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Monkey Majik (stylised as MONKEY MAJIK) is a Japanese pop rock band formed in 2000 in Sendai, Japan. The band consists of Canadian brothers, Maynard Plant and Blaise Plant, each acting as lead vocalists and guitarists, and two Japanese members: Tax on drums, and Dick on bass. Monkey Majik is signed to Binyl Records, a subsidiary of Avex Records.

Key Information

The band rose to mainstream success after the 2006 success of their singles "Fly", and "Around the World" from the album Thank You, eventually reaching the top Oricon charts and collaborating with major Japanese sensations such as m-flo and SEAMO. As of 2012, they have released seven studio albums, four EP's, three physical live albums, three digital live albums, and three compilation albums, and have certified five singles through the Recording Industry Association of Japan. Since the debut of Monkey Majik, Maynard and Blaise have both simultaneously worked solo ventures into the music industry to much acclaim[by whom?].

History

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Formation (2000–2002)

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Monkey Majik was formed by Maynard Plant, Tom Pritchard, Chad Ivany, and Misao Urushizaka as a way to pass the times with friends in Aomori prefecture, Japan while serving as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET Programme, 1998–2001. They were named by Pritchard, an English drummer, in tribute to the song "Monkey Magic" performed by Godiego (later recorded and performed by the band as a tribute single, Monkey Majik x Monkey Magic, in 2007), which was the theme song to Saiyūki, a drama that was dubbed into English for broadcast in Great Britain as Monkey. The former drummer had watched the series as a child growing up in Britain and was a fan of the show and its theme song.

Debut: Tired, Spade, and Eastview (2002–2005)

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With a line-up consisting of Urushizaka, Kuypers, and the Plant brothers, Monkey Majik released 1000 copies of their first EP, Tired, through Tower Records in Sendai in a personally-financed venture. Tired became the best-selling release at Tower Records for six consecutive weeks, cuing Monkey Majik to record their first full-length album.[citation needed]

A full-length debut album, Spade, was released through Tower Records in 2004. It stayed at the number 1 position on Tower's sales charts for 13 weeks straight, and then was released nationwide in 2004.[citation needed] Shortly thereafter, Kuypers and Urushizaka left the group, and were replaced by current band members, ex-dental technician and salaryman, drummer Tax (Takuya Kikuchi) and bassist Dick (Hideki Mori). In 2005, their second full-length studio album, Eastview, depicting a life in Japan from a westerner's view, was released. Eastview sold 14,000 units.[citation needed] The group was then picked up by avex in the latter half of that same year, propped up for a mainstream debut.[citation needed]

Mainstream success: Thank You, Sora wa Maru de.., and Time (2006–2010)

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In 2006, Monkey Majik's first major label album, Thank You was released, with two leading singles paving the way to success: “Fly” (typeset as “fly”), and smash hit “Around the World”. The album hit gold standards with 97,000 albums sold during its initial run. “Around the World” reached No. 4 on the Oricon charts and became the theme song to the Japanese television drama, Saiyūki, or Journey to the West. It sold a total of 164,299 copies in Japan, becoming the 62nd most-purchased single of 2006 in the country.

Their fourth studio album, Sora wa Maru de.. (2007), had a slickly-produced pop-rock sound, with hip-hop artists m-flo and SEAMO participating. The title track quickly became a double-platinum download track.[citation needed]

In 2008, the band followed up with Time, which went gold, selling 116,000 units nationwide during its initial sales push. Later, in 2009, the band members were ushered in as Canadian-Japanese Kizuna, or Goodwill, Ambassadors in honor of the 80th Anniversary of Friendship between Canada and Japan, and had the honor of joining Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Stephen Harper, and Laureen Teskey at the Lester B. Pearson Building in Ottawa, Ontario.

Finally, in 2010, the band released their second compilation album, Monkey Majik Best ~10 Years & Forever~, to commemorate their 10th anniversary. An independent single, "Aishiteru", also rose to popularity during this time, reaching No. 12 on the Oricon charts, and reaching No. 7 on Japan's Billboard Hot 100.

