Mornings with Kana Frazer

Good meowning, everybunny! Today's Bento Box artist showcase at 11am is Tama!

The Japanese folk rock band Tama, known for their eclectic and innovative sound, was formed in 1984 and rose to significant popularity, often referred to as the “Tama phenomenon.” Initially a trio, they expanded to a quartet by 1986 and made their major debut in 1990. The last members wer Toshiaki Chiku, Kouji Ishikawa and Kouji Takimoto. Their fame was partly attributed to their unique blend of diverse musical styles and the individualistic approach of each member to songwriting, having met at various live music venues in Tokyo and deciding to combine their solo musical efforts into a collective endeavor. They chose the name “Tama” to avoid any preconceived notions about their music, which varied significantly from one song to another based on the composer. Their music, including hits like “Sayonarajinrui/Ranchiu”(1990) often featured a mix of sadness and whimsy, resonating deeply with a wide audience. Tama’s journey included significant appearances and a major debut single that catapulted them to the top of the charts, securing a place in mainstream Japanese music. Despite internal changes and the eventual disbandment in 2003, Tama left a lasting impact on the Japanese music scene with their innovative approach to music and performance.