Space Ponch

Matsumae Kimitaka, a musician/songwriter who has been issuing recordings as part of other Japanese experimental bands since the '80s, leads the lounge outfit Space Ponch. Kimitaka formed the avant-garde/noise group Mimi Kara Kaichu while still attending Chiba University in Japan, which led to the formation of other outfits, including Kidorikko, Hi Posi, and Expo, the latter of which issued their debut album Expo No Bankoku Daisenryaku in 1987. In 1994, Kimitaka issued his solo debut, Space Ranch, and two years later released the soundtrack album Kileak the Blood, Soundtracks & Remix for Sony Music. Since the '80s, Kimitaka had been trying to get an album issued by Space Ponch, but it wasn't until 1999 that the album saw the light of day, titled The World Shopping with Space Ponch. In addition to fronting his own bands and solo work, Kimitaka has contributed tracks for both a Telex remix album and a Kraftwerk tribute release.