Monkey Majik performing at Tokyo Summer Sonic, 2015

Westview, the Tōhoku earthquake, and Somewhere Out There (2010–present)

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In 2010, Monkey Majik produced and in 2011 released their sixth studio album, "Westview", a spiritual counterpart to "Eastview" reflecting the views of a Japanese in western society. The majority of the album was produced in Greece, where the band also had all promo pictures for the album taken. The lead single, Sunshine,[1] was used as the opening theme of Weekly Shōnen Jump's anime adaptation of its popular manga, Nurarihyon no Mago.

In the course of the reconstructions after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Monkey Majik was invited to the 2011 edition of the Fantasy on Ice show in Niigata.[2] They performed with figure skater and two-time Olympic champion, Yuzuru Hanyu, to the song "Change", which the band had recorded in collaboration with the Yoshida Brothers. More live show performances with Hanyu followed at the 2014 Together on Ice amongst others.[3]

Somewhere Out There was released on March 7, 2012. Both leading singles, Headlight and HERO, were inspired by the Tōhoku disasters.[4] On March 26, 2012, the band's official MTV Unplugged concert aired on television for the first time.

In 2017, they sung the ending of the movie Chou Super Hero Taisen, called ray of light. In the 2019-2020 Kamen Rider series Kamen Rider Zero-One, Maynard and Blaise Plant provided the voices for the Hiden Zero-One Driver and Progrise Keys. Later in 2021, they voiced the Massbrain System AI & Kamen Rider MetsubouJinrai, the main antagonist of the Zero-One Others V-CINEXT movies Kamen Rider MetsubouJinrai and Kamen Rider Vulcan & Valkyrie, in English. They also sung the two endings of those 2 movies S.O.S. and Frontier.

Band members

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Current members

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  • Maynard Plant (since 2000) [born August 6, 1975, from Vanier, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada]: Vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter
  • Blaise Plant (since 2001) [born March 18, 1980, from Vanier, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada]: Lead guitar, vocals, producer, songwriter
  • Takuya "Tax" Kikuchi (菊池拓哉) (since 2004) [born August 31, 1975, from Sendai, Miyagi, Japan]: Drums, percussion
  • Hideki "Dick" Mori (森秀樹) (since 2004) [born March 10, 1978, from Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan]: Bass guitar

Supporting members

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  • Ichiro "Mister" Watanabe (渡邊一郎) (since 2006) [born April 1, 1978, from Ōgawara, Miyagi, Japan]: Keyboards

Past members

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  • Misao Urushizaka (漆坂ミサオ) (2000–2004) [from Towada, Aomori, Japan]: Bass guitar
  • Chad Ivany (2000–2001): Lead guitar
  • Tom Prichard (2000–2001): Drums, percussion
  • Jan Kuypers (2001–2004): Drums, percussion

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Monkey Majik discography

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Monkey Majik

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Monkey Majik is a four-piece hybrid rock band based in , , , formed in 2000 by Canadian Maynard Plant as a hobby project while teaching English in the country. The band consists of brothers Maynard Plant (vocals and guitar, born August 6, 1975, in , ) and Blaise Plant (vocals and guitar, born March 18, 1980, in , who joined in 2001), along with Japanese members Takuya "Tax" Kikuchi (drums, born August 31, 1975) and DICK (bass, born March 10, 1978). Signed to Avex Records subsidiary Binyl Records in 2005, Monkey Majik debuted with the single "fly" in 2006 and rose to prominence with hits like "Around the World," the theme for the Fuji TV drama Saiyuki, and "Sora wa Marude," a commercial song that boosted their radio play. Their music blends pop-rock influences from , Led , indie, and Broadway , featuring bilingual in English and Japanese that reflect their bicultural identity. By 2024, the band had released 14 studio albums, including the 20th-anniversary best-of compilation MONKEY MAJIK BEST -Kachou Fugetsu- in 2021 and their latest full-length CIRCLES in July 2024, while maintaining a devoted fanbase through extensive touring in , , and beyond, culminating in 25th anniversary celebrations in 2024 and 2025. In 2011, following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Monkey Majik were appointed Tohoku Tourism Goodwill Ambassadors and launched the charity initiative "SEND Ai" to support regional recovery, choosing to remain based in despite the disaster's impact. Their enduring success in Japan's pop scene—marked by fourteen studio albums, millions of views (such as "Umarvelous" exceeding 13 million by ), and performances for audiences of up to 50,000—highlights their unique position as a bicultural act bridging Canadian roots and Japanese music markets.

