About Hi-STANDARD
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Hi-STANDARD are a Japanese punk band formed in 1991 by bassist and vocalist Akihiro Nanba, guitarist and vocalist Ken Yokoyama, and drummer Akira Tsuneoka. Singing predominantly in English, the trio helped establish a domestic melodic-punk network that connected directly with North American and European punk scenes through touring and releases.
After a long period without regular activity, Hi-STANDARD reunited in 2011. Tsuneoka died in 2023, and former Pay money To my Pain drummer ZAX joined the continuing band in 2025. The current line-up retains the fast, melodic, highly direct style associated with the group’s classic records and with PIZZA OF DEATH RECORDS, the label ecosystem closely tied to their influence on Japanese punk.
