Elephant Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi (Japanese: エレファントカシマシ, Hepburn: Erefanto Kashimashi), sometimes abbreviated as Elekashi (エレカシ, Erekashi), is a Japanese rock band from Kita, Tokyo, formed in 1981. It has consisted of vocalist and guitarist Hiroji Miyamoto, guitarist Toshiyuki Ishimori, bassist Seiji Takamidori and drummer Yoshiyuki Tominaga since 1986.

Elephant Kashimashi
Also known asElekashi
OriginKita, Tokyo, Japan
GenresRock, alternative rock, blues rock, grunge
Years active1981–present
LabelsEpic/Sony, Pony Canyon, Toshiba EMI/Capitol Music, Universal Music/A&M
Associated actsKoichi Tsutaya
WebsiteElephantKashimashi.com
MembersHiroji Miyamoto
Toshiyuki Ishimori
Seiji Takamidori
Yoshiyuki Tominaga

In 2007, Rolling Stone Japan ranked their album The Elephant Kashimashi II number 50 on a list of the greatest Japanese rock albums of all time.[1]

History

Elephant Kashimashi was formed in 1981 by Akabanedai Junior High School classmates Toshiyuki Ishimori and Yoshiyuki Tominaga on guitar and drums respectively. Vocalist and guitarist Hiroji Miyamoto joined in their third year of junior high, and they covered songs by bands such as Deep Purple, Rainbow and RC Succession. They participated in the amateur music competition EastWest put on by Nippon Gakki (Yamaha Corporation) playing original songs. In 1986, Tominaga's high school classmate Seiji Takamidori joined on bass completing the final line up that continues to this day. In December of that year they won the CBS Sony SD audition.

In a tradition that began in 1990, Elephant Kashimashi have held a concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall every year since.

Elephant Kashimashi made their debut on March 21, 1988 with the simultaneous Epic/Sony Records release of the single "Dede" and their self-titled album. Miyamoto, the band's principal songwriter, stated that his biggest influences at the time were Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and T. Rex.[2] Their second album, The Elephant Kashimashi II, followed in November of that same year. The band held a concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in 1990 and it has become a tradition, with them having performed there every year since.[3] Following several albums with disappointing sales, their contract with Epic/Sony ended after their seventh album Tokyo no Sora in May 1994.[4]

In 1996, Elephant Kashimashi signed with Pony Canyon and released the single "Kanashimi no Hate" in April and the album Kokoro ni Hana wo in August. The album sold well and gave them their first top 10 release on Oricon.[5] Their 1997 album Asu ni Mukatte Hashire -Tsukiyo no Uta- was a big success with half a million copies sold, thanks to the single "Koyoi no Tsuki no Yoni" being used as the theme song of the TV drama Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara.

After one more album with Pony Canyon, the band moved to Toshiba EMI in 1999. Reportedly, Elephant Kashimashi's sound at this time was influenced by American hard rock and industrial rock like Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against the Machine.[2] In 2003, the tribute album Elephant Kashimashi Cover Album Hana Otoko was released featuring acts such as Straightener and Takkyu Ishino covering their songs.[2]

In March 2006, Tominaga underwent surgery for a chronic subdural hematoma.[6]

Elephant Kashimashi switched record labels to Universal Music in 2007, and released the single "Oretachi no Ashita" on November 21.[7] The album Starting Over followed on January 30, 2008.[8] "Kizuna", released as a single on March 18, 2009, became the band's first song to be used as the theme of a film when it was selected for Kanshiki Yonezawa Mamoru no Jikenbo.[9] The album Noboreru Taiyō was released on April 29, and its tour ran from May 14 to June 3.[10]

On September 1, 2012, Miyamoto had acute hearing loss in his left ear and underwent surgery. As a result live activities were suspended for a year until September 14, 2013, when they held a special concert.[6] A second tribute album, Elephant Kashimashi Cover Album 2 ~A Tribute to The Elephant Kashimashi~, featuring bands such as Dragon Ash, The Back Horn, Brahman and 10-Feet was released in 2013.[2]

At the 2018 Space Shower Music Awards, Elephant Kashimashi were given the Best Respect Artist award for their influence and achievements in music.[11] To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut, Elephant Kashimashi held their first nationwide tour that covered every prefecture in Japan. It finished with a special concert at Saitama Super Arena where they were supported by Mr. Children and Spitz.[12] Their album Wake Up was released on June 6, 2018 and went on to become a winner at the 11th CD Shop Awards.[13] On November 16, 2018, Akabane Station began playing Elephant Kashimashi songs as departure melodies in hopes to revitalize the area. Three of the band's four members are from Akabane.[14]

