Casiopea: Japan’s Most Energetic Jazz Fusion Band

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
  • Fasten your seatbelts as we’re about to deep dive into Japan’s most energetic jazz fusion band: CASIOPEA. This is episode two of my «Japanese Music Discoveries» series. Subtitles are available, if needed.
    Casiopea is easily one of my favourite bands of all time, so naturally I had heaps of fun making this video essay. I started writing the script back in 2019 and spent about four to five months editing it in 2021. These videos take a lot of time and effort to make, especially with a full-time job to cope with as well. So thanks for being patient, and I'm looking forward to make more videos in the future! ˙ ͜ʟ˙
    00:00 Intro
    02:28 The Casiopea style
    08:19 Jazz fusion and video game music
    11:05 History of Casiopea
    15:53 What are they doing now?
    17:59 Bonus: Collaborations
    20:24 Conclusion
    PS: I'm sorry if this video has ads, but I can't remove them due to copyright claims. Thank you for understanding.
    CREDITS:
    Research, script, voice over and editing by me, @T2norway.
    Proofreading and support by my lovely partner, @Tofusama.
    TWITTER:
    / t2norway
    WEBSITE:
    t2design.no
    STATISTICS:
    This is my 196th TH-cam video of all-time

ความคิดเห็น • 2K

  • @T2norway
    @T2norway  ปีที่แล้ว +3082

    Update! (2022.07.01) Casiopea just announced the fourth era of the band, named Casiopea-P4! Yoshinori Imai is the new drummer.

    • @sowth1967
      @sowth1967 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      YES!!!!!

    • @tengu190
      @tengu190 ปีที่แล้ว +61

      Casopia vs T-square. One hell of a concert!

    • @aptspire
      @aptspire ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/nltMWunMHl0/w-d-xo.html
      The new release

    • @seanvillarroel6272
      @seanvillarroel6272 ปีที่แล้ว +90

      it makes me laugh when they say, oh I like this music so much, I should have been born in that era, this is not mine. If they were born in that time they wouldn't know about cassiopea, and I am very grateful to the internet for having made me discover many bands like cassiopea that I love so much and are now part of my musical repertoire.
      Greetings from venezuela, great video.

    • @bauzz4862
      @bauzz4862 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Just maybe, one day I can manage to see them live in Japan. Thanks for the update!
      Any recommendations on the best way to keep up with our favorite Japanese musicians?

  • @SynGirl32
    @SynGirl32 ปีที่แล้ว +2133

    Japanese bassists were an entirely different breed, slap basslines on jazz and pop tracks of the era were simply incredible.

    • @Purplegreen45
      @Purplegreen45 ปีที่แล้ว +48

      The Japanese made Ace Combat games absolutely made me fall in love with slap bass. A tight, aggressive, energetic slap bass is intoxicating for me. Now here I am.

    • @androsd4
      @androsd4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ¡They are amazing!

    • @JustinZeleski
      @JustinZeleski ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Tetsuo Sakurai is one of my favorite bassists and Casiopea vs the T-Square is one of my favorite albums. Also got to shout out for the Seatbelts. They recorded Cowboy beebop and they're just amazing.

    • @partydeer1640
      @partydeer1640 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Tomohito Aoki is my personal favorite

    • @tonyrichengod9280
      @tonyrichengod9280 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Japanese bassists ARE an entirely different breed. Modern day players are also amazing!

  • @fransisco5748
    @fransisco5748 ปีที่แล้ว +1231

    The first time I knew Casiopea was when.. they had a concert in my country and I was their translator!!!
    I mainly talked with the staffs though, helping them setting up the stage etc.
    My first experience listening to them wasn't through CD or anything.. it's their live concert, directly in front of my eyes.
    What an experience I won't forget for a lifetime.

    • @yveltalsea
      @yveltalsea ปีที่แล้ว +11

      That sounds so so so amazing!! I hope it was super fun :')

    • @mattethans
      @mattethans 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I had the same experience, when i was a kid their concert actually was the first concert I’ve been

    • @alejandrobarahona2465
      @alejandrobarahona2465 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Where was the concert?

  • @stephenwhite4950
    @stephenwhite4950 ปีที่แล้ว +368

    I seem to recall Miles Davis in his autobiography mentioning how much he loved playing in Japan because the fans were so enthusiastic and they often had superior sound systems.

    • @datutturugang666
      @datutturugang666 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      as a foreign sound engineer living and working in japan, the first thing i noticed with japanese audience is their sheer passion for hifi music and live sound.
      permanently moved since 2014

  • @st_markito
    @st_markito ปีที่แล้ว +251

    It is incredible how Casiopea sounds like you are on a Gran Turismo lobby tuning your cars or trying to get the Super License. It's so powerful but cozy at the same time. Love at first sight!

    • @zenmaster6780
      @zenmaster6780 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That’s the same vibe I get! Video game soundtrack meets crazy good jazz

    • @mikebertakis4295
      @mikebertakis4295 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      Actually the composer of the soundtrack of the first Gran Turismo (and the trendsetter for the music style of the series) is Masahiro Andoh, guitarist of the jazz fusion band T-Square. So yeah, that's why it sounds like GT because it is GT music. P.S.: Have a listen to T-Square too, incredible band with great saxophone/wind controller sound.