History

Formation (2000–2002)

Monkey Majik was founded in 2000 in , , by Canadian while he was participating in the , teaching English as an from 1997 to 2000. , born in , , but raised partly in , , assembled the band to represent at an international festival, drawing on his musical background to bring together fellow expatriates and local talent. The initial lineup consisted of Plant on vocals and guitar, fellow Canadian Chad Ivany on drums, Canadian Tom Pritchard on bass, and Japanese musician Misao Urushizaka on bass. The group began performing covers of popular rock and pop songs in small local venues around Aomori, providing Plant and his collaborators a creative outlet amid their teaching roles. As they gained confidence, the band shifted focus to original compositions, blending Western rock influences with Japanese pop elements to create a hybrid sound that appealed to diverse audiences. This transition marked their commitment to pursuing music professionally rather than as a casual hobby. In 2002, seeking expanded opportunities in a larger music scene, the band relocated to , the capital of neighboring . There, they recruited Maynard's younger brother, Blaise Plant, on keyboards to replace Urushizaka on a more permanent basis after earlier lineup instability, including the departure of Ivany and Pritchard in 2001. The group continued local gigs and produced their first independent recordings, emphasizing a bilingual approach with lyrics in English and Japanese to reflect their cross-cultural identity. This period solidified their foundational style and prepared them for broader exposure.

Early releases (2003–2005)

Monkey Majik's transition from local acts to a more established presence began with the release of their debut full-length album on September 24, 2003, through their independent label Under Horse Records, initially distributed exclusively at in . The album, featuring 11 tracks with a mix of pop-rock elements and the band's emerging bilingual style, quickly gained traction locally, topping the Sendai chart for 13 weeks and becoming the store's best-selling local album of the year. A nationwide re-release followed on April 14, 2004, which peaked at number 192 on the weekly albums chart, marking their first entry into broader Japanese music rankings. Building on this momentum, the band issued their second album Eastview on September 21, 2005, also under Under Horse Records. This release debuted at number 8 on the Oricon indie albums chart and included tracks like "All My Life" and "Livin' in the Sun," which highlighted their characteristic bilingual songwriting, seamlessly integrating English and Japanese lyrics to reflect the multicultural composition of the group. Eastview served as the final recording with original bassist Misao Urushizaka before his departure. The success of these independent efforts, particularly in the Sendai region, led to Monkey Majik signing with the major label Avex Trax's sublabel Binyl Records in 2005, paving the way for their professional expansion. Throughout 2003–2005, the band cultivated a growing fanbase via frequent live performances across , centered in , and appearances in local media, which helped solidify their regional popularity before their major-label breakthrough.

Breakthrough success (2006–2010)

Monkey Majik achieved their first major commercial breakthrough with the release of their third studio album, Thank You, on May 24, 2006, via binyl records, which peaked at number 5 on the weekly albums . The album earned a gold certification from the (RIAJ) for shipments exceeding 100,000 units, reflecting the band's growing popularity in . A key factor in its success was the "Around the World," released on February 22, 2006, which reached number 4 on the weekly singles and served as the theme song for the TV drama Saiyuki. Building on this momentum, the band released their fourth album, Sora wa Maru de..., on July 25, 2007, which debuted at number 3 on the and received platinum certification from the RIAJ for over 250,000 units shipped. The title track, "Sora wa Maru de...," also garnered RIAJ digital certification for its strong streaming and download performance, underscoring the album's blend of pop-rock and hip-hop elements that resonated with a broader audience. In 2008, Monkey Majik's fifth , Time, released on September 3, further solidified their status, selling approximately 116,000 units and earning gold from the RIAJ. The featured several certified singles, including the triple A-side "Together / Akari / Fall Back" from April 23, 2008, and "Tada, Arigatō" from August 27, 2008, both of which received RIAJ for their commercial impact. These releases highlighted the band's evolving sound while maintaining their signature bilingual lyrics and energetic production. The band's rising profile led to their appointment as Canadian-Japanese Goodwill Ambassadors of in 2008, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations, a recognition of their role in bridging cultural ties through . During this period, Monkey Majik expanded their live performances to larger venues, including a guest spot on m-flo's 2007 CosmicoloR promotional tour at and their own Best Album Tour 2010: 10 Years & Forever at Tokyo's Hall. Increased media exposure followed, with frequent TV appearances tied to their theme songs and chart-topping hits, enhancing their national visibility. This era also saw the stabilization of their lineup with drummer Takuya "Tax" Kikuchi and bassist DICK fully integrating in 2004.

