After a six-year hiatus from touring in the United States, Japanese pop-punk pioneers Shonen Knife have returned with a string of sold-out shows and festival appearances, including a stop at Chicago’s Riot Fest. Founder Naoko spoke with us about the band’s long-awaited American tour, the expanded edition of their 2023 album Our Best Place, and the rare reissue of their 1982 cassette debut Minna Tanoshiku. Reflecting on Shonen Knife’s enduring creativity and cheerful punk spirit, Naoko also shared her thoughts on revisiting the band’s earliest work and hinted at what fans can expect next year.
Welcome to Shonen Knife
So first, Naoko, I wanted to ask you, how are you, and how is this American tour treating you?
Yeah, this American tour started on September 18th, and since then we’ve played at two music festivals, including Riot Fest in Chicago. We also had several shows, and most of them sold out. So we are very happy about that because it’s our first U.S. tour in six years. I’m very happy.
Shonen Knife is back in the US
Yeah, yeah, the last time was in 2019 — since then Shonen Knife hasn’t toured the U.S., right?
Yes, that’s right.
Congratulations.
Yeah, thank you very much. I’m very happy to be back.
The re-issue of Our Best Place
So, Naoko-san, I wanted to ask you about Our Best Place, which was released in 2023, and now in September it has been reissued as an expanded edition. So I wanted to ask, as you said, how you collected all these ideas back then and produced them.
Yes, after we released Our Best Place, we had no chance to come to the United States. When this tour was decided, our record label, Good Charamel Records in the United States, released the vinyl version of Our Best Place, and we added my vocal version of a song called “Green Tea” as a bonus track. The vinyl is a clear pressing — very beautiful. We also play some songs from Our Best Place on this tour, and it’s very fun to share our new album in the United States. So that’s why we issued it.
Everybody love Germany’s Baumkuchen
I know that this expanded edition also features a 60s mix of “Nice Day,” the Japanese version of “The Story of Baumkuchen,” and “Ghost Rock.” I was curious to ask you about that story — what can you tell me about it?
Yes. Baumkuchen was invented in Germany, but to be honest, it’s not very popular there. However, a German baker came to Japan a long time ago and made a delicious Baumkuchen. It became very popular among Japanese people. I love Baumkuchen a lot, so I wanted to write a song about it.
Going back to the basics: Shonen Knife releases Minna Tanoshiku
Naoko-san, I also wanted to mention the reissue of Minna Tanoshiku, which is extremely rare. It was released back in 1982 in about 70 copies. Due to its rarity, it has become like the “holy grail” of Shonen Knife. First, what was it like working on Minna Tanoshiku back then? And why release it again now, after so many years — more than 40 years later?
We originally released Minna Tanoshiku as a mini-album. I actually made not 70 but only 40 copies because it was a cassette tape, and I dubbed them at home. I couldn’t make many tapes by myself — only 40 copies in total. It was originally released in 1982 and was a very, very independent project. We recorded it at home using a multi-track recorder.
Recently, our Japanese record company offered us a deal for the reissue of Minna Tanoshiku. We wanted to make everyone happy by releasing it on vinyl and CD. In America, our label Good Charamel Records released custom cassette tapes.
Recalling the old times of Shonen Knife
But how does it feel to have a broader audience discover the very first Shonen Knife release again through this reissue? It must also bring back different memories, both good and bittersweet.
I had totally forgotten the music from when we first started. But when the Japanese record company reissued it, I listened to it again. I felt it was very primitive — but at the same time, very creative, artistic, and unique. I don’t mind that so many years have passed.
Something brand-new
So it was even a surprise for you after so many years?
Yeah, I was really surprised. Many Shonen Knife fans weren’t even born when we first released that cassette tape in 1982, so it must feel brand new for our younger fans.
The two singles of Shonen Knife
Absolutely. From Our Best Place, you released two amazing songs — “Nice Day” and “MUJINTO Rock.” Can you tell me more about these tracks? I really love them. Shonen Knife always brings me a lot of joy.
Yeah. “Nice Day” is kind of a big, 60s-style song, and I wanted to express positive feelings. If people listen to “Nice Day” and feel happiness through our music, I’m very happy. “MUJINTO Rock” — mujintō means “desert island” — is a punk song. It’s about an island where no one lives, but people could live if they wanted to. I usually don’t write about social problems or politics, but it has a bit of an anti-political feeling. It’s like imagining living alone on a desert island and doing whatever I want — it’s an imaginary song.
The upcoming tour plans
And, you know, currently you are touring the U.S. After this, I know Shonen Knife will have a short tour in Latin America, right?
We will have shows in Japan in November, and we’ll go to Latin America in December. New Year’s Day is a very big holiday for me, so I’d like to enjoy delicious New Year food.
The next plans for Shonen Knife
Any plans for a new album, maybe next year?
I’m very lazy! Without planning some recording studio time, I can’t start writing new songs. So we have to book a recording studio — then I can start to write. My hope is to release a new album next year.
Okay, well, Naoko-san, I want to thank you for your time and for being so kind to answer my questions. Thank you again, and I hope to see you soon.
Thank you. Yeah, thank you very much.