    • @fadedmercury7
      @fadedmercury7 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      couldn’t have said it better

  • @ZaKi-zh3lx
    @ZaKi-zh3lx ปีที่แล้ว +1835

    Hi! I'm Japanese, huge fun of CASIOPEA and 70's-80's Japanese fusion&pop music and this video is, without a doubt, the best explanation video of CASIOPEA.
    Actually, there is no video on TH-cam Japan that explains it so carefully. It has been about 3 years since the Japanese city pop revival in Japan (ironically, without realizing it themselves, like a reimportation from overseas), but there are still many Japanese who are unaware of the epic fusion bands of the 70s and 80s like CASIOPEA. I am so thankful that TH-cam's algorithm suggested this video to me and that I came across this channel's content!
    I wish TH-cam Japan had such a video like this...:(

    • @ginogarcia8730
      @ginogarcia8730 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      that is so interesting, I was just thinking about this. Man you should make a video or suggest a video to this guy explaining Japanese city pop revival in Japan after things like Plastic Love going popular out of no where.

    • @ZaKi-zh3lx
      @ZaKi-zh3lx ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@ginogarcia8730
      Indeed... Maybe I'll make it.

    • @jerdure
      @jerdure ปีที่แล้ว +3

      True indeed, somehow City pop was back in fashion right after Covid appeared in 2020 ! Anyway I am really grateful toward Japan for granting us such amazing and rich music. I really need to level up my bass playing to be able to follow :)

    • @DASHIRS
      @DASHIRS ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I wish me too …

    • @androsd4
      @androsd4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@FloatingLeaf1111 also you should listen to Japanese Math Rock, they are incredible.

  • @wancoet
    @wancoet ปีที่แล้ว +327

    Cassiopeia influenced a lot of Indonesian city pop and jazz bands in the 80s like 'Indonesia 6', 'karimata', 'Bhaskara', 'emerald'. Fantastic time for jazz fans in Indonesia...

    • @renren2740
      @renren2740 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      And ‘Chaseiro’ too I think (but they are more Brazilian influenced tho)

    • @jvcaguiat
      @jvcaguiat ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Wow! I did not now Indonesia has an extensive Jazz/Jazz Fusion scene! Thanks for the recommendations!

    • @zulfika_
      @zulfika_ 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Is that some kind of African country?

    • @fucknazguul
      @fucknazguul 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

      ​@@zulfika_ Dawg. ☠️☠️☠️

    • @bimokresno
      @bimokresno 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      i like those bands too. i own the only album of indonesia 6 and the first 4 albums of karimata. i think krakatau also mostly influenced by casiopea.

  • @ride4speedrr53
    @ride4speedrr53 ปีที่แล้ว +167

    If you know about Casiopea, then you must know about " T-Square " and " Dimension ". Both of them are Japanese iconic Jazz Fusion bands as well.

    • @TheUKNutter
      @TheUKNutter ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The comment I was waiting for.

    • @chicocucea
      @chicocucea 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      My all-time favorite band. My favorite pieces: "Takarajima", "Omens of Love", "All About You", "Knight's Song", "Rodan", "It's Magic", "Mystic Island", "Le Mirage", etc...

  • @remarkablysquare3216
    @remarkablysquare3216 ปีที่แล้ว +215

    I randomly found a Masayoshi Takanaka album through going down a TH-cam rabbit hole of random albums that were recommended to me
    Instantly fell in love with his music and now I'm starting to branch out into Casiopea and T-Square and it's all so fantastic, I think I've finally found my music taste
    (Also I find that Japanese Jazz Fusion is like the best homework genre, period. It can somewhat blend into the background to let you focus but is also still upbeat and very happy so you just can't help but feel good even while doing boring homework.)

  • @tabahhelminonaka9487
    @tabahhelminonaka9487 ปีที่แล้ว +367

    I'm 62 years old, my teenage era was colored by their music. 1985 ,I was in Indonesia, my dad's country, had a chance to work for Indonesia jazz association to invite casiopea to Jakarta. I really appreciate your hardwork making this video which brought me my special memories with this band. Thanks so much ! Oh ya they are now formed Issei Noro's Casiopea 4th & Katsushika Torio 2022 ( Jimsaku & Mukaiya ) !

    • @error_4227
      @error_4227 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Love this sincere and wonderful comment on such a legendary band! Thank You!
      This was a fantastic review T2. Keep up the analysis and reviews! New Sub from me!

    • @a.christydjoko7773
      @a.christydjoko7773 ปีที่แล้ว

      beruntung pernah melihat mereka di gelaran java jazz beberapa waktu yang lalu

    • @tridenttalisman8096
      @tridenttalisman8096 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      sir, sir, if they're gonna be here (Indonesia), please let us know. I would be there watch their show for sure.

  • @trikronika
    @trikronika ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Casiopea literally shaped the last four years of my life. I'm OBSESSED. It really doesn't get any better than this

  • @pruett89
    @pruett89 ปีที่แล้ว +175

    MY DUDE! Your use of fonts are simple yet effective. The graphics you use to convey info is NEXT level. The perfect mix of bold and thin type faces mixed with the overlays and Japanese characters too, its just perfect. I love the total aesthetic this video AND the content is also amazing.
    This may be the perfect youtube video, truly thank you for making this.

  • @BreadGod
    @BreadGod 2 ปีที่แล้ว +716

    Can more people get into Japanese jazz fusion and city pop please omg. Everyone is missing out on this hidden gem.

    • @barackobama9552
      @barackobama9552 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      People are missing out on jazz fusion in general

    • @user-hk7hz9cn7v
      @user-hk7hz9cn7v ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Seriously!

