人間椅子

 Why the face? We’re about to WMW up in this hizzy!  Are you ready to rock!? I certainly hope so, because I’m your Wacky Macky host, JASHY, here to blast some tunes into your ear holders! This time we’re casually taking a look at the greatest metal band of all time. No, I’m not talking about Sabbath, REO Speedwagon, Megadeth or Aerosmith, we’re looking at a band that is JUST as important, but far far faaaar less heard of. We’re taking a dive into the INCREDIBLE ‘Ningen Isu’!

Finding a band that has a global following, millions of hits/views on spotify and youtube whilst being relatively unheard of in our common music rotations is hard. Finding a band that has rocked harder for over 40 years like Ningen Isu is even more difficult! 

Shinji Wajima and Kenichi Nakajima have been at the helm for 40 years on vocals, guitars and bass respectively. The only alternative has been at drums, however Nobu Nakajima has been bangin’ the bongos for 20 years now and is still the “new guy”. Getting into Ningen Isu? You should! It’s interesting to note that the band is greatly influenced by literature, mainly by author Edogawa Ranpo whose stories inspired the band’s name and inspired several of their songs. There are also references to writers such as Osamu Dazai, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, Poe, Lovecraft & others.

They often address topics such as Hell, Buddhism, the universe, samurai culture, and gambling. Wajima and Suzuki have a local accent called the "Tsugaru dialect", which adds a unique and heavy atmosphere and rhythm to their songs. They, especially Wajima, often use difficult and old Japanese (words used in Edo period to Showa period, often hard to understand even for Japanese people). Wajima attended college in the 70s/80s as well studying history and Buddhism at Komazawa University, while Suzuki studied Russian literature at Sophia University—they formed a hard rock band and settled on the name Ningen Isu which translates to “The Human Chair”

But what does this all mean? Are they amazing? How do they sound? You’re telling me the most metal METAL band on earth are a bunch of guys in their 50s/60s shredding about feudal Japan?

In a sense, yes! They have somehow transcended time and stayed the path in an ever evolving world of hard rock and metal. Every album they’ve produced has incredible transitions, various melodies and beyond complex guitar solos. They are as complete a band as you can find. I have no hesitation to say their discography is as impressive as Iron Maiden or even better. They have something that most bands do not. - Consistency -

Their sound is very unique to them. Nothing is like it, but they pull from so many different stylings that you can find a bit of everything in their songs. In order to stay relevant many bands will alter their stylings in order to sell albums. Look at Aerosmith, Metallica, or KISS (Knights in Satan’s Service) as examples. Ningen Isu does not. They vary from Punk to trash to prog rock and even to light folk on every journey throughout their albums. It’s always quality, it’s always a ride, and you have hours yet to discover. 

 Let’s just grab a small handful for sample. 

Farewell to the World: - influences Deep Purple, King Crimson, Saxon

“When your dad, grandad and dead great granddad reunite to bring a message to the world to search for the light.”

Heartless Scat: Influences - Black Sabbath or -You’ve heard of Judas Priest.... now get ready for Buddhist Priest 🙂

The Caterpillar:  Influences: Beatles or Red Hot Chili Peppers

“This song seems to be based on Ranpo's "Imomushi" ("The caterpillar"), a short tale belonging to the erotic/grotesque trend in 20th century Japanese literature. Check it out if you're interested in the aesthetic influences for the band!”

If these songs, or others you’ve listened to haven’t clicked with you, be patient, as you aren’t ready yet. But someday you will cross paths again.. And when you do, you’ll be hooked for life. 

When you reach a certain point in your life, Ningen Isu finds you. They cannot be found otherwise.