ZION Ascends to “World Class Rock Band” Status, Powered by the Gifts of Mother Nature
In 2020, the rock band ZION was formed in Tokyo, Japan. The group is composed of Tatsuya Mitsumura (vocal, guitar), Keisuke Kushino (guitar), Sachio Yoshizawa (guitar), Taichi Naruhashi (drums), and Shinnosuke Sato (bass). The band takes its name from Zion National Park in the U.S. Drawing from the Hebrew word for "sanctuary," the park's beauty became a muse for the group. The members were inspired by the scenery, smell, and aura that the rocky mountains bring about.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic halted their ability to launch their music career as planned. With their music activities on hold, the band shifted focus to composing and experimenting with various recording styles. They were determined to do their best work, which led them to leave Tokyo. After a series of coincidences, they decided to settle in the countryside city of Tokachi in Hokkaido. They bought a heritage house and renovated it into their studio by themselves, serving as their home base. Free from the need for soundproofing, each member was able to immerse themselves in their music production. They created the ideal environment to prepare to debut on their own.
Photo Courtesy of ziontheband
Their core concept is “World Class Rock Band.” They aim to captivate the audience with music produced by the fertile land of Hokkaido, the northernmost region in Japan, located about 1000 km away from Tokyo. Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in Japan, famous for agriculture, nature, and the Ainu, the indigenous people with their own rich traditional culture. The region is transformed into a world of white in winter, a theme reflected in their music. For instance, they performed at Shikaribetsuko KOTAN, an ice-based village that emerges for only two months in winter due to the extremely cold temperature.
Tatsuya Mitsumura was the vocalist and composer of the band NICO Touches the Walls, and they had many successful days. They produced theme songs for various anime, such as FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: Brotherhood (“Diver”, “Hologram”), NARUTO (“Niwaka Ame Ni Mo Makezu”), and Haikyu!! (“Tenchi Gaeshi”). However, their journey came to an end in 2019. Mitsumura began to think about the true essence of music again. What is the music he really wants to produce? Can he do it in Tokyo? During this period of contemplation, he continued busking to keep his musical skills and mindset after the band broke up.
The breakthrough was brought by the core member of ZION, Keisuke Kushino. He suggested moving their base to Tokachi because he is from Hokkaido and understands the atmosphere and audience there is a good fit for the band. Their decision to base themselves on the big island attracted the locals. Even though they hadn't officially debuted in August 2022, one of the biggest music festivals, “RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL,” selected ZION as a RISING★STAR, which provided them with audition slots. They were the first act on a big stage for an indie band. Following that, their first album, SUN’n’JOY was released in December 2022. They began holding a concert tour and released their first EP Mountainphonic in February 2024.
ZION is embarking on their journey with a solid concept to express the members' strong will. We can feel the untouched and pristine nature in Hokkaido from the mixture of the location, their music, and the live performance. ZION aims to prove that any band doesn't need to go to big cities with the difference among the seasons, which are raised by the power of the earth. Their music videos filmed in Hokkaido reflect the harmony between the music and the environment. This month, ZION will kick off their highly anticipated concert tour. If you have the opportunity, you don’t want to miss out on the beginning of their footsteps as a “World Class Rock Band.” Follow the tour dates below:
Saturday, October 19, 2024
SHIBUYA CLUB QUATTRO (Tokyo)
Guest: Domiko
Open 17:00 / Start 18:00
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
UMEDA CLUB QUATTRO (Osaka)
Guest: Billyrrom
Open 18:00 / Start 19:00
Thursday, October 24, 2024
NAGOYA CLUB QUATTRO (AICHI)
Guest: Hedigan's
Open 18:00 / Start 19:00
Sunday, October 27, 2024
SAPPORO Sound lab mole (HOKKAIDO)
Open 17:00 / Start 18:00