Members
  • Hiroji Miyamoto (宮本 浩次, Miyamoto Hiroji, born June 12, 1966 in Akabane, Kita, Tokyo) – lead vocals, guitars, primary songwriter
  • Toshiyuki Ishimori (石森 敏行, Ishimori Toshiyuki, born March 18, 1967 in Akabane, Kita, Tokyo) – guitars
  • Seiji Takamidori (高緑 成治, Takamidori Seiji, born April 15, 1966 in Tsukishima, Chūō, Tokyo) – bass guitar
  • Yoshiyuki Tominaga (冨永 義之, Tominaga Yoshiyuki, born April 14, 1966 in Akabane, Kita, Tokyo) – drums

Discography
Elephant Kashimashi discography
Studio albums22
Live albums4
Compilation albums8
Video albums21
EPs1
Singles50
Tribute albums3

Studio albums
Year Album details Oricon[15]
1988 The Elephant Kashimashi
  • Released: March 21, 1988
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 —
The Elephant Kashimashi II
  • Released: November 21, 1988
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 71
1989 Ukiyo no Yume (浮世の夢)
  • Released: August 21, 1989
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 56
1990 Seikatsu (生活)
  • Released: September 1, 1990
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 43
1992 Elephant Kashimashi 5 (エレファントカシマシ5)
  • Released: April 8, 1992
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 61
1993 Dorei Tengoku (奴隷天国)
  • Released: May 21, 1993
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 68
1994 Tokyo no Sora (東京の空)
  • Released: May 21, 1994
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 62
1996 Kokoro ni Hana wo (ココロに花を) 10
1997 Asu ni Mukatte Hashire -Tsukiyo no Uta- (明日に向かって走れ-月夜の歌-)
  • Released: September 10, 1997
  • Label: Pony Canyon
 2
1998 Ai to Yume (愛と夢)
  • Released: December 9, 1998
  • Label: Pony Canyon
 11
2000 Good Morning
  • Released: April 26, 2000
  • Label: Toshiba EMI
 13
2002 Life (ライフ, Raifu)
  • Released: May 2, 2002
  • Label: Face Records
 28
2003 Ore no Michi (俺の道)
  • Released: July 16, 2003
  • Label: Face Records
 34
2004 Tobira (扉)
  • Released: March 31, 2004
  • Label: Face Records
 34
Kaze (風)
  • Released: September 29, 2004
  • Label: Face Records
 45
2006 Machi wo Miorosu Oka (町を見下ろす丘) 43
2008 Starting Over 7
2009 Noboreru Taiyō (昇れる太陽)
  • Released: April 29, 2009
  • Label: Universal Music Sigma
 3
2010 Akuma no Sasayaki ~Soshite, Kokoro ni Hi o Tomosu Tabi~
(悪魔のささやき〜そして、心に火を灯す旅〜)
  • Released: November 17, 2010
  • Label: Universal Music Sigma
 8
2012 Masterpiece
  • Released: May 30, 2012
  • Label: Universal Music Sigma
 9
2015 Rainbow
  • Released: November 18, 2015
  • Label: Universal Music Sigma
 12
2018 Wake Up
  • Released: June 6, 2018
  • Label: Universal Music
 4

Mini-albums
Year Album details Oricon[15]
2002 Dead or Alive
  • Released: December 26, 2002
  • Label: Barrier Free
 86