Mid-career developments (2011–2019)

Following the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which severely impacted their hometown of in , Monkey Majik actively participated in relief efforts despite their own losses. The band organized a charity concert on July 3, 2011, at Sendai PIT, donating all proceeds to local public institutions aiding victims, and later contributed 12,860,000 yen to the Government Office for reconstruction initiatives. They also launched the charity initiative "SEND Ai" to support regional recovery, embarked on the "SOS Tohoku Relief Tour" with the Yoshida Brothers, performing in , , and to raise awareness and funds for the region. In February 2011, amid these challenges, the band released their sixth studio album, westview, marking their 10-year anniversary with a mix of acoustic and tracks, including "Sunshine," the opening theme for the Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan. Later that year, they performed live at the event in Niigata, sharing the stage with figure skater in a collaborative ice show format that highlighted Sendai's cultural ties. The band's seventh album, Somewhere Out There, arrived in March 2012 as a direct tribute to and those affected by the disaster, featuring introspective tracks like "Headlight," used in the Tohoku Smile Project campaign. This release was promoted through their first concert special, recorded live at Billboard Live on March 26, 2012, and aired on MTV , showcasing acoustic renditions of hits like "Around the World" and "Rain." Subsequent albums reflected themes of resilience in the face of adversity and the band's global influences, blending their Canadian-Japanese roots with diverse genres. DNA, their eighth studio album released in October 2013, explored personal growth and unity through tracks like "." Colour by Numbers followed in February 2015 as their ninth album and a celebration of the band's 15th anniversary, incorporating collaborations such as with the Yoshida Brothers on "Natsuno Kotogoto." The tenth album, southview, issued in March 2016, drew on international sounds with energetic elements in songs like "Delicious" and "High." Their eleventh album, enigma, came out in March 2018, emphasizing emotional depth and hybrid styles in tracks addressing hope and struggle. In 2017, Monkey Majik contributed "ray of light" as the ending theme for the film × Super Sentai: Chou Super Hero Taisen, capturing themes of heroism and light amid darkness. The band maintained their core lineup of Maynard Plant, Blaise Plant, Tax and Dick throughout this period, enabling consistent creative output. By 2019, they expanded into media crossovers with , where Maynard and Blaise Plant provided English voiceovers for the Hiden Zero-One Driver, Progrise Keys, and the character Kamen Rider MetsubouJinrai, alongside releasing the related single "A.I. am Human" that tied into the series' AI motifs.

Recent years (2020–present)

