Minyo Crusaders Reimagine Japanese Folk Music for the World on New Album ‘From Japan with Love’

Minyo Crusaders have announced ‘From Japan with Love,’ a vibrant new album arriving June 26 that reimagines traditional Japanese folk songs through the lens of global rhythms. The announcement arrives alongside lead single “Hanagasa Ondo feat. Frente Cumbiero,” available to stream now. The album is available for pre-order on black vinyl, CD, and digital download.

The concept runs deep. Min’yō, the traditional Japanese folk music at the heart of this project, carries centuries of everyday life across Japan, expressions of human connection, family ties, and longing for home. Minyo Crusaders bring those songs into conversation with Latin, African, and Caribbean rhythmic elements, treating the source material with both respect and genuine reinvention. “Min’yō is both the closest and most distant folk music for Japanese people,” says bandleader Katsumi Tanaka. “Its essence is deeply embedded in us, even if we don’t always recognize it.”

‘From Japan with Love’ marks the first time Minyo Crusaders have incorporated guest artists into a full-length studio release. Japanese vocalists Chitose Hajime and Saya Asakura appear alongside longtime collaborators Frente Cumbiero, expanding the band’s already wide cross-cultural reach. The lead single draws direct inspiration from the cumbia standard “Cumbia en Do Menor” while folding in Japanese folk traditions with a naturalness that feels anything but forced.

Producer and musical director Koichiro Osawa puts it clearly: “We’ve reimagined min’yō through the global musical influences that have shaped us, blending them with diverse rhythms and grooves. We hope this music can travel beyond language and borders.” Lead vocalist Freddie Tsukamoto adds a refreshingly direct take: “We just think min’yō is fun and cool. No need to overthink it. We hope people of all generations can simply sing, dance, and enjoy it in their own way.”

The album arrives backed by a serious international touring resume that includes Primavera Sound Bogotá, Roskilde, WOMAD UK, and Sziget. North American and European touring follows the June 26 release. Pre-order ‘From Japan with Love’ now.

‘From Japan with Love’ Tracklisting:

Side A:

Hokkai Bon Uta

Kokiriko Bushi feat. Frente Cumbiero

Hanagasa Ondo feat. Frente Cumbiero

Shimotsui Bushi

Side B:

Shigesa Bushi feat. Saya Asakura

Kiyama Ondo

Waido Bushi feat. Chitose Hajime

Iyo Manzai