Singles
Year Title Oricon[16]
1988 "Dēde" (デーデ)
  • Released: March 21, 1988
 —
"Fuwafuwa" (ふわふわ)
  • Released: July 21, 1988
 —
"Ohayō Kon'nichiwa" (おはよう こんにちは)
  • Released: November 2, 1988
 —
1989 "Ukigumo Otoko" (浮雲男)
  • Released: August 2, 1989
 —
1990 "Otokohayuku" (男は行く)
  • Released: July 21, 1990
 93
1992 "Shokō" (曙光)
  • Released: March 25, 1992
 —
1993 "Dorei Tengoku" (奴隷天国)
  • Released: April 21, 1993
 —
"Gokuraku Taishō Seikatsu Sanka" (極楽大将生活賛歌)
  • Released: October 1, 1993
 —
1994 "Kono yo Hasaikō!" (この世は最高!)
  • Released: April 21, 1994
 —
1996 "Kanashimi no Hate" (悲しみの果て)
  • Released: April 19, 1996
 60
"Kodokun Natabi Bito" (孤独な旅人)
  • Released: July 19, 1996
 49
"Kanashimi no Hate" (悲しみの果て)
  • Released: November 1, 1996
 30
1997 "Ashita ni Mukatte Hashire" (明日に向かって走れ)
  • Released: February 19, 1997
 34
"Tatakau Otoko" (戦う男)
  • Released: March 14, 1997
 35
"Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni" (今宵の月のように)
  • Released: July 30, 1997
 8
"Kaze ni Fukarete" (風に吹かれて)
  • Released: November 7, 1997
 50
1998 "Hajimari Hai ma" (はじまりは今)
  • Released: May 13, 1998
 29
"Yume no Kakera" (夢のかけら)
  • Released: September 18, 1998
 20
"Hito Koi Shikute, Ai wo Motomete" (ヒトコイシクテ、アイヲモトメテ)
  • Released: November 18, 1998
 34
1999 "Ai no Yume wo Kure" (愛の夢をくれ)
  • Released: January 27, 1999
 96
"Mayonaka no Hero" (真夜中のヒーロー)
  • Released: April 28, 1999
 49
"Gasutoronjā" (ガストロンジャー)
  • Released: December 8, 1999
 29
2000 "So Many People"
  • Released: January 26, 2000
 38
"Call and Response" (コール アンド レスポンス, Kōru ando Resuponsu)
  • Released: April 26, 2000
 55
2001 "Kodokuna Taiyō" (孤独な太陽)
  • Released: March 16, 2001
 44
"Shochū Mimai -Yūutsu na Gogo-" (暑中見舞 -憂鬱な午後-)
  • Released: July 25, 2001
 35
2002 "Futsū no Hibi" (普通の日々)
  • Released: February 27, 2002
 35
"Anata no Yasashisa wo Ore wa Nani ni Tatoeyou"
(あなたのやさしさをオレは何に例えよう)
  • Released: April 17, 2002
 39
2003 "Ore no Michi" (俺の道)
  • Released: June 27, 2003
 74
"Hello Jinsei!!" (ハロー人生!!)
  • Released: June 27, 2003
 77
"Seimei Sanka" (生命賛歌)
  • Released: June 27, 2003
 76
2004 "Bakemono Seinen" (化ケモノ青年)
  • Released: March 10, 2004
 71
"Tomodachi ga Iru no Sa" (友達がいるのさ)
  • Released: September 1, 2004
 38
2007 "Oretachi no Ashita" (俺たちの明日)
  • Released: November 21, 2007
 17
2008 "Egao no Mirai e" (笑顔の未来へ)
  • Released: January 1, 2008
 47
"Sakura no Hana, Maiagaru Michi o" (桜の花、舞い上がる道を)
  • Released: March 5, 2008
 12
"Atarashī Kisetsu e Kimi to" (新しい季節へキミと)
  • Released: October 1, 2008
 13
2009 "Kizuna" (絆(きづな))
  • Released: March 18, 2009
 16
2010 "Shiawase yo, Kono Yubi ni Tomare" (幸せよ、この指にとまれ)
  • Released: May 12, 2010
 16
"Asu e no Kioku" (明日への記憶)
  • Released: September 22, 2010
 17
"Itsuka Mita Yume wo" (いつか見た夢を)
  • Released: October 20, 2010
 18
2011 "Winding Road" (ワインディングロード, Waindingu Rōdo)
  • Released: November 16, 2011
 14
2012 "Daichi no Symphony" (大地のシンフォニー)
  • Released: April 25, 2012
 11
"Zureteru Hō ga Ī" (ズレてる方がいい)
  • Released: October 31, 2012
 18
2013 "Anata e" (あなたへ)
  • Released: November 20, 2013
 13
2014 "Destiny"
  • Released: June 11, 2014
 13
2015 "Aisubeki Kyō" (愛すべき今日)
  • Released: September 23, 2015
 9
2016 "Yume wo ou Tabibito" (夢を追う旅人)
  • Released: August 3, 2016
 16
2017 "Kaze to Tomoni" (風と共に)
  • Released: July 26, 2017
 12
"Restart/Ima wo Utae" (RESTART/今を歌え)
  • Released: November 8, 2017
 11

Limited singles
Year Title
2006 "Signal/Ima wo Kakinarase" (シグナル／今をかきならせ)
  • Released: March 20, 2006
2018 "Easy Go"
  • Released: May 25, 2018

