April 24, 2026
On June 26, Minyo Crusaders will release From Japan with Love, a vibrant new album that reimagines traditional Japanese folk songs (min’yō) through the lens of global rhythms. The album was announced today with the release of the lead single “Hanagasa Ondo feat. Frente Cumbiero.” “Min’yō is both the closest and most distant folk music for Japanese people,” says bandleader Katsumi Tanaka. “Its essence is deeply embedded in us, even if we don’t always recognize it.” From Japan with Love is rooted in the band’s deep affection for min’yō — a celebration of the music itself, its richness, and its enduring ability to resonate across cultures. Through this lens, the songs reveal the emotional depth they carry, from expressions of human connection and family ties to a sense of longing for one’s hometown.
“We’ve reimagined min’yō — songs that have been passed down through everyday life across Japan — through the global musical influences that have shaped us, blending them with diverse rhythms and grooves,” says Koichiro Osawa, the band’s producer and musical director. “We hope this music can travel beyond language and borders, opening new doors and bringing a sense of richness to listeners around the world.”
Songs including “Hokkai Bon Uta,” “Hanagasa Ondo,” “Shigesa Bushi,” and “Iyo Manzai” are reinterpreted with a balance of respect and reinvention, preserving their spirit while opening them to new global contexts. The album also marks the first time Minyo Crusaders have incorporated guest artists into a full-length studio release. Japanese vocalists Chitose Hajime and Saya Asakura appear alongside longtime collaborators Frente Cumbiero, expanding the band’s cross-cultural sound.
The lead single “Hanagasa Ondo feat. Frente Cumbiero” offers a compelling preview of the album’s direction, drawing inspiration from the cumbia standard “Cumbia en Do Menor” while seamlessly blending Japanese folk traditions with Latin, African, and Caribbean rhythmic elements. “We just think min’yō is fun — and cool,” says lead vocalist Freddie Tsukamoto. “No need to overthink it. We hope people of all generations can simply sing, dance, and enjoy it in their own way.”
Following the release, the band will embark on extensive touring across North America and Europe. Building on recent years of global activity — including performances at Primavera Sound Bogotá, Roskilde, WOMAD UK, and Sziget — Minyo Crusaders continue to establish themselves as a vital force on the international stage.
“For us, this has always been a journey,” adds Tanaka. “Through the music, the people we meet, and the places we go, we keep discovering new meanings in these songs. We hope listeners will join us for the next chapter – and experience the joy and beauty of min’yō.”