    • @organicwins91
      @organicwins91 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Please for the love of God no, millions are not enough exposure for you?
      Don’t worry, the views with millions of views get deleted - NOBODY is missing out

    • @Umipunpun
      @Umipunpun ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I disagree,I think city pop is mainstream now but I just hate how the top city pop songs are getting used in cringe ways on TikToks😔

    • @ECWPlays
      @ECWPlays ปีที่แล้ว

      Been in it since 2020

  • @Theslayer360
    @Theslayer360 ปีที่แล้ว +710

    Something similar happened to me discovering Casiopea. The TH-cam algorithm recommended to me a video called “when literally everyone wants the solo” so I watched it and my mind was blowing away, that video contains the “battle of solos” transcribed into music sheets of the song “Fightman” in the “Casiopea vs The Square Live” live recording. Inmediatly I started to search videos of Casiopea and The Square. And when I watched the Casiopea’s live performances I noticed such a good energy, amazing bass lines, very cool solos and also that feeling of discovering something new but at the same time like if I have heard this too many times before and I loved it. I have been playing videogames since I have memory and my first videogame was Super Mario 64 and I love a lot of videogames soundtracks specially the ones from games of Nintendo and Sega. After hearing all the records and a lot of live recordings I started to investigate more about Casiopea and then I knew about the songs of the Tokyo train stations that were made by Minoru Mukaiya. I got excited because I have been planing to go on a trip to Tokyo in the next year so It will be awesome to hear those melodies at the stations. Now I listen to Casiopea everyday and I am recomending their music to all the people that I know. Also the father of my grandfather was Japanese and all my life I have been so interested in these culture and the way they compose music. Thanks for this video, I loved it and I hope more people specially gamers discover Casiopea and get amazed of their music such as you and me!
    P.S: I also prefer the live sessions over the studio versions.

    • @piggel6185
      @piggel6185 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      bro thats the exact same thing that happened to me. i saw that video and immediately checked them out. i certainly don't regret it

    • @_leemo_2708
      @_leemo_2708 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The EXACT Same thing happened to me, good to know that George collier isn’t the only one who showed me those two legendary jazz fusion bands

    • @PibbXtraPls
      @PibbXtraPls ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I discovered them a few years ago because their "Mint Jams" album got recommended to me on the side bar of a song called "Skylar Spence" by Saint Pepsi. I imagine it's because that song samples Tatsuro Yamashita's "Love Talkin'". Still enjoy Casiopea and discover more of their music to this day. They're insanely talented.

    • @kenorsua9595
      @kenorsua9595 ปีที่แล้ว

      wait, that was Casiopea? Whattttt

    • @videogamemusicrenditionsby7625
      @videogamemusicrenditionsby7625 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Jazz fusion got into my life because of video game soundtracks...As a kid I always wondered "what style could VG music be classified", until the day I was researching about Jazz Fusion and... BANG! Mega Drive, Master System, Sega CD....Just fantastic...

  • @JazzzRockFuzion
    @JazzzRockFuzion ปีที่แล้ว +82

    As a professional musician, passionate gamer, long-time fan of Japanese jazz fusion & city pop, I want to commend you on a wonderful video presentation; it’s obvious how much effort and love was poured into this!
    I learned so much about one of my favorite bands, I can’t thank you enough for your work. 🙏

  • @jdjk7
    @jdjk7 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Mukaiya, Sakurai, and Jimbo are now making music as Katsushika Trio. It leans much more into the high energy fusion aspect from their earlier playing!

  • @Marunius
    @Marunius 3 ปีที่แล้ว +710

    A lot of people can't stand their cheesy 80s sound, but they're not about the sound. They're about the notes, harmony, interaction, fun, energy, catchyness of themes, improvisation, power and total live performance perfection, to the extent of being better live than in studio.

    • @bkkersey93
      @bkkersey93 2 ปีที่แล้ว +60

      The sound is awesome tho lol. Screw the haters🤘.

    • @bkkersey93
      @bkkersey93 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @joão It's funny how peoples "hate" or "dislike" only strengthens ones appreciation for another.

    • @johnsalis4732
      @johnsalis4732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      These haters probably listen to modern radio pop and have no musical taste

    • @purposeinpresence4494
      @purposeinpresence4494 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      That sound is back in style now and they are blowing up. They were truly ahead of their time.

    • @armanrozika
      @armanrozika 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      wait whaaaa? "can't stand their cheesy 80s sound", the band is from the 80's, wtf lmaoooo, they expecting them to record 2000's sound or what?. If anything, they hate the 80's sound then, not the band

  • @joseangeja5118
    @joseangeja5118 2 ปีที่แล้ว +279

    Although I'm 61 and loved and played jazz for some years back in the late 70's, I found accidentally Casiopea about one year ago.
    What a sound, what a technical quality of all band members, what a jazz fusion style for so many years adapting to the different tendencies since the 70's.
    How did I miss these guys for almost 4 decades ??? T-Square is another pleasant surprise. I am recovering now all lost time.... Brilliant band(s) !!!
    As a hint although a bit different, take a look at Mezzoforte (particularly) Mezzoforte live in Reykyavik!
    Hope you like it.

