Asian Kung-Fu Generation records new EP at 130-year-old inn in Fujieda
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is set to release a new EP titled ‘Fujieda EP’ on March 25th. This EP marks the band’s first project recorded at MUSIC inn Fujieda, a residential studio founded by frontman Masafumi Gotoh in Fujieda, Shizuoka.
The band recorded the four-track EP at the renovated 130-year-old earthen storehouse that now serves as the home of MUSIC inn Fujieda, which is operated by APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support-, a non-profit organization Gotoh established in 2024 to support independent musicians. The renovation of the historic building was made possible through crowdfunding and on-site donations, totaling ¥75,607,380 (360,000 GBP / 490,000 USD). The studio’s design aimed at preserving the traditional heritage of the building while incorporating modern sound design elements. Acoustic specialists were consulted to ensure a recording environment that blends historical architecture with contemporary functionality. The studio is equipped to accommodate various music styles, from acoustic renditions to full band performances, and an adjacent main house has been repurposed as a community space.
Gotoh personally curated recording equipment valued at over ¥10 million, making it available to studio users at no extra charge. Additionally, several companies have contributed equipment through loans and donations to further enhance the studio’s capabilities. To facilitate artists facing financial constraints, reduced rates, known as “support prices,” will be offered for recording sessions.
The studio is scheduled to open on March 22nd, with an inaugural event planned for March 21st at Hitokoto Cafe in Fujieda. Atsushi Horie, the frontman of STRAIGHTENER, will join Gotoh in commemorating the studio’s launch during this celebration.
‘Fujieda EP’ features the lead track ‘Okaeri Johnny’, which includes chorus vocals by Ikuko Harada of Clammbon, as well as a cover of Spitz’s ‘Nam Pla Biyori’. Notably, the choice to cover Spitz’s song was influenced by the fact that the band members Tetsuya Miwa and Akihiro Tamura hail from Fujieda City. This marks ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s second Spitz cover, following their earlier rendition of ‘Grasshopper’ from the tribute album ‘Just Like Honey -“Hachimitsu” 20th Anniversary Tribute-‘.
The EP will be released in standard and limited first-press editions, with the latter including a Blu-ray documentary titled ‘Recording Documentary at MUSIC inn Fujieda’, showcasing the recording process and featuring member interviews.
APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support- was founded in 2024 as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing production environments for independent musicians. In addition to operating MUSIC inn Fujieda, the organization oversees the APPLE VINEGAR -Music Award-, an initiative that evaluates albums by emerging artists. The 2026 edition of the award, now in its ninth year, will select a Grand Prize winner from 10 nominated works released in the previous year. Among the nominees are rapper Skaai, producer duo Peterparker69, avant-pop artist Misaki Umei, and alt-indie unit Blume popo. Details on the nominees can be found on the APPLE VINEGAR -Music Award- official website.
APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support- regularly updates stakeholders about the studio and related projects.