Hijokaidan

The Profile

Hijokaidan is a Japanese noise collective formed in 1979 and led by guitarist Jojo Hiroshige, with key members including vocalist Junko and electronics innovator Toshiji Mikawa. A cornerstone of Japanoise, they are renowned for explosive, improvised performances and numerous collaborations.

Influential Japanese noise group active since 1979; led by Jojo Hiroshige with Junko and Toshiji Mikawa among core members; associated with Incapacitants (Mikawa and Fumio Kosakai) and collaborations with Merzbow; known for uncompromising, improvised noise using guitar, drums, voice, and electronics.

A highly positive review presents Hijokaidan as a quintessential noise group active since the late 1970s, led by Jojo Hiroshige. Their sound rejects traditional song form in favor of a formless, destructive energy: saturated guitar, frenetic drums, Junko’s piercing screams, and relentless electronics by Mikawa and Kosakai. The Last Recording Album is praised for clarity and intensity, with standout moments in Astounding Guitar, Amazing Noise and Hijokaidan The Fifth.