Hi-Standard | Profile Hi-Standard are a three man punk band, founded by Ken Yokoyama (vo/ guitar), Akira Tsuneoka (drums) and Akihiro Nanba (bass) The band did much to cultivate the Japanese indie world with their DIY spirit and their record label Pizza of Death. The band developed a following initially through their live shows, and as time went on angled to perform as the opening band for international acts, eventually landing gigs with Green Day, L7, Agent Orange, Murphy’s Law, Offspring and NOFX. Through their relationship with NOFX the band landed a US deal with Fat Mike’s Fat Wreck label, and toured the States. Like Fat Wreck, Pizza of Death nurtured the punk scene by signing and promoting up and coming bands like Hawaiian 6 and Moga the Five Yen. The band still exists on paper, although Akihiro Nanba is no longer a member, and leader Ken Yokoyama spends more time with his other band BBQ Chickens, and with his solo career. by Keith Cahoon
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