Sukima Switch (スキマスイッチ) is a Japanese rock/jazz fusion duo consisting of core members Takuya Ōhashi (大橋卓弥), born May 9, 1978, and Shintarō Tokita (常田真太郎), born February 25, 1978, formed in 1999. Formerly with BMG Japan (bought by SMEJ in early 2009), they signed with Sony Music Japan's Ariola Japan label in September 2009.

History

Ōhashi's musical duties include vocals, guitar, and harmonica, while Tokita plays piano/keyboards, numerous other instruments, and oversees overall production. Most of the other instrumentation heard on their albums is handled by guests and studio musicians. In this sense, their band structure and chemistry could be compared to that of the American group Steely Dan. Their style is very heavily jazz influenced (another similarity with Steely Dan), yet it retains core pop elements and catchy melodies that have proved popular with Japanese audiences.

In popular culture

Many of Sukima Switch's songs have appeared in anime and video games. Ōhashi also covered the song "Katamari on the Swing" in the PlayStation 3 game Katamari Forever.

Discography

Singles

Mini albums

Studio albums

Concept albums

Compilation albums