Although Japan’s pop-punk trio Shonen Knife has been in existence with multiple lineups for over 40 years, it’s fair to say they became most familiar to American audiences in the 1990s.
I’m sure some of the youngest Gen Xers into “alternative” music at the time may remember albums like 1992’s Let’s Knife or 1993’s Rock Animals. The latter featured a song called Tomato Head, which was played on MTV’s 120 Minutes from time to time.
Looking back, it can be argued that Shonen Knife were just as much a contemporary of bands like L7 and Babes In Toyland as they were an influence. Be it directly or indirectly.
In a recent e-mail chat I had with the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist and chief songwriter Naoko Yamano, I asked her about a turning point for the band as Shonen Knife opened for a band called Nirvana in 1991.
By the way, this was shortly before they released Nevermind in September that same year. Fast forward to 1994, and eventually, Shonen Knife would appear at Lollapalooza as well.
“(Those) were very good experiences for me, and they continue to be, even now”, said Yamano. “Comparing our first decade and our second decade, everything had changed. Because we (originally)were an independent local band from Osaka. By the 90s, we had a major debut (album).”
She added. “We still have the chance to play at music festivals and tour a lot all over the world. Our experiences throughout the 90s helped us.”
I also asked about the band’s latest album, 2023’s Our Best Place, which was actually re-released in September in “expanded” form.
For clarification, this new version of Our Best Place will only be available at the shows on their current tour, at least initially. After the tour is completed, it will be then available at online store Good Charamel.
“Our Best Place has an early Shonen Knife taste. Like the album before it (2019’s Sweet Candy Power), it has pop, punk and rock. I can’t really compare them, they’re both unique (in their own right).”
On the latest album, a song like Nice Day really stands out to my ears. It’s a hybrid of the Go-Go’s and the Ramones— which is a compliment I might add.
You might be asking… what does Yamano say to that?
“I think it’s (more of a) British Mersey Beat-style song”, she said.
“When I wrote it, I had no concept. I wrote it without conscious, but once it was finished, it became such a style song. The Go-Go’s and the Ramones were a bit inspired by such music as well, I think. That’s probably why you thought of them (when you heard it.)”
With Shonen Knife heading to the Valley this Mon. Oct. 13th at Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, it was inevitable to ask Yamano what fans can expect with the upcoming show– song wise.
“As far as a set list, I always take a long time to make them. For the Phoenix show, I prepared representative songs from every album and some from our latest, Our Best Place.”
She continued. “There will also be songs played from (another recent) reissue album called Minna Tanoshiku (or Let’s Get Happy) in the set.”
“It’s actually our very first album that was originally released in 1982 in Japan. There were only 40 limited cassettes (editions) of the album at the time. Now, it’s released as a cassette again from Good Charamel Records in the U.S.”
By this point, the shows have been going well for the band, and Yamano seemed excited to be back on the road.
“The first two shows were festivals; the Riot Fest and the Music Is Art fest. There were so many people for our show time. These big music festivals are always fun for me.
Yamano concluded. “I saw Weird Al Yankovic at Riot Fest. Then we started our own shows, about four of them (at the time of this interview). All of the shows were SOLD OUT! I was so happy. The audience(s) here in the U.S. are very cheerful and friendly. I love that!”
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Shonen Knife w/ special guests The Pack A.D.
WHEN: Mon. Oct. 13th, 2025
WHERE: The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Showtime 8:00p.m.
TICKETS: $20.00 plus fees in advance, $25.00 plus fees day of show.
