We often get asked what line of music we're in at Chin Music Press, and as quickly as Pavlov's dogs, we begin to recite the etymology of "chin music" and the philosophy of our company, et cetera, ad nauseum. Well now, we're really going to throw you for a loop because every Friday for the near future, our blog will be about music, specifically Japanese pop music. Your guide will be Seattle resident Akira Morita, who runs a sharp little bilingual blog with his wife, Dipika. Enjoy!

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra was a cornerstone of the scene known as Shibuya-kei in the mid 1990s. Formed in 1985, the group grew in popularity based on their white-hot live performances. They have not only created an audience for ska in Japan, but also played a vital part in reviving the Japanese music scene through various cross-pollination projects with singers, hip hoppers, jazz musicians and DJs. Members of the band have also contributed to the work of other musicians such as Cornelius, Kenji Ozawa and Pizzicato Five.

In its surprisingly long career, the orchestra has endured countless member changes, traveled the world and sold more records (they’ve recorded 12 albums and countless other projects) than most ska bands, garnering praise everywhere and winning respect from the originators of ska.

This particular album was a gift to me from a dear friend. I had been living in the US for three years, and now my friend wanted to show me what I had been missing. We were in college, and as college kids nothing mattered more to us than having fine taste in music, art and films. He soon filled me in on all the Shibuya musicians that were making serious music listeners take note in Japan and beyond.

Fantasia is the fourth full album for Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and the last recording with then bandmaster Cleanhead Gimura, who passed away from an illness in 1995. His wistful singing voice is featured on a few songs. The way it contrasts to the ska-style happy clamor found elsewhere makes me feel a bit introspective every time. The reason this album is my favorite, though, is “Dream Express”: It’s a little rhythmic tune that starts with a whistle and guitar strums that quickly turn into a ska rhythm with a trippy chorus — “If you want some spiritual vibes, ska paradise coming soon” — repeated over it. It’s such a happy song.

The orchestra truly shines on stage. I caught them here in Seattle last year, and it was one of the most physically exhausting yet fun shows I attended in the whole year. When they hit the stage, I could feel the whole place shaking in happy one-two rhythm. If you happen to have the chance to see them live, be sure to catch them.