In early 2020, Monkey Majik released their twelfth studio album, Northview, on February 26 via Binyl Records, coinciding with the onset of global COVID-19 restrictions that disrupted live music activities worldwide. The album featured ten tracks blending the band's signature hybrid rock sound with introspective themes, including "Please Don't Stop the Music" and "Metamorphose." To adapt to pandemic limitations, the band engaged fans through online platforms, including a live stream event on their official YouTube channel in December 2020, allowing virtual interaction amid canceled in-person shows. Following a period of limited touring, Monkey Majik marked a reflective phase with the release of their thirteenth studio album, , on January 25, 2023, under A.S.A.B. Records. This 14-track collection incorporated anniversary-inspired elements, drawing on the band's two-decade-plus legacy, with songs like "Around the World" performed in high-profile virtual sessions such as . The album's launch supported a nationwide tour, MONKEY MAJIK LIVE TOUR 2023 THE HITS, commencing in February 2023, which revisited fan-favorite tracks and celebrated post-pandemic reconnection through live performances across cities including and . Fan club members received priority access to exclusive VIP nights during the tour, enhancing direct engagement. In 2024, the band continued their momentum with the fourteenth studio album, Circles, released on July 24 via A.S.A.B. Records, introducing experimental elements in tracks like "Scramble" and collaborations such as "O.G. Summer" with . This release fueled renewed touring efforts, including the MONKEY MAJIK LIVE TOUR 2024 CIRCLES in , with key stops at GIGS highlighting fresh material alongside classics. International expansion followed, with appearances in on December 3, 2024, as part of an ongoing tour extending into 2025. Throughout this period, Monkey Majik maintained strong fan connections via their official , offering digital content, streaming access through apps like FanStream, and social media updates on platforms including and , where they shared studio sessions and behind-the-scenes content to foster community amid evolving live opportunities. By late 2025, celebrations for the band's 25th anniversary included a special concert, "MONKEY MAJIK 25&FOREVER," on December 27, underscoring their sustained independent operations and global outreach.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Monkey Majik has remained stable since 2006. Maynard Plant serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist, having co-founded the band in 2000 in , . As the primary songwriter, he crafts bilingual lyrics in English and Japanese. Born August 6, 1975, in , , Plant moved to Japan in 1997 to teach English, which led to the band's formation; his songwriting has been central to albums like (2003) and later releases. Blaise Plant, Maynard's younger brother, joined in 2001 as vocalist and guitarist, adding to the band's bilingual style. Born March 18, 1980, in , he contributes to songwriting and arrangements. Takuya "Tax" Kikuchi, from (born August 31, 1975), joined in 2006 as the drummer. His rhythmic style supports the band's rock and pop elements, and his local roots strengthen ties to the Tohoku region. DICK (Hideki Mori), from (born March 10, 1978), joined in 2005 as the . Previously in the band Soul Addiction, his groove-oriented playing enhances tracks like "Around the World" (2006).

Past members

Monkey Majik's early lineup featured several contributors during its formative years in before stabilizing in 2006. Misao Urushizaka joined as in 2000 and remained until 2005, providing a Japanese perspective and contributing to initial recordings like the 2001 mini-album. Tom Pritchard, an Englishman, played drums from 2000 to 2001 and co-founded the band, helping establish its early sound. Chad Ivany was an early member from 2000 to 2001, contributing to the original formation and initial demos. Jan Kuypers served as from 2001 to 2004, supporting releases like and early live shows before the current lineup.

Artistry

Musical style

Monkey Majik's musical style is a distinctive fusion of , , hip-hop, and pop elements, often characterized by infectious riffs and playful rap verses that create an energetic, sound. Their songs frequently feature catchy hooks and upbeat tempos, blending rock-driven guitars with rhythmic hip-hop beats to produce accessible, danceable tracks that appeal to diverse audiences. This genre amalgamation reflects the band's bicultural roots, resulting in a hybrid rock aesthetic that has defined their output since their formation. A hallmark of their style is the use of bilingual in English and Japanese, which enhances their multicultural appeal and allows for seamless integration of Western and Eastern musical influences. These often explore themes of , gratitude for family and friends, and the everyday joys of cultural belonging, as seen in tracks that celebrate personal connections and home. The band's production emphasizes polished, radio-friendly arrangements with layered vocals that add depth and harmony to their compositions, contributing to a vibrant and cohesive sonic identity. Over their career, Monkey Majik's sound has evolved from the raw, indie-leaning of their early independent releases to more sophisticated pop arrangements in later albums, incorporating greater variety in rhythms and electronic flourishes for a refined, contemporary edge. For instance, while debut efforts like Tired emphasized straightforward rock energy, recent works such as curtain call (2023) and CIRCLES (2024) showcase intricate fusions of rap, pop, and dance elements, with the 2025 single "The Boyz" continuing their experimentation within the hybrid framework.