    • @seaboatsk
      @seaboatsk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Angeja-san, Mezzoforte visited Casiopea when the Icelandic group held concerts in Japan in 1984. Japan’s TV and radio programs put jazz-fusion songs not only from Japan but also from Europe and the US in their shows in 1980s. Check out Japan’s jazz-fusion songs by Himiko Kikuchi who has the most beautiful smile in the world!
      th-cam.com/video/gml9OlcklcY/w-d-xo.html
      Credit Ceefax

    • @gtheskater
      @gtheskater ปีที่แล้ว

      Then you're not prepared for Dimension (the band he mentioned in the middle of the video)

  • @goodnightmoon
    @goodnightmoon ปีที่แล้ว +3

    bass riffs got me immediately when i first heard them

  • @emio_17
    @emio_17 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I was very impressed when I saw a video that introduced Cassiopeia in such detail. thank you very much! I am a Japanese living in Japan, and my encounter with Cassiopeia was deeply related to Sony's Walkman, which was cutting-edge at the time. Commuter trains in Japan are notorious for being crowded, but their album took me to another world while commuting on a crowded train. Exactly "TAKE ME" 😂😆 Until around 1989, I went to listen to live performances more than 10 times a year. Their music is still part of my life and as a Japanese I am very proud of their recent popularity on TH-cam.

  • @Afuentes44
    @Afuentes44 3 ปีที่แล้ว +234

    I can't thank you enough for doing this! This band and genre as a whole need more recognition.

    • @achocolatephilosophy
      @achocolatephilosophy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      YES but also NOOO...the records are already too expensive :)

    • @Rylanhere
      @Rylanhere ปีที่แล้ว

      @@achocolatephilosophy fr it’s like $150 for mint jam 😢

    • @CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger
      @CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes! I couldn’t say it better! 😊

    • @organicwins91
      @organicwins91 ปีที่แล้ว

      No more exposure!!!!!!

  • @ootoot2152
    @ootoot2152 2 ปีที่แล้ว +130

    To me the absolute peak of Casiopea was the Sasaki years (Debut, Super Flight). His playing is just incredible and he should've made more than just 4 albums in his career. What an absolute beast.

    • @legozfordayz
      @legozfordayz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      True but “ peak” Casiopea sound was 1982, even with Akira Jimbo on drums. Their early style of jazz fusion with Sasaki sounded almost like bebop at some points, he was an insane drummer.

    • @eficer04
      @eficer04 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Amen

    • @blindboyflowers
      @blindboyflowers 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      based Sasaki fanbois

    • @garcia20013
      @garcia20013 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      anyone know what happened to Sasaki?

    • @LagrangePoint0
      @LagrangePoint0 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@garcia20013 He's a music teacher now I think

  • @FreshsoCleanYep
    @FreshsoCleanYep ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Japanese musicians in this era were all treasure. But they were hidden treasure. So amazing.

  • @AidynNichi
    @AidynNichi ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I grew up listening to Casiopea every now and again because my dad's a fan of theirs. Never really knew much about them other than their sweet jams. Thank you for this showcase into their stuff!

  • @Peronioz
    @Peronioz ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Midnight Rendezvous brings tears of joy to my eyes.
    5:10 is one of the crispiest pieces of music I've ever heard.

  • @stanleydan9159
    @stanleydan9159 2 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    The reason they are so important is because they coincided with the development of synths in the 80s. In fact, during the heyday of Japanese musical instruments, they created a tremendous impact beyond just music.

  • @Rodelero
    @Rodelero ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I bet these 4 guys had a blast through the 70s and 80s. Can't imagine the vibes they felt along the way

  • @shakle3480
    @shakle3480 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    As a Japanese CASIOPEA fan, this is a great video that covers almost everything about CASIOPEA.
    I give you my highest compliments. Thank you!

  • @dawi
    @dawi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I thought this video had thousands of views, but then I saw the video was brand new 😂

  • @metroissei
    @metroissei 3 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    Since 1984, I went to see CASIOPEA concert or live many times, so fantastic experience ♪

    • @T2norway
      @T2norway  2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Wish I could've seen them live in the 80s! (I just wasn't born yet, hehe)

    • @ripdeyu
      @ripdeyu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      oh to see them live,, what an amazing experience that should have been

  • @jazzcat705
    @jazzcat705 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    its so refreshing to see someone not an enthusiast or some professional musician into music like this i hope this inspires others to explore more genres

  • @Gibbidens
    @Gibbidens ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I personally got to know Casiopea and T-Square just because I wanted to expand my jazz knowledge, since I became a fan of it throughout my years in high school with Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny and Yellowjackets (the last one probably being the most similar band I can think of while picturing what kind of influences shaped T-Square and Casiopea in the 80's, especially with their self-titled album), while I was going through high school.
    You're insanely good at this, the editing and the tone you set for this presentation was fun and catchy from start to finish, loved it!

  • @samuelviden7412
    @samuelviden7412 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Love Casiopea. They pretty much inspired every single SEGA title soundtrack from the late 80s/early 90s.

  • @goodee4717
    @goodee4717 2 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    When casiopea came to Indonesia in 1984, they inspired many musician to make a jazz fusion band. They are amazing

    • @anony_meows
      @anony_meows ปีที่แล้ว +11

      yes, and if you think and look back to the whole mainstream 80s-early 90s indonesian pop scene: the likumahuas, krakatau, sheila majid, etc, they are all majorly inspired by jazz fusion instead of what's popular in the west at that time like hair metal/glamrock/softrock, etc

    • @merano7336
      @merano7336 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@anony_meows correction, shiela majid is not a indonesean artist she is malaysian

    • @anony_meows
      @anony_meows ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@merano7336 yes i know that, but she was mainstream in indonesia at that time.

