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]
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]
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]
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)
^ ab"[Interview]『凍狂』 レコーディング・エンジニア兼重哲哉氏と語る" ["Tokyo", talking with recording engineer Tetsuya Kaneshige]. Mikiki (in Japanese). August 15, 2018. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
^ abHachi tasu Hachi 八+八 [8+8] (booklet) (in Japanese). Japan: PPR. 2010. PPR-1004.
^Kenshi Yonezu (September 29, 2017). "爱丽丝は主に飲み仲間で構成されております。" ["Alice" is mostly composed with my drinking buddies.]. Twitter (in Japanese). Retrieved April 29, 2020.
^Kazuhiko Namekawa (August 1, 2018). "八十八ヶ所巡礼のNEW ALBUM『凍狂』(トウキョウ)の全貌を明らかにする 行川和彦氏による 6,000字ロング・レビュー" [Detailing the full story of 88Kasyo Junrei's new album "Tokyo", a 6000-character review from Kazuhiko Namekawa]. Rooftop (in Japanese). Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ ab"Katzuya Shimizu (八十八ヶ所巡礼) Guitar講師" [Katzuya Shimizu (88Kasyo Junrei) Guitar Teacher]. Choroidea Music School (in Japanese). Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^Yoru no Nai Kuni Official Soundtrack よるのないくに オフィシャルサウンドトラック [Nights of Azure Official Sound Track] (booklet) (in Japanese). Japan: Koei Tecmo Games. 2015. KTGS-40300CD.
^ アルケミーオブサウンズ ~「アトリエ」アレンジドトラックス~ [Alchemy of Sounds: Atelier Arranged Tracks] (booklet) (in Japanese). Japan: Koei Tecmo Games. 2019. KECH-8077.
^"限り限りの限り — BIO". BIO Gt. Vo.櫻とDr.kenzoの2ピースバンドとしてライブしていたが、エレキベースの必要性に抗えず、Ba.川原口誠を招聘。普通に良くなった。 バンド名を「限界」という言葉の意味である「限り限りの限り」とし、東京に浸食中。 2020年にMV一作目「心の大・仏・開・放」公開&音源配信予定。 写真左から Dr. kenzo Vo. Gt. 櫻壮一郎 Ba. 川原口誠. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
^ abcde"八十八ヶ所巡礼の作品" [Works of 88Kasyo Junrei]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
^Takashi Taniguchi (September 11, 2013). "バンド「八十八ヶ所巡礼」の新曲「苦苦★念仏」のPVを作りました。" [I created a music video for 88Kasyo Junrei's new song, "Kuru Kuru Nenbutsu"]. Twitter (in Japanese). Retrieved November 7, 2019.
^"『音量を上げろタコ!』KenKen、PABLO、富澤タクら10人のキャスト写真公開" ["Onryо̄ o Agero Tako!" Photos of 10 cast members released]. Cinra.net (in Japanese). October 10, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2019.