Pizzicato Five

Pizzicato Five (often P5), a Japanese pop group best known to audiences in the west in their later incarnation as a duo of 野宮真貴 (Maki Nomiya) and 小西康陽 (Yasuharu Konishi).

They are widely credited to have spearheaded the "Shibuya-kei" movement of Tokyo in the 90s, along with Flipper's Guitar.

They are known for their eclectic and energetic compositions, which often sound like "new" releases from the late 1960s hipster scene. Their catchphrase--"A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular"--captured the group's ironic stance but eager attitude. The group broke up in March 2001.

A hugely prolific group, Pizzicato Five would release at least an album-per-year along with various EPs and remix albums during their 16 year-career.

Both 野宮真貴 (Maki Nomiya) and 小西康陽 (Yasuharu Konishi) currently enjoy solo careers - with 小西康陽 (Yasuharu Konishi) producing other artists ranging from PUFFY and SMAP to Cornelius and カヒミ・カリィ - alongside collaborative remix compilations - from Ella Fitzgerald and The Supremes to classic Disney and Thunderbirds (as in Super-Marionated) music on his Shibuya-based Readymade Records label.