“A Deep-Funk Band for a New Era” Zainichi Funk makes its Billboard Live debut. Formed in 2007 around SAKEROCK’s trombonist Hamano Kenta, aka Hamaken, Zainichi Funk released their debut album ZAINICHI FUNK in 2010 and have since issued six full-length albums and one mini-album. Their November 2023 release, “Zai Life,” is their first new album in five years and features guest appearances by Tabito Nanao, Jun Saito (YOUR SONG IS GOOD), and Ryō Takaiwa (SANABAGUN.). And this year, as they enter their 17th year since formation, guitarist Ryōhiko Ogaki leaves the band amid much regret, but the group continues with a new lineup. Having weathered the changes, they stand on a stage that has hosted many funk legends with confidence.

And for this show, the guest appearance of Masayuki Suzuki, known as “Martin,” the “King of Love Songs,” has been confirmed. A legend who has earned enthusiastic praise from both domestic and international audiences and will turn 70 two years from now, aiming for “Korei Soul,” together with this new-era, deep-funk band, promises a superb collaboration—don’t miss it.