Sambomaster

With a name that refers to the Russian martial art known as sambo, Sambomaster is a Japanese rock trio who had their biggest success in the 2000s. ∙ Formed by university friends in 2000, they drew attention on the Tokyo club scene, thanks in part to singer Takashi Yamaguchi’s way of screaming comments between—and sometimes during—songs. ∙ Sambomaster’s quirky blend of rock, punk, pop, and jazz first became popular with their 2003 major-label debut album, Atarashiki Nihongo Rock no Michi to Hikari. ∙ Used as the closing song for the hit TV series Densha Otoko, “Sekaiha Sorewo Aito Yobundaze” was among the Top 100 Japanese singles of 2005. ∙ They celebrated their 15th anniversary with 2015’s Sambomaster to Kimi, featuring a new song, “Kanousei,” that became the end theme for the teen comedy Flying Colors.