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Japanese guitarist and songwriter renowned for his work in influential rock bands Thee Michelle Gun Elephant and The Birthday.Born in Tokyo, Obata co-founded Thee Michelle Gun Elephant in 1991, serving as guitarist under the stage name Chiba until their 2003 breakup. In 2006, he formed The Birthday with former bandmate Yusuke Chiba. He remains active as a performer and composer, blending garage rock, punk, and blues influences.

• Performed under the stage name 'Chiba' in Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, derived from Chiba Prefecture where he resided during the band's formation.
• Thee Michelle Gun Elephant's abrupt 2003 breakup caused shockwaves in Japan's rock scene, attributed to creative exhaustion and internal tensions after 12 years of intense activity.
• Despite sharing the surname 'Chiba' with Thee Michelle Gun Elephant's vocalist, Obata and Yusuke Chiba (real name Kato) are not biologically related.
• The Birthday faced controversy in 2020 when Yusuke Chiba was arrested for cannabis possession, causing temporary hiatus; Obata publicly affirmed the band's continuation.