    • @bluesound666
      @bluesound666 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Waktu itu masih kecil, bingung liat mereka tampil senyum lebar melulu dan blm doyan musiknya. Masih sukanya theme song lagu voltus, megaloman, gaban dan kartun jepang lainnya 😅

    • @nakitojimo2001
      @nakitojimo2001 ปีที่แล้ว

      My dad n his old friend in BASF were the promoters back then 😃

  • @AZEOforreal
    @AZEOforreal ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Masayoshi Tanaka is another you might want to deep dive into!
    I am getting one of my favorite albums from them: mint jams. It is such a great bop. The entire album is played live. I’d say I like their live over studios because of the energy they build, and crowd in the back cheering, clapping, and enjoying the moment! It all melds together in a perfect cohesion of great sounds.

    • @T2norway
      @T2norway  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      th-cam.com/video/hUHrEFiktKI/w-d-xo.html

  • @ntabile
    @ntabile ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I heard Casiopea when I was a kid. A Filipino uncle who works previously in Japan as a band musician in the early 80s brought in some tapes for us to listen. I got mesmerized with that jazz fusion music.

  • @miataenjoyer2786
    @miataenjoyer2786 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Casiopea opened me up to the entire jazz fusion community. So glad I found them.

  • @axillv1736
    @axillv1736 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    During the last couple of months, I've been in an incredible transitionary state of listening to CASIOPEA and T-SQUARE. J-Fusion is such an incredible genre, it's been slowly transforming me as a young musician.

    • @LogicBroYoutube
      @LogicBroYoutube ปีที่แล้ว +2

      T-Square 🔥🔥

    • @Tadakatsu
      @Tadakatsu ปีที่แล้ว

      They're such great bands. They're so slick and well-produced, they've got soul, they've got technicality and when called for they can flat out rock too.

  • @eddiehaeger6990
    @eddiehaeger6990 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I’ve watched this video 30 times probably, I cannot get enough of it. The entire series is a masterpiece. It re-ignited my love for jazz fusion and it hasn’t let up yet. Thanks T2 for bringing us this gem.

    • @Marci124
      @Marci124 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Same, but I'm only approaching 10 or so replays.

  • @GuitarPatrol
    @GuitarPatrol ปีที่แล้ว +14

    日本の素晴らしいアーティストを紹介してくれてありがたいです☺️

  • @i.wataru3894
    @i.wataru3894 2 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    海外の人がカシオペアを知っているとは……
    本当にびっくりしたし同時に感動しました!!!!!!!!!!
    音楽の力は無限ですね!
    I'm Japanese student.
    I'm just started learning English.
    But this video made me happy!
    I love CASIOPEA like you.
    Thank you!

    • @T2norway
      @T2norway  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      見てくれてありがとうございます!

    • @user-hb5wj2wi9c
      @user-hb5wj2wi9c ปีที่แล้ว +2

      CASIOPEA 는 세계적인 밴드죠 .
      저두 30년 정도 카시오페아에 푹빠져 살고 있습니다 .

    • @spaktor
      @spaktor ปีที่แล้ว

      il potere della musica è illimitato!

    • @mahesaarifin6263
      @mahesaarifin6263 ปีที่แล้ว

      casiopea was huuuge in indonesia in the 80's. i remember my late eldest brother and my younger brother were a die hard fans.. i could not listened to them that much but i have so much respect for them…

  • @AnneoSeneca1993
    @AnneoSeneca1993 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Hi! I'm an italian fan obsessed with Casiopea, T Square, japanese city pop and videogames (bot playing and listening to music). I really loved this video and it's a shame that it only has 5k views!
    I'm extremely fascinated by the interplay between japanese jazz fusion music and videogames ost, especially of racing car games. As you explained well videogame music composers got inspired by Casiopea and T Square a lot. Indeed, there are three facts worth mentioning about this:
    1) the guitarist from The Square composed the PS1 "Gran Turismo" OST (great music, give it a listen)
    2) The Sega Sound Team Band was full of fusion players and sometimes even hosted Issei Noro as a guest player. Also there lots of good music
    3) In Mario Kart 8 there's a piace of music composed and played by The Square (Rainbow Express). In general it is a reeeeally fusion OST, I love it!

    • @joshuaford4460
      @joshuaford4460 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My discorvery of Casiopea was through T-Square from playing several Gran Turismos as a kid. GT is definitely what pops into my head any time i hear Jazz Fusion.

  • @veryclaro
    @veryclaro ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I can't believe I haven't really followed Casiopea until I stumbled upon your vid because they're soooo up my alley, and I love Japanese City Pop, too. Found your video, thanks to TH-cam's algo (probably one of the rare times I'd thank the algo, because similar to you, I like more 'organic' ways of discover things). Loved the way you ended the video was well, with the mapping of how you find things. That's pretty much how I find things, too. Great graphics + editing, wonderful topic, now I am a fan of Casiopea, and you've gained a new sub!

  • @rarestform5699
    @rarestform5699 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was so heartwarming. You made me fall in love with this band. Thanks for the video, it was super entertaining!

