toe: Pioneers of Japanese Post-Rock

toe is a highly influential Japanese instrumental post-rock and math rock band renowned for their intricate rhythms, melodic guitar work, and dynamic compositions.Formed in Tokyo around 2000, toe quickly became a cornerstone of the Japanese underground and international math rock scene.The band consists of Kashikura Takashi (drums), Mino Takaaki (guitar), Yamazaki Hirokazu (guitar), and Yamane Satoshi (bass).They gained widespread acclaim with albums like 'For Long Tomorrow' (2009) and 'HEAR YOU' (2015), known for complex time signatures and emotive soundscapes.toe is celebrated for their intense, precise live performances.
  • Drummer Kashikura Takashi is famous for his incredibly complex polyrhythms and often plays standing up, contributing to the band's visually engaging performances.
  • Guitarist Mino Takaaki's melodic and intricate playing style is a defining characteristic of toe's sound, blending technical proficiency with deep emotion.
  • The band maintained a relatively low public profile regarding their personal lives, focusing attention solely on their music.
  • Guitarist Yamazaki Hirokazu tragically passed away in 2020 after a battle with cancer, a significant loss for the band and fans worldwide.
  • Despite Yamazaki Hirokazu's passing, toe has continued to perform and release music, honoring his legacy.