Asa‑Chang & Junray, formed in 1998 after leaving the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The band’s early releases, including the single "Hana" in 2001 and the mini‑album Tsu Gi Ne Pu in 2003, established its signature percussive electronic sound. In 2002, the British label The Leaf Label issued Jun Ray Song Chang, a compilation of the group’s first Japan‑only albums Tabla Magma Bongo and Senaka, followed by the 2005 studio album Minna No Junray featuring vocalist Kyōko Koizumi. The 2009 album 影の無いヒト expanded the group’s international reach, while "Hana" was later re‑recorded for the 2013 anime The Flowers of Evil. Key lineup changes occurred in 2010 when guitarist Hidehiko Urayama and tabla player U‑zhaan departed, and in 2012 when saxophonist Yoshihiro Goseki and violinist Anzu Suhara joined as live members. Asa‑Chang & Junray’s work has been featured on compilations such as Fabric Live 07 and The Wire Tapper, and the group has maintained a steady presence on the experimental music scene through subsequent releases and live performances.