Influences and collaborations

Monkey Majik's music reflects a fusion of Western and Eastern influences, shaped by the band's bicultural lineup of Canadian brothers Maynard and Blaise Plant alongside Japanese members Takuya "Tax" Kikuchi and DICK. This hybrid approach stems from the diverse Japanese music scene, which Maynard Plant has described as "incredibly diverse and different from the Western scene," profoundly impacting their sound since the band's formation in . Early inspirations for Plant included and acts like Nirvana and the Pixies, contributing to the band's energetic rock foundation blended with hip-hop rhythms. The group's name draws from Godiego's 1978 song "Monkey Magic," a theme from the Saiyūki, highlighting their nod to Japanese pop culture. The band's collaborative projects often emphasize this cross-cultural synergy, partnering with artists to merge rock, hip-hop, and traditional elements. A notable example is their 2008 track "Change" with the Yoshida Brothers, which integrates shamisen playing with pop-rock and rap, and led to joint tours including a 2012 North American run. They have also worked with prominent Japanese acts such as m-flo on the 2006 single "Picture Perfect" and SEAMO on various features, expanding their reach in the J-pop and hip-hop spheres. In 2019, Monkey Majik released their first collaboration COLLABORATED, featuring tracks like "Umarvelous" with comedy duo Sandwichman and "BLiNK" with singer UQiYO, showcasing diverse partnerships across genres. More recently, their 2024 single "O.G. Summer" united them with reggae-hip-hop duo , performed live at joint concerts. Monkey Majik's contributions to media tie-ins further illustrate their collaborative versatility, particularly in productions. They provided the ending theme "" for the 2017 film × Super Sentai: Chou Super Hero Taisen, capturing a heroic pop-rock vibe. For the franchise's spin-off films in 2020–2021, the band delivered "Frontier" as the ending for Zero-One Others: Kamen Rider Vulcan & and "S.O.S." for Zero-One Others: Kamen Rider MetsubōJinrai. Beyond music, they performed "Change" live alongside Olympic figure skater at the 2014 Together on Ice gala, adapting the Brothers collaboration for a skating routine that highlighted rhythmic interplay. These efforts underscore how the band's multinational roots enable innovative fusions that bridge global audiences.

Discography

Studio albums

Monkey Majik's studio albums span over two decades, beginning with their independent debut and transitioning to major label releases under the binyl records imprint of . The band's early work established their blend of pop-rock and hip-hop influences, while later albums incorporated more experimental elements and collaborations. Below is a chronological list of their studio albums, including release dates, labels, and peak positions on the weekly album chart where applicable.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak Oricon PositionNotes
SpadeSeptember 22, 2004Under Horse RecordsN/A (indie release)The band's debut full-length album, initially limited to Tower Records Sendai in 2003 before wider distribution; featured 11 tracks including "5.30" and "i like pop."
EastviewSeptember 21, 2005Under Horse Records#8 (indie chart)Their second album and major debut preparation, with 11 tracks such as "One Moment" and "Livin' in the Sun"; marked growing regional popularity.
Thank YouMay 24, 2006binyl records (Avex Trax)#5Third album with 12 tracks including hits "fly" and "Around the World"; certified gold by RIAJ for over 100,000 shipments.
Sora wa Maru de...July 25, 2007binyl records (Avex Trax)#3Fourth album featuring 15 tracks like "Picture Perfect" and "Change"; certified platinum by RIAJ.
TimeSeptember 3, 2008binyl records (Avex Trax)#2Fifth album with 14 tracks including "Tada, Arigatou" and "Together"; sold approximately 116,000 copies, establishing commercial success.
WestviewFebruary 2, 2011binyl records (Avex Trax)#9Sixth album and thematic counterpart to Eastview, containing 14 tracks such as "Angel" and "Sunshine."
Somewhere Out ThereMarch 7, 2012binyl records (Avex Trax)#7Seventh album inspired by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, with 11 tracks including "Headlight" and "Hero."
DNAOctober 16, 2013binyl records (Avex Trax)#11Eighth album with 13 tracks like "Alive" and "Free to Fly"; focused on digital distribution.
Colour by NumbersFebruary 4, 2015binyl records (Avex Trax)#16Ninth album featuring 11 tracks including "Beautiful" and "Frozen."
SouthviewMarch 9, 2016binyl records (Avex Trax)#21Tenth album with 12 tracks such as "Delicious" and "Valentine."
EnigmaMarch 21, 2018binyl records (Avex Trax)#22Eleventh album including 11 tracks like "Tokyo Lights" and "A.I. Am Human," tied to anime film CYBORG 009.
NorthviewFebruary 26, 2020A.S.A.B / binyl records#23Twelfth album with 10 tracks including "Bitten By You" and "Golden Road"; emphasized streaming platforms amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Curtain CallJanuary 25, 2023A.S.A.B / binyl records#38Thirteenth album marking career reflections, with 14 tracks such as "Hey Mama" and "Running in the Dark."
CirclesJuly 24, 2024A.S.A.B / binyl records#45Fourteenth and latest album exploring experimental sounds, featuring 10 tracks including "Scramble" and "O.G. Summer."

