Fukuoka native Kumio Kurachi is one of the most original players of the Japanese underground. When he's not dabbling in visual art, he practices a deeply weird brand of minstrelsy, pairing surreal lyrics and theatrical vocal mannerisms with unorthodox guitar tunings that are inspired by the koto.

Kurachi performed actively in Tokyo in the 80's, and still plays shows in Fukuoka regularly. Past collaborators include Taku Unami and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto and he has been on bills with Tenniscoats, Maher Shalal Hash Baz, Kei Yamauchi, Kazuhisa Uchihashi and many others. He's only played outside of Japan once - at Cafe OTO - documented here, but his latest release 'Open Today' is forthcoming on UK label bison records & Japan's Enban.