88Kasyo Junrei

88Kasyo Junrei
八十八ヶ所巡礼
88Kasyo Junrei 八十八ヶ所巡礼
Also known as	88Kasyo
Origin	Tokyo, Japan
Genres	Progressive, psychedelic, alternative, hard rock, heavy metal
Years active	October 8, 2006–present
Labels	PPR (Psychedelic Progressive Revolution)
Members	Margarette Hiroi; Katzuya Shimizu; Kenzo;
Website	88kasyo.com

88Kasyo Junrei (Japanese: 八十八ヶ所巡礼, Hepburn: Hachi-jū Hachi Kasho Junrei) is a Japanese rock band formed on October 8, 2006.^[2] They consist of vocalist and bassist Margarette Hiroi, guitarist Katzuya Shimizu and drummer Kenzo. The name, which means "pilgrimage to eighty-eight places," is reminiscent of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Their music combines elements of jam band,^[5] heavy metal, alternative, psychedelic and progressive rock styles. All lyrics are written by Hiroi^[6]^[7]^[8] and often contain references to religion, such as Buddhism or Shinto,^[7] and different yōkai.^[9] All albums are released through their own label, PPR.^[3]^[8]

Quick Facts 八十八ヶ所巡礼, Also known as ...

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The mascot character, who appears on numerous album covers, was created by Japanese animator Takashi Taniguchi [ja] and nicknamed "pilgrim" (オヘンロさん, o-henro-san).^[2]^[10]

They performed outside of Japan for the first time at Eurockéennes Music Festival in France, on July 7, 2019.^[11]

Current

Margarette Hiroi (マーガレット廣井) – vocals, bass and lyrics (2006–present)

Described on the official site as "the bassist, singer and the gang's mastermind" (Ba.と歌と主犯格)

A native of Yoshida (now Uwajima, Ehime).^[12]

Started playing the bass in junior high school, describing that time as "practicing until midnight and listening to music all night long."^[13]

Briefly played in Green Milk from the Planet Orange until their disbandment in 2008.^[14] Also provided bass for the track "Alice" on the 2017 album Bootleg by Kenshi Yonezu.^[15]^[16]

Has named Ningen Isu as one of the artistic influences, the two bands have also performed together once in 2014. Other favorite artists include King Crimson and Eastern Youth.^[6]^[12]^[13]

The notable bass guitar design used in most of the band's first videos is a custom-made "Alien" model, crafted by Japanese guitar maker Nobuaki Hayashi (Atlansia).^[17]^[18]^[19]

Katzuya Shimizu – guitar (2006–present)

Described on the official site as "the guitarist, staff officer and acting coach" (Gt.と参謀と演技指導)

Learned classical piano as a child and started playing the guitar at age 15. Cites Steve Vai and Van Halen as the main influences on his playing style.^[20]

Outside of band activities, he is giving guitar lessons and participating in recordings of other projects.^[20]^[21] Has provided guitar for the soundtracks of Nights of Azure and various Atelier video games by Gust.^[22]^[23]

Kenzo (賢三) – drums (2006–present)

Described on the official site as "the drummer, gangster and the one who chuckles" (Dr.と極道と含み笑い)

A native of Ehime prefecture, Shikoku island.^[5]

Started playing the drums in 5th grade. Named X Japan as having been one of the favorite bands to play to during his high school years.^[5]

Since 2019, he has also been playing in a band named Girigiri no Kagiri (限り限りの限り).^[24]