Compilation albums and notable singles

Monkey Majik has released six compilation albums, serving as retrospectives of their career milestones, rare tracks, and themed collections. The earliest, BEST 2000-2005, was independently released on March 8, 2006, compiling their indie-era hits from the band's formative years before signing with a major label. In 2010, they issued MONKEY MAJIK BEST 10 Years & Forever, a best-of album under Avex's binyl records imprint, featuring 19 tracks spanning their first decade, including key singles like "Around the World" and "Change," and certified gold by RIAJ for shipments exceeding 100,000 units. This was followed by RARE TRACKS on March 2, 2011, which gathered 21 previously unreleased demos, B-sides, and live recordings, accompanied by a DVD of tour footage in limited editions. The 2012 release, ENGLISH BEST, focused on their English-language material, selecting 15 tracks with a DVD of music videos. Later retrospectives include MONKEY MAJIK BEST - A.RI.G.A.TO - in 2015, a three-disc set with hits, collaborations, and rarities, also including visual content, and the 2021 20th Anniversary BEST 花鳥風月, a four-CD digital-inclusive bundle marking two decades with remastered tracks, new recordings, and bonus material from 2000 to 2020. Among their singles, several achieved RIAJ gold certifications for physical or digital shipments of 100,000 units, highlighting commercial peaks in the mid-2000s. "Around the World" (2006) earned gold status and served as the theme for the Fuji TV drama Saiyuki. "Sora wa Marude..." (2007), the title track from their of the same name, also received gold certification. The 2008 triple A-side "Together / Akari / Fall Back" was certified gold, with "Together" tying into media promotions. That year, "Tada, Arigatō" (2008) similarly attained gold for its emotional style. Closing the decade, "Aishiteru" (2009) was certified gold as a cellphone download, used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama Aishiteru Kaiyō. Other notable singles include "ray of light" (2017), a media tie-in for the Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Chou Super Hero Taisen film series. In 2020, "S.O.S." functioned as the ending theme for the V-Cinema special Zero-One Others: Kamen Rider MetsubouJinrai in the Kamen Rider Zero-One franchise. From their 2024 album Circles, "Scramble" emerged as a streaming hit, garnering significant digital plays upon release. Their most recent single, "The Boyz" (November 12, 2025), marks a new release as of November 2025.
Compilation AlbumRelease DateLabelNotes
BEST 2000-2005March 8, 2006IndependentIndie greatest hits; 12 tracks
MONKEY MAJIK BEST 10 Years & ForeverJuly 14, 2010binyl records (Avex)Decade retrospective; 19 tracks; RIAJ gold
RARE TRACKSMarch 2, 2011binyl records (Avex)Unreleased and B-sides; 21 tracks; DVD edition available
ENGLISH BESTDecember 5, 2012binyl records (Avex)English-language focus; 15 tracks; DVD edition available
MONKEY MAJIK BEST - A.RI.G.A.TO -October 21, 2015binyl records (Avex)Three-disc best-of with hits, collaborations, and rarities; DVD/Blu-ray editions available
20th Anniversary BEST 花鳥風月January 20, 2021binyl records (Avex)Career-spanning 4-CD set with new tracks; digital bundle option
RIAJ-Certified Gold SinglesRelease DateCertification Notes
Around the WorldFebruary 22, 2006Gold (100,000 shipments); Saiyuki theme
Sora wa Marude...July 25, 2007Gold (100,000 shipments)
Together / Akari / Fall BackAugust 6, 2008Gold (100,000 shipments)
Tada, ArigatōNovember 5, 2008Gold (100,000 shipments)
AishiteruJune 10, 2009Gold (cellphone downloads, 100,000)