Compilation albums
Year Album details Oricon[15]
1997 Elephant Kashimashi Best (エレファントカシマシ ベスト)
  • Released: December 1, 1997
  • Label: Epic/Sony Records
 27
2000 Sweet Memory ~Elekashi Seishun Selection~ (sweet memory〜エレカシ青春セレクション〜)
  • Released: October 12, 2000
  • Label: Face Records/Toshiba EMI
 6
2002 Elephant Kashimashi Singles 1988–2001 (エレファントカシマシ SINGLES1988-2001)
  • Released: March 27, 2002
  • Label: Face Records/Toshiba EMI
 47
2009 Elekashi Jisen Sakuhin-shū: Epic Sōseiki (エレカシ 自選作品集 EPIC 創世記)
  • Released: September 16, 2009
  • Label: Sony Music Direct
 61
Elekashi Jisen Sakuhin-shū: Pony Canyon Sōseiki (エレカシ 自選作品集 PONY CANYON 浪漫記)
  • Released: September 16, 2009
  • Label: Pony Canyon
 59
Elekashi Jisen Sakuhin-shū: EMI Sōseiki (エレカシ 自選作品集 EMI 胎動記)
  • Released: September 16, 2009
  • Label: EMI Music Japan
 63
2012 The Best 2007–2012 Oretachi no Ashita (THE BEST 2007-2012 俺たちの明日) 10
2017 All Time Best Album The Fighting Man
  • Released: March 21, 2017
  • Label: Universal Sigma
 3

Live albums
Year Album details Oricon[15]
2005 Yaon Aki (野音 秋)
  • Released: July 20, 2005
  • Label: Face Music Entertainment
 —
Nippon Natsu (日本 夏)
  • Released: July 20, 2005
  • Label: Face Music Entertainment
 —
2013 The Fighting Men's Chronicle -The Elephant Kashimashi Official Live Bootleg Box-
  • Released: April 23, 2013
  • Label: Face Music Entertainment
 —
The Elephant Kashimashi Live Best Bout (エレカシ 自選作品集 EPIC 創世記)
  • Released: June 23, 2013
  • Label: Universal Music
 —

Tribute albums
Year Album details Oricon
2003 Elephant Kashimashi Cover Album Hana Otoko (エレファントカシマシ カヴァーアルバム 花男)
  • Released: March 19, 2003
  • Label: Face Records
 79
2013 Elephant Kashimashi Cover Album 2 ~A Tribute to The Elephant Kashimashi~
(エレファントカシマシ カヴァーアルバム2 〜A Tribute to The Elephant Kashimashi〜)
  • Released: December 18, 2013
  • Label: Universal Music
 58[17]
2018 Elephant Kashimashi Cover Album 3 ~A Tribute to The Elephant Kashimashi~
(エレファントカシマシ カヴァーアルバム3 〜A Tribute to The Elephant Kashimashi〜)
  • Released: March 21, 2018
  • Label: Universal Music
 29[18]

Video albums
Year Title Oricon DVDs[19] Oricon Blu-rays[20]
1998 Concert 1998 Nippon Budokan "Kaze ni Fukarete" (コンサート1998 日本武道館“風に吹かれて”)
  • Released: April 1, 1998
 72 (2009 re-release) —
Video Clip Collection "Clips" (ビデオクリップ集“クリップス”)
  • Released: April 1, 1998
 — —
2001 Video Clip Collection "Clips 2" (ビデオクリップ集“クリップス2”)
  • Released: March 16, 2001
 — —
2002 Life Tour 2002
  • Released: December 26, 2002
 — —
2004 Video Clip Collection "Clips 3" (ビデオクリップ集「クリップス3」)
  • Released: March 10, 2004
 — —
Tobira no Mukō (扉の向こう)
  • Released: September 29, 2004
 — —
2009 Sakura no Hana Maiagaru Budōkan (桜の花舞い上がる武道館)
  • Released: September 16, 2009
 6 —
2010 Elephant Kashimashi 2009 October 24–25 Hibiya Yagai Ongakudō (エレファントカシマシ2009年10月24,25日 日比谷野外音楽堂)
  • Released: March 17, 2010 (DVD), March 21, 2018 (Blu-ray)
 14 209
2011 Elephant Kashimashi Epic Eizō Sakuhin-shū 1988–1994 (エレファントカシマシ EPIC映像作品集 1988-1994)
  • Released: January 1, 2011
 43 —
Rock'n Roll Band Fes & Event Live History 1988–2011
  • Released: November 16, 2011
 11 —
2013 The Fighting Men's Chronicle Elephant Kashimashi Director's Cut (the fighting men's chronicle エレファントカシマシ ディレクターズカット)
  • Released: November 20, 2013
 10 —
Fukkatsu no Yaon 2013.9.15 Hibiya Yagai Dai Ongakudō (復活の野音 2013.9.15 日比谷野外大音楽堂)
  • Released: December 18, 2013
 17 —
2014 Elephant Kashimashi Debut 25th Anniversary Special Live Saitama Super Arena
(エレファントカシマシ デビュー25周年記念 SPECIAL LIVE さいたまスーパーアリーナ)
  • Released: March 19, 2014 (DVD), March 21, 2018 (Blu-ray)
 10 186
2015 Elephant Kashimashi Shinshun Live 2015 Nihon Budōkan (エレファントカシマシ 新春ライブ2015 日本武道館)
  • Released: September 23, 2015
 15 15
2017 Elephant Kashimashi ~1988/09/10 Shibuya Kōkaidō~ (エレファントカシマシ～1988/09/10渋谷公会堂～)
  • Released: July 26, 2017
 44 29
Debut 30th Anniversary Concert "Sarani Dōn to Iku ze!" Ōsaka-jō Hall
(デビュー30周年記念コンサート”さらにドーンと行くぜ！” 大阪城ホール)
  • Released: November 8, 2017
 10 10
2018 Elephant Kashimashi 30th Anniversary Live Blu-ray Box
  • Released: March 21, 2018
 — —
30th Anniversary Tour "The Fighting Man" Final Saitama Super Arena
  • Released: November 21, 2018
 7 6
2019 Elephant Kashimashi Shinshun Live 2019 Nihon Budōkan (エレファントカシマシ 新春ライブ2019 日本武道館)
  • Released: June 12, 2019
 7 2
Elephant Kashimashi Hibiya Yagai Dai Ongakudō 2019 July 6–7 (エレファントカシマシ 日比谷野外大音楽堂2019 7月6日,7日)
  • Released: June 12, 2019
 7 6

