| Sukima Switch | |
|---|---|
Sukima Switch performing live, 2011 |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres | Pop, jazz fusion |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels | Ariola Japan |
| Website | Official Website |
| Members | |
| Takuya Ōhashi Shintarō Tokita |
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Sukima Switch (スキマスイッチ) is a Japanese jazz fusion duo consisting of core members Takuya Ōhashi (大橋卓弥 Ōhashi Takuya), born May 9, 1978, and Shintarō Tokita (常田真太郎 Tokita Shintarō), born February 25, 1978, formed in 2003. Formerly with BMG Japan (bought by SMEJ in early 2009), they signed with Sony Music Japan's Ariola Japan label in September 2009.
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Ōhashi's musical duties include vocals, guitar, and harmonica, while Tokita plays piano/keyboards, numerous other instruments, and oversees overall production. Most of the other instrumentation heard on their albums is handled by guests and studio musicians. In this sense, their band structure and chemistry could be compared to that of the American group Steely Dan. Their style is very heavily-jazz influenced (another similarity with Steely Dan), yet it retains core pop elements and catchy melodies that have proved popular with Japanese audiences.
Their song "Zenryoku Shounen" is featured as the first song in the Nintendo DS game Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2, which was released in Japan on May 17, 2007. The song is also one of the many songs in the expansion pack to the Nintendo DS game Daigasso! Band Brothers. Their song "Shizuku" is the opening theme for the anime series Kemono no Souja Erin. Their 12th single, "Golden Time Lover" is the 3rd opening of the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The theme song for the film Rough was also performed by Sukima Switch. Ōhashi covered the song "Katamari on the Swing" in the PlayStation 3 game Katamari Forever. "Boku Note" was also used as the theme song for Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur 2006.
Their 13th single, "Ice Cream Syndrome", is the ending theme of the Pokémon movie Phantom Ruler: Zoroark.