  • @Trailblazer5150
    @Trailblazer5150 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Casiopea and T-square, the bands of my life, and you made a video of them, i'm tearing up of emotion, from the bottom of My hearth, thanks !❤️

  • @BigFellaGoose
    @BigFellaGoose 2 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Words can't express how much I love this band. Every single time me and my friends did acid or smoked weed together we would put on one of their concerts and watch it from start to finish, all tho those psychedelic days are over my obsession and love for the band will never die, I really just hope I get to go to Japan one day and see them live before they get too old to stop performing, it will probably never happen due to covid but fuck man I'd definetly pay the money.
    Thank you for this video

    • @TheSpecialJ11
      @TheSpecialJ11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I discovered Casiopea on magic mushrooms when my friend had put on an instrumental hip hop album on TH-cam after we had all split off and were having our own trips. When the album was over Mint Jams autoplayed and me, already a jazz fusion fan who had only listened to American groups, was instantly hooked.

  • @jeremygonzal8603
    @jeremygonzal8603 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great way ending the video in a full circle in more ways than one. Been hearing about Casiopea about 2 decades ago when I was still playing in pop club bands. It's just now that I hear their music. Yup, they're definitely going into my playlist now. Thanks!

  • @mepedro
    @mepedro ปีที่แล้ว

    Man, what an amazing video. Thanks for making it. I loved how you analyzed video game music and jazz.

  • @pmd9801
    @pmd9801 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    SEGA had an in-house band called S.S.T.BAND (formed by the composers at that time), which played the music from 80's SEGA games such as Galaxy Force II, OutRun, etc. they've that Casiopea sound we love.
    12:58 Speaking of the DX7: Minoru Mukaiya did a ROM cart and he did a demonstration of each of their sounds. Some of them were used in his solo album "Welcome to the Minoru's Land" (1985) and other Casiopea songs.
    The video is archived here in TH-cam and it's called "Minoru Mukaiya - Yamaha DX7 Commentary".

    • @blakelip3
      @blakelip3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What about Hiromasa Suzuki, Jun Fukamachi, The Players, Yuji Ohno, Ryo Kawasaki???

    • @pmd9801
      @pmd9801 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@blakelip3 All of them are great. My favorites are Ohno, Fukamachi (RIP), haven't heard about Ryo kawasaki though, thanks for the recommendation.

    • @blakelip3
      @blakelip3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pmd9801 hako yamasaki(Woman) Stomu Yamashita are also good
      th-cam.com/video/5aJoRCbF3C0/w-d-xo.html
      th-cam.com/video/yBw5hSvK_Sk/w-d-xo.html

    • @blakelip3
      @blakelip3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pmd9801 th-cam.com/video/v6VmbmlUyww/w-d-xo.html have u ever heard of Noriyoto Morimoto beautiful lady

    • @blakelip3
      @blakelip3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pmd9801 Jun Fukamachi is a legend I have to say fantastic Suite is his best album
      th-cam.com/video/thIhbnyF9HQ/w-d-xo.html

  • @asiastormy8728
    @asiastormy8728 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Most of the tunes are still so fresh in 2022. For a guy like me who have been listening to them since the 1970s and being Asian I am very proud to see that in the field of jazz and jazz fusion, Asian musicians can be as good and innovative and make contribution to music that is appreciated by the world at large.

  • @mightyink
    @mightyink ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was well produced and really got me interested in the band. Thank you!

  • @RockEsper
    @RockEsper ปีที่แล้ว

    What a fantastic video. I already really liked Casiopeia, but I learned so much and got to hear such amazing music I was unaware of, and the editing and curation was great.

  • @gotthefeelin
    @gotthefeelin ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Wow! I didn’t expect a documentary on Casiopea to pop up on my feed, let alone be so lovingly produced. Excellent work.
    I’ve been a Jazz Fusion fan for years, but got into this band quite late. I was watching 80s Japanese ads for electronics (as you do) and one had a track on it called “Unicorn” by Kazumi Watanabe, I was surprised how funky it was. I had no idea Japan had any jazz fusion artists, so one thing lead to another. I’ve been collecting Casiopea’s albums ever since. It does get confusing working out their songs as there’s different versions of the same songs on various albums as you say!
    Another band you might like is Azymuth from Brazil if you haven’t heard them already. “Jazz Carnival” is a classic. Like with Casiopea, once I heard them I had to collect all their albums (on CD).

    • @T2norway
      @T2norway  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks for sharing your experience! I love Azymuth, great music! Also a fan of Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti. Thanks again for watching and commenting ˙ ͜ʟ˙

  • @nicholasricario7342
    @nicholasricario7342 2 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    Been obsessed with Casiopea since I listened to Mukaiya's breakdown for the live version of Galactic Funk so I love this video!
    Speaking of video game songs, I think Space Road (1st Album and Asian Dreamer) are not only both video game-y (Mario Kart - think Rainbow Road) but also add to your point of listening to the progression of some songs each time they're put into an album.

    • @blindboyflowers
      @blindboyflowers 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can find a ten minute loop of that breakdown you mentioned on TH-cam as "CASIOPEA FOREVER". I come back to it every once in a while.

  • @pestopatrol4506
    @pestopatrol4506 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    this was fabulous!! what an amazing editing job

  • @mitchellbenbrook2041
    @mitchellbenbrook2041 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My first exposure to Casiopea was the music video for Saint Pepsi's "Private Caller," someone in the comments pointed out that they were the band playing in knee deep water for that Maxell commercial and looking like they were totally jamming out. Ever since I've been hooked, what a magical group of musicians.

