Hammer Head Shark

** Vocals & Guitar: ながいひゆ (Hiyu Nagai)

** Guitar: 藤本栄太 (Eita Fujimoto)

** Bass: 後藤旭 (Asahi Gotoh)

** Drums, Chorus: 福間晴彦 (Haruhiko Fukuma)

Biography:

Hammer Head Shark is a Japanese alternative rock and shoegaze band formed in 2018 in Chiba Prefecture by vocalist Hiyu Nagai and drummer Fukuma. Blending 1990s shoegaze and alternative rock influences with elements of Japanese folk and pop traditions, the band has developed a distinctive sound characterized by expansive guitar textures, emotionally nuanced songwriting, and Nagai's powerful yet fragile, nostalgic vocal style.

The band released its debut EP, Baby youth, in 2019 through 2DK Records, a label launched by Shimokitazawa Daisy Bar. In 2020, they followed with their first mini-album, BYE MY NAKED. After a period of lineup changes and independent releases, bassist Goto and guitarist Fujimoto joined the group, helping shape the band's current sound and live identity. Their evolving musical approach, combined with increasingly acclaimed performances, began attracting attention across Japan's independent music scene.

Hammer Head Shark is known for delivering songs of exceptional purity alongside powerful, majestic live performances that command entire venues. Their lyrics explore delicate, often inexpressible emotions, creating narratives that exist between fantasy and reality. While the band's music is rooted in shoegaze and alternative rock, Nagai's singing evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of traditional Japanese pop, folk music, and even enka. Her raw yet dignified vocal delivery has become one of the group's defining characteristics.

Beyond her role as vocalist and songwriter, Nagai oversees the band's art direction, reflecting a strong DIY ethos that extends throughout Hammer Head Shark's creative activities. This commitment to artistic independence has helped establish a unique visual and musical identity that resonates with audiences both in Japan and abroad.

The band's growing reputation led to appearances at major Japanese festivals including JAPAN JAM 2023, SYNCHRONICITY'24, DEAD POP FESTiVAL, and VIVA LA ROCK. Internationally, they participated in the Canadian Next Music From Tokyo tour, a showcase that has previously featured notable Japanese artists such as andymori and Hitsujibungaku, and have continued to perform at overseas festivals and live events while expanding their international audience.

On June 25, 2025, Hammer Head Shark independently released their first full-length album, 27℃, nationwide. The album received widespread critical praise and was recognized at the 18th CD Shop Awards 2026. Supported by a nationwide tour, both the record and the band's live performances earned significant acclaim, further establishing them as one of the most promising acts in Japan's contemporary alternative music scene.

In 2026, the band announced its first headline performance at Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO, scheduled for September. In the lead-up to the show, Hammer Head Shark launched a series of self-produced, genre-defying events in Shibuya, continuing their tradition of independently organizing and curating live experiences.

With a musical style that bridges shoegaze, alternative rock, folk-inspired melodies, and deeply emotional storytelling, Hammer Head Shark has gained recognition for its ability to connect with listeners across cultural boundaries. Their combination of artistic independence, acclaimed recordings, and commanding live performances has positioned them as a significant emerging force in both the Japanese and international music scenes.

https://hammerheadshark.studio.site

https://www.tunecore.co.jp/artists/Hammer-Head-Shark