Jun Togawa is an
artist that I discovered several years ago, thanks to a YouTube
recommendation of all things. The first song I ever heard by her was
Suki Suki Daisuki.
I believe this song has enjoyed some popularity recently due to the
YouTube algorithm. I enjoyed the song immediately upon
first listening, but it wasn't until a little bit later that I started
listening to some of her other work, and I was floored.
Her vocal range is absolutely stunning. Many of her songs have a raw,
visceral sense to them that isn't easily replicated. A recurring theme in her
works and aestheticism is that of insects and parasites. I had somewhat
of a passing interests in parasites before listening to her music, but
now I find them even more fascinating than before. When I'm finally able
to take my postponed trip to Japan, I hope to visit the
Meguro
Parasitological Museum as featured in her live peformance/music
video here.
(1:30)
"Now I know why I have been so strongly attracted to parasites and worms. It's a feeling of the continuity of life. I feel there is a basic continuity between humans and these creatures. I might even call this feeling 'love.' Humans and other creatures are not as different as they look." - Jun Togawa
I haven't done nearly as much research into her as I should have yet,
but I still find her absolutely fascinating. There is a lovely
website
that contains English lyrics for almost all of her music. I will post
some of my favorite songs by her below (only the ones with English
subtitles, for easier viewing). However I highly recommend that you
listen to full albums as well, if you don't mind listening to
music without knowing the words.
- Tamahime-sama
- Far Eastern
Comfort Songs
- Suki Suki
Daisuki
- Tokyo Barbarism