  • @manganej
    @manganej 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Awesome video! Casiopea members, Tetsuo Sakurai and Akira Jimbo have also made vgm arrangements. They appear credited on The King of Fighters '96's arrange soundtrack. Also, Issei Noro was part of the Super Sonic Team, Sega's own jazz fusion band for vgm arrangements. I'm a huge fan of Casiopea and Jimsaku. Sakurai is a superb bassist player, a demon on those strings. Thank you so much for making this video.

    • @SuperKokuJin916
      @SuperKokuJin916 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much for these tidbits. I'm a huge fan Casiopea and fighting games! I really do love KOF 96's AST. I had no idea they would be directly connected! Kamikirimushi is my favorite.

  • @DexterYesMandarkNo
    @DexterYesMandarkNo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I love Casiopea as much as you do. In fact, I'm obsessed with them! My favorites are Take Me, Midnight Rendezvous, Dazzling Forbidden Fruits, Something's Wrong (Change It), Misty Lady, Chandelier, and Beyond the Galaxy.

  • @willb.383
    @willb.383 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is why I love TH-cam. Never heard of your channel or Casiopea before writing this and the algorithm randomly plants both on my recommend page.
    Thank you for enlightening me to my new favorite band! Look forward to more of your videos, too.

  • @ananananabop
    @ananananabop ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the music rec!!

  • @sakurap
    @sakurap 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Woo, it's finally out! Amazing work dearest!!!

  • @bassferkud4171
    @bassferkud4171 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Space Road (Debut album 1979)
    Space Road (Live in London)
    Space Road (Hot sounds live)
    Space Road (Eyes of the mind album)......Every one with his own unique aura and feel,Its beautiful

    • @legozfordayz
      @legozfordayz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Live in London is the best version, no doubt about it. The others sound experimental.

  • @leonst.7471
    @leonst.7471 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really love this series of yours like you I discovered Japansese Fusion Jazz through TH-cam and now you finally five me background to it

  • @Stove7
    @Stove7 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video was very well done, from its structure, to its pacing, to the excellent visual aids and footage. Fantastic job creating this video, and thanks for the great recommendation.

  • @ruinezguitar9550
    @ruinezguitar9550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I found them some years ago. Im a huge fan of jazz fusion music and video games. I explored Jazz Fusion music further from the West and boi i didnt even know that Japanese had a huuuuge Jazz Fusion scene, especially in the 80s and even now. And what i found is that Japanese Jazz fusion is more melodic than the Western ones, and a lot of songs sound like its from a friggin Video game on Nes or Sega :D You should listen to Sealine from Toshiki Kadomatsu.

    • @T2norway
      @T2norway  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      that’s a very good analysis of japanese jazz fusion music. they are definitely more melodic, which in return reminds me of video game music (which are often very catchy and easy to get stuck in your head)! and i love toshiki kadomatsu, i made a video about him two years ago, hehe.

  • @lnkd70
    @lnkd70 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I discovered Casiopea in 1992 and it instantly became one of my favorite bands ever. I own 36 albums and they became a big, big influence on my way of composing and arranging. Issei Noro is such a great talent. I just love them all from the start. Very good video to make this greeeaat band discovered I hope.

  • @jackneri9
    @jackneri9 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love this video man. Amazing work

  • @wWvWwWvWw
    @wWvWwWvWw ปีที่แล้ว

    What an awesome video, I learned so much about Casiopea and had no idea members worked on More Relax!

  • @mrmayonaise2435
    @mrmayonaise2435 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Just found this gem.
    Yeah im recently into fusion jazz thanks to them, i found out about them in the Great Big Story video interviewing Minoru Mukaiya. When i searched him later i found "Galactic Funk", i absolutely fell in love with the keyboard solo and so started my love for synthesizer.

  • @deathisaprimitiveconcept
    @deathisaprimitiveconcept ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I had the same "it sounds like videogame music!" experience, except for me it was with American jazz/jazz-fusion artists like Chick Corea (particularly the Electrik Band), Weather Report, 80's Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny and on and on... these artists tend to be more eclectic, so you have to find the songs/albums/eras where they are most 'videogame' like, but yeah there's a lot to enjoy there.

    • @rodrigoccruz
      @rodrigoccruz ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Same here...and you could add Yellow Jackets and Steps Ahead to that list!

  • @kapspace
    @kapspace ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm very glad to ever found this video. Thank you for sharing this, great video!

  • @TiwaODtv
    @TiwaODtv 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is one of the best video documentaries I’ve ever watched, hands down!

  • @user-gn8mj4or4i
    @user-gn8mj4or4i 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This video is great. Thank you as one of the Japanese fans. I grew up listening to CASIOPEA, T-SQUARE, Kazumi Watanabe, and Masayoshi Takanaka. I went to CASIOPEA live three times.
    I'm not good at English, so I used translation software.
    Thank you for making this video.

    • @T2norway
      @T2norway  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      見てくれてありがとうございます!♪(๑ᴖ◡ᴖ๑)♪

  • @jameljointss
    @jameljointss 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    i just now saw this come into my recommended. love that there's a video like this on casiopea. thank you man 🙏🏾

  • @SamBarataliev
    @SamBarataliev ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your style of presentation, man!

  • @plurx
    @plurx ปีที่แล้ว

    I think a lot of people have been waiting for a video like this. So thanks for doing it dude.

  • @loaduscoolclipz5505
    @loaduscoolclipz5505 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    been listening to casiopea for a couple months now, and i just found this video. honestly one of the best video essays I've seen. keep up the good work!

