The Minyo Crusaders, who originated in a U.S. military housing complex in Fussa, have pioneered a new style by fusing Japanese folk songs with Latin rhythms, and have received high praise not only in Japan but also overseas from NPR, The Guardian, and others.
Their new album, "From Japan with Love," their first in three years, has arrived. As the title suggests, the concept is "love," and they passionately revive various forms of love—affection, love for family, love for one's hometown, etc.—that have been sung about in folk songs from all over Japan, such as "Hokkai Bon Uta," "Hanagasa Ondo," "Shigesabushi," and "Iyo Manzai," in their unique style of blending Japanese folk songs with beats from various countries such as salsa, cumbia, and Afrobeat.
Furthermore, this album features guest artists for the first time. From Japan, Chitose Hajime and Saya Asakura are featured, and from Colombia, his close friend Frente Cumbiero is featured.
