Ningen Isu

Ningen Isu

Ningen Isu (which translates to “The Human Chair”) is a Japanese three-piece hard rock band.

In 1987, the band was formed by Shinji Wajima (Guitar & Vocals) and Kenichi Suzuki (Bass & Vocals), who were classmates in the same high school in Aomori Prefecture in the northern area of Japan.

In 1989, they made their first appearance on the popular audition TV show “Heisei Meibutsu TV Ikasu Band Tengoku”.

They attracted everybody’s attention for their weird hard rock music and Suzuki’s attire of a popular manga character, “Nezumi Otoko (Rat-man)” from “GeGeGe no Kitaro.”

In 1990, they did their major debut with their first album “Ningen Shikkaku (No Longer Human)”.

After that, while they came and went between some indie and major labels, they showed their very unique view of the world based on a fusion of heavy metal music, Japanese literature and folk culture of Aomori.

After some replacement of drummers, Nob Nakajima (Drums & Vocals) joined the band in 2004.

In 2013 and 2015 respectively, they participated in the “OZZFEST JAPAN”, a rock festival organized by Ozzy Osbourne.

In 2019, their 30th anniversary year, they released their 21st album “Shin Seinenn (New Youth)” this past June.

Now sales of the album have reached the highest-ever level in the band’s career.

Also, a music video for “Heartless Scat” released in advance to promote the album has attracted tremendous worldwide interest on YouTube.