In advance of his upcoming North American tour, Japanese musical polymath and visual artist Shintaro Sakamoto returns with his first new music since 2022, the single “Dear Grandpa,” out today via Zelone Records. “Dear Grandpa” features lyrics that capture his unique worldview and an unmistakably original sound.
Sakamoto will head out for six live performances this autumn, kicking off October 28 in Los Angeles and wrapping November 6 in Mexico City, at the For Indie Rocks festival [all dates below]. With Shintaro on guitar & vocals, he is joined by AYA (bass & chorus), Yuta Suganuma (drums & chorus), and Tetsu Nishiuchi (saxophone & flute). West Coast dates include special guests Thee Heart Tones and Rogê. The New York dates features a DJ set by El Michels Affair, plus appearances by Nick Hakim and Habibi.
Last month, Sakamoto contributed vocals and lyrics to “Indifference”, a track from El Michels Affair’s new album 24Hr Sports, led by Grammy Award–winning producer Leon Michels, further drawing international attention to his work.
Shintaro Sakamoto began his career as the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Yura Yura Teikoku in 1989. After disbanding in 2010, he launched his solo career in 2011 on his own label, Zelone Records, releasing four acclaimed full-length albums, including 2022’s Like A Fable, while garnering praise from NPR Music, Pitchfork, Vice, The FADER, SPIN, FLOOD, The Line Of Best Fit, Under the Radar, amongst others.
In 2024, Sakamoto toured the U.S., Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Korea, alongside his domestic tour in Japan.
He is also active in a wide range of creative pursuits, including writing songs and creating artwork for various artists. More new music is due in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Tour Date:
10/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre
10/29 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
11/01 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
11/02 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
11/04 – Brooklyn, NY @ Knockdown Center
11/06 – Mexico City, MX @ Foro Indie Rocks