  • @ukatofarticus9046
    @ukatofarticus9046 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    this is SUCH a good video essay of a band I love :) hit every nail on the head

  • @madcitystream
    @madcitystream ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much! This is a fantastic and perfect narrative of Casiopea, and a really well made video. Their first album that I bought was Halle (1985). I was in fifth grade and didn't really understand it at the time, but their distinct sound captivated me so much I became obsessed with it and I listened to that cassette tape over and over and over. Soon I became a lifelong fan and the rest is history. I was so lucky that I got to watch them live a few times in the 90s. Legends!

  • @matheusrodrigues3337
    @matheusrodrigues3337 ปีที่แล้ว

    Honestly! great great video !! smooth edit and it felt I paid for having a class of Fusion Jazz!

  • @FerEssence
    @FerEssence 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've learned so much 🙌✨ Thank you!!

  • @OlveDrums
    @OlveDrums 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    And also what a way to edit it it, i just loved it, amazing! i dont have words to how much i like this video.

  • @lyrad24
    @lyrad24 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this!! Always been a fan of 70s,80s Jazz Japanese music since they're also at most the background music as mentioned in anime and video games. The video and presentation was really well made and the used clips from the past.

  • @arnoldludvig6900
    @arnoldludvig6900 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks T2 for making and sharing this video 🙏🏽 in the summer of 1985 we were a few musicians and actors from the Faroe Islands touring Scandinavia with the Faroese drama group, GRÍMA, in the FENRIS project. We saw and heard CASIOPEA live in Fælledparken in Copenhagen a a day off, on a Saturday. That performance had a huge impact on us, the musicians, as we were around 17 years of age back then. I still have the 4 vinyls that I bought right after that amazing consert 😊

  • @moka8267
    @moka8267 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Amazing video! Very well made and enjoyable from start to end.

  • @itscanaan
    @itscanaan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Huge fan of Casiopea too!!! So happy to see someone else discover them with just as much enthusiasm! And you also introduced me to some other parts of Casiopea history that I’ve never known before!

  • @KibatsuMusic
    @KibatsuMusic ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This was such a well informed, passionate, and loving video about my favorite band of all time. Love your editing and style. I also fell in love with Japanese jazz fusion because of video game music that I heard growing up as well as city pop music from anime opening songs. And that Mario Kart Double Dash song that was actually a Casiopea song really got me 😂

  • @torooee
    @torooee ปีที่แล้ว

    this editing style is so cool

  • @LucasFerreira-hy4sn
    @LucasFerreira-hy4sn 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for this video! Just yesterday I was wondering if any kind of video like this, talking about casiopea existed, but it got recommended to me today.

  • @destinationtropical2120
    @destinationtropical2120 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Amazing video as always.

  • @MattLantian
    @MattLantian ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love city pop, Casiopea, and Tomoko Aran and had no idea about the collab. I definitely need this album now, thanks for such a great video!

  • @DanielKluska
    @DanielKluska ปีที่แล้ว

    Great clip✊Thanks! Love Casiopea❤

  • @Farre88
    @Farre88 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Check out Icelandic jazz fusion band Medzaforte’s album ”Rising”, it reminds of this style of music

    • @chucku00
      @chucku00 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Mezzoforte*
      They have some similarities with Casiopea, indeed.

    • @seaboatsk
      @seaboatsk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chucku00 Mezzoforte visited Casiopea when the Icelandic group held concerts in Japan in 1984. Japan’s TV and radio programs put jazz-fusion songs not only from Japan but also from Europe and the US in their shows in 1980s. In addition, Sakurai has appeared in TV commercials for his beauty.

  • @alzarin
    @alzarin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Definitely need more VIEWS !!!! as an avid fans and amateur composer of Jazz Fusion music, Casiopea has already become inspiration for my music style and most of people. I hope Jazz Fusion will be loved by a lot of people and revived again. Great video man, hats off.

  • @ssp9181
    @ssp9181 ปีที่แล้ว

    Found this at a great time. I've listened to a few of Casiopea's albums (Casiopea, Super Flight, Mint Jams) and I really like their sound. This video (which was fantastic btw) makes me want to listen to more and more of their music. Thank you for making this

  • @KeyJamBlues
    @KeyJamBlues ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I just wanted to say, Casiopea and T-Square are two of my favorite jazz bands, and definitely my favorite Japanese bands. I'm so happy that you made this video, there's just something about this energy that is otherworldly. When I listen to their music, I always get goosebumps and chills (really!). There's something about their music and style that transports me to a different dimension, and you can hear their influence in music everywhere. Thank you, and long live Casiopea and T-Square.

  • @OlveDrums
    @OlveDrums 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    WOW, thanks for making this video, as a loyal fan of the band, i really appreciate how you did it, greetings from Mexico, keep up the hard work!

  • @user-yd6oc1cd9o
    @user-yd6oc1cd9o 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you for making this video, I learnt about Casiopea back in my primary school from my music teacher. The 1985 galatic funk and dual band fightman really dragged me into fusionjazz world

  • @Bitch6669
    @Bitch6669 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really nice video, your editing, choice of topic, and research were wonderful! I love Japanese jazz fusion and city pop ever since the algorithm recommended them to me years ago. I also appreciate your recognition of the American jazz fusion lineage you touched on. I learned a few things after watching your video, keep it up!

  • @prontacorde5253
    @prontacorde5253 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    just recently found about Casiopea.. wow! Your video is so cool. Thanks for sharing it!