Kemuri

In the summer of 1995, Japanese ska-punk band Kemuri formed. Charismatic frontman Fumio Ito, preparing to visit the United States that October, recruited musicians to cut a demo in hopes of landing an American recording deal while the group stayed based in Japan. His friend Tsuda joined first on bass, followed by guitarist Yukihiko "T" Tanaka, trombonist Yuji Shimoda, and drummer Shoji Hiraya. Ito carried several hundred copies of the demo on his trip, visiting record labels and establishing ties with groups such as Mustard Plug and Less Than Jake.

Repeated flights across the Pacific enabled Kemuri to record and compose additional material. Their persistence resulted in appearances on three ska-punk compilations—Misfits of Ska II on Asian Man Records, Punk Goes Ska via Stiff Dog Records, and Screw Ball from Ramen Records—along with a shared 7" single alongside Less Than Jake. Roadrunner Records signed the band in September 1996. The full lineup relocated to San Jose, California, in January 1997 to track their debut album, Little Playmate. Robert Berry and Kemuri produced the energetic alternative ska record, which led to the group's first major U.S. tour supporting Rocket from the Crypt. 77 Days followed in 1998, and Senka-Senrui appeared two years later.