YAKUSHIMARU Etsuko

Yakushimaru Etsuko is a genre-defying Japanese musician, vocalist, and composer known for her whimsical creativity and boundary-pushing collaborations. A key figure in Tokyo’s experimental pop scene, she’s half of the psychedelic electronic duo Sotaisei Riron and has worked with artists like Cornelius and Seiho. Her solo work, including projects like the *Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra*, blends art-pop grandeur with playful absurdity—picture retro-futuristic cabaret melodies colliding with glitchy beats and theatrical vocals. Tracks like *I’m Humanity* and *FLASH OF DOPAMINE* showcase her knack for merging sci-fi storytelling with infectious hooks, while her *HIGE THE CAT* persona leans into quirky, feline-themed electronica.

Beyond music, she’s crafted theme songs for anime (*Space Dandy*) and even soundtracked a robotic ballet (*Ballet Mécanique*). Recent releases like *Existence of Us* and *Lonely Planet (Post)* continue her tradition of pairing existential musings with kaleidoscopic soundscapes. Whether she’s fronting a full orchestra or whispering surreal poetry over DIY synths, Yakushimaru thrives in the sweet spot between avant-garde mischief and pop magnetism.

Genres

Anime

Shibuya-kei

Japanese Indie

Latest Release

Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra - Existence of Us

YAKUSHIMARU Etsuko

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released April 29, 2022