References

  1. https://www.monkeymajik.com/profile/
  2. https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SJB-10366
  3. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/monkey-majik-japan-celebrity-saskatchewan-roots-1.5223531
  4. https://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/08/25/notable-jet-alums-monkey-majik/
  5. https://jetwit.com/wordpress/2012/11/11/jq-magazine-jqa-with-maynard-plant-of-monkey-majik-on-the-bands-2012-tour/
  6. https://torontosun.com/2012/02/22/monkey-majik-melds-east-west
  7. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6U2dgcU46Iy9pF3RQBj5hG
  8. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Spade_%28MONKEY_MAJIK%29
  9. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/MONKEY_MAJIK
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/13441482-Monkey-Majik-Eastview
  11. https://www.ranker.com/list/bands-and-musicians-on-avex-trax/reference
  12. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Thank_You_%28MONKEY_MAJIK_album%29
  13. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Around_the_World_%28MONKEY_MAJIK%29
  14. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sora_wa_Marude_%28album%29
  15. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Time_%28MONKEY_MAJIK%29
  16. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/11/02/baseball/japanese-baseball/rock-band-monkey-majik-provides-positive-vibes-for-tohoku-enjoys-passionate-following-for-golden-eagles/
  17. https://majikally.tumblr.com/history
  18. https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/monkey-majik/93093570
  19. https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2011/07/monkey-majik-donates-nearly-13-million-yen-towards-disaster-relief
  20. https://japan-now.livejournal.com/1561462.html
  21. https://discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2013/1/16/tohoku-relief-tour/
  22. https://www.monkeymajik.com/discography/
  23. https://podcasts.musixmatch.com/search/topic/Monkey_Majik/Q904982
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/23883620-Monkey-Majik-Somewhere-Out-There
  25. https://www.allmusic.com/album/southview-mw0002934055
  26. https://tokusatsunetwork.com/2017/03/monkey-majik-perform-theme-song-chou-super-hero-taisen/
  27. https://tokusatsunetwork.com/2019/08/kamen-rider-zero-one-belt-sounds-to-be-performed-by-monkey-majik/
  28. https://kamenrider.fandom.com/wiki/Kamen_Rider_MetsubouJinrai
  29. https://open.spotify.com/album/307mMVW4J4bTHCBRno2CaV
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAhdefSTIL0
  31. https://music.apple.com/us/album/curtain-call/1660496392
  32. https://www.monkeymajik.com/release/curtain-call-2/
  33. https://www.japan-zone.com/news/2023/02/02/a-curtain-call-for-monkey-majik/
  34. https://www.monkeymajik.com/events/fan-club-live-2023-%25E3%2580%259Cvip-night-with-monkey-majik-vol-7%25E3%2580%259C-osaka/
  35. https://music.apple.com/ca/album/circles/1756445812
  36. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PDXDMuaLuWIOYBRHHGuL9
  37. https://www.trip.com/events/shanghaimonkey-majik-tour-20241203/
  38. https://monkeymajik-fc.com/feature/streaming
  39. https://www.monkeymajik.com/
  40. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Blaise_Plant
  41. https://majikally.tumblr.com/members
  42. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/monkey_majik
  43. https://www.viberate.com/artist/monkey-majik/
  44. https://www.ongakutoyou.com/blog/canadian-japanese-hybrid-rock-band-monkey-majik-release-13th-album-curtain-call
  45. https://www.npr.org/2007/02/08/7244175/fusing-languages-countries-and-sounds
  46. https://nuvomagazine.com/magazine/autumn-2010/monkey-majik
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/14712169-Monkey-Majik-Spade
  48. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/335771/rank/album/
  49. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/335771/products/1042204/1/
  50. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/335771/products/1166668/1/
  51. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/335771/products/1347636/1/
  52. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/335771/products/1464545/1/
  53. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/MONKEY_MAJIK_BEST_~10_Years_%26_Forever~
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/15473258-Monkey-Majik-Rare-Tracks
  55. https://kamenrider.fandom.com/wiki/MONKEY_MAJIK
  56. https://music.apple.com/us/album/circles/1756445812
  57. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCs9MYqANhxyLZJSkLGNx8FQ
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