Awards
Year Award Category Recipient or nominee Result
2018 Space Shower Music Awards Best Respect Artist Elephant Kashimashi[11] Won
2019 Best Group Artist Elephant Kashimashi[21] Nominated
CD Shop Awards Winning Work Wake Up[22] Won
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References
  1. "Finally! "The 100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time" Listed". Exclaim!. November 14, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  2. "時代を超えて受け継がれるエレファン トカシマシの熱いロックスピリット". OKMusic (in Japanese). June 20, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  3. "エレファントカシマシ、中秋の名月が差す野音で新アルバム『RAINBOW』発表". Real Sound (in Japanese). September 28, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  4. "エレカシ宮本浩次、"長く続けること"の実感語る「80歳前後の方とかも踊っていて、すごく良くて」". Real Sound (in Japanese). June 18, 2017. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  5. "エレファントカシマシがメジャー復帰に際し、 自らを奮い立たせる言葉を注いだ『ココロに花を』". OKMusic (in Japanese). March 22, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  6. "エレファントカシマシ、15年ぶりMステ出演！　全力パフォーマンス＆トークに注目". Real Sound (in Japanese). March 31, 2017. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  7. "エレファントカシマシ　ユニバーサル移籍第１弾シングルをリリース！". Rockin'On (in Japanese). July 15, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  8. "エレファントカシマシ　ニュー・アルバムの詳細が決定！". Rockin'On (in Japanese). December 22, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  9. "エレファントカシマシ　待望の新曲が映画 相棒シリーズの主題歌に決定！". Rockin'On (in Japanese). December 25, 2008. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  10. "エレファントカシマシ　ニュー･アルバムのタイトル＆発売日が決定！". Rockin'On (in Japanese). March 10, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  11. "ゆず、星野源、平井堅、Hi-STANDARDらが受賞　『スペシャアワード』に見る充実の音楽シーン". Real Sound (in Japanese). March 10, 2018. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  12. "エレファントカシマシ、デビュー30周年を記念しスピッツ＆Mr.Childrenとスペシャルライブ開催". Real Sound (in Japanese). January 1, 2018. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  13. "「CDショップ大賞」入賞10作品が決定、今回より"赤"と"青"2つの大賞を用意". Natalie (in Japanese). February 22, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  14. "エレカシ楽曲が故郷・赤羽の駅メロに「誇らしく、うれしく」". Oricon (in Japanese). November 8, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  15. "エレファントカシマシのアルバム売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  16. "エレファントカシマシのシングル売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  17. "エレファントカシマシ カヴァーアルバム2 A Tribute To The Elephant Kashimashi" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  18. "エレファントカシマシ カヴァーアルバム3 ～A Tribute To The Elephant Kashimashi～" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  19. "エレファントカシマシのDVD売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  20. "エレファントカシマシのBlu-ray売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  21. "『SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS 2019』出演者第2弾発表　星野源、WANIMAら". Real Sound (in Japanese). February 1, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  22. "第11回CDショップ大賞2019". CD Shop Awards (in Japanese). Retrieved January 5, 2020.
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