toki,” which opened the 2021 historical series The Heike Story and later surfaced on the third album, 2022’s Our Hope.

The 2023 release 12 Hugs (Like Butterflies) marked a pronounced turn toward the sonic textures of ’90s alternative, its grittier guitar tones balanced by strong melodies and harmonies; the set also contained another anime contribution, “More Than Words,” written for the fantasy series Jujutsu Kaisen. Activity continued into 2024 despite drummer Hiroa’s temporary hiatus, encompassing a playful cover of “Life’s a Treat,” the theme from the British animated series Shaun the Sheep, and the well-received anime song “Burning,” created for Oshi no Ko.