KATARI took over the stage in August, rendering fans speechless with their unique sound and performances.
KATARI First Recital 嚆矢 (Koushi) was held in Tokyo, Japan on August 30, 2021 at 19:00 JST as an in-person event and a free YouTube Live stream.
Literary music unit “KATARI” (voice actor Shinichiro Kamio and sound producer Takehiro Mamiya (Yuyoyuppe a.k.a. DJ’TEKINA//SOMETHING)) held their first solo recital on August 30, bringing their unique fusion of modern Japanese literature and lo-fi beats to an audience of nearly 8,000 fans worldwide as both an in-person and free online streaming event.
KATARI, a self-styled “hobby project” by Kamio and Mamiya, takes listeners on a journey through Japanese literary classics to rediscover the beauty of the Japanese language, and the power of the stories, emotions, and experiences of famous modern Japanese authors.
Its blend of cutting-edge sounds, produced by Mamiya, and exacting, passionate vocal delivery by Kamio has swiftly drawn attention both domestically and overseas as a highly-original new musical experience.
To date, KATARI has released six tracks on their official YouTube channel, and continues to provide early-access and behind-the-scenes content on their FANBOX account.
Coming one year after the start of the KATARI project, KATARI’s first solo recital “Koushi” (“Beginning”) was held at an undisclosed location in Tokyo in front of a limited audience, in keeping with the COVID-19 restrictions currently continuing in the Japanese capital.
In addition to the in-person attendance, fans worldwide were given free access to a live stream of the performance, which included dramatic camerawork that accented each track’s feel and message.
KATARI performed seven tracks, including their most recent release “Shi no Fuchi Yori” (Jun Takami), a dark lament that stirs the soul, and fan-favorite “Yume to Genjitsu” (Akiko Yosano), an upbeat, breezy melody that brings a message of hope to listeners.
KATARI’s literary selections include passages from such beloved Japanese authors as Kenji Miyazawa, Osamu Dazai, Akiko Yosano, and Chuya Nakahara, as chosen and edited by Kamio himself.
The duo will continue to put a spotlight on the beauty of Japanese literature while delighting fans with original music by Mamiya that accentuates each literary selection and firmly draws the listener into the world of KATARI.
KATARI announced the release of their first album “Kaika” at the conclusion of the “Koushi” performance; the album will contain seven of KATARI’s currently-released tracks, in addition to two new tracks to be announced at a later date.
The album will first be released at the M3-2021 Autumn musical exhibition in Tokyo; further release information will be unveiled at a later date.
Additionally, merchandise inspired by the “Koushi” performance will be also available for online order from September 1 on the BOOTH platform.
On another note:
Recently, THTFHQ had the pleasure of interviewing KATARI about their passion project, music production, performances, literature, and lo-fi music. Make sure to check this awesome and exclusive interview HERE.
About KATARI
KATARI is a “musical literature” duo consisting of voice actor Shinichiro Kamio and composer Takehiro Mamiya (Yuyoyuppe aka DJ’TEKINA//SOMETHING).
Based in Tokyo, Japan, the duo combines Japanese “pure literature” with lo-fi, original music to create a powerful, unique new musical experience.
Kamio takes on the role of the narrative voice of each track—or the voice of the author himself or herself—and brings to life their words and worlds with his deep, clear voice, while Mamiya sets the tone for each narration with original musical creations that take listeners on an unforgettable journey.
KATARI features narrative tracks from famous Japanese literary figures such as Chuya Nakahara, Akiko Yosano, Kenji Miyazawa, and others. Their tracks have gained attention on social media sites as each new offering attracts draws in new fans to KATARI’s musical universe.
Fans of Japanese literature and ambient music/BGM are encouraged to follow KATARI on social media and to look forward to future announcements.
The creative minds behind this project
Shinichiro Kamio (神尾晋一郎)
Born in Hokkaido, Japan, Kamio is active as a voice actor, stage actor, narrator, and DJ. In 2019, he was recognized at the 13th Seiyuu Awards for his vocal work in the HYPNOSISMIC project. His voice acting career includes roles in Ensemble Stars!! (Kuro Kiryu), HYPNOSISMIC (Rio Mason Busujima), Sekai wa Hoshii Mono ni Afureteiru (Narrator), and Nihongo de Asobo (Maji Shanichiro).
Takehiro Mamiya (間宮丈裕)
From Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. In addition to his work as a composer for various major artist releases, he is also active as the sound creator Yuyoyuppe, and as the DJ DJ’TEKINA//SOMETHING. Member of the band “Naked Identity Created by King”. He has performed at major events such as the ROCK IN JAPAN and SUMMER SONIC festivals.
KATARI on social media
・Twitter：https://twitter.com/KATARI0803
・YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMEwGRBvZ5euobzws8U9Fg
・FANBOX：https://katari.fanbox.cc/
・BOOTH Shop: https://katari.booth.pm/
Official photos were kindly provided by KATARI.
© PROJECT KATARI
