Hi-Standard

About

Hi-STANDARD is a Japanese punk rock band formed in 1991 by Akihiro Nanba (Vo/B), Akira Tsuneoka (Dr), and Ken Yokoyama (G/Vo). As pioneers of Japan’s independent punk scene, the band toured extensively across North America and Europe, sharing stages with NOFX, Green Day, Rancid, The Offspring, No Use For A Name, and many others. Their records were released internationally through Fat Wreck Chords, and they also appeared on the Vans Warped Tour, building a devoted following around the world. In 1997, Hi-STANDARD launched AIR JAM, their own independent festival, which grew into a 30,000-capacity stadium event and became a landmark of Japan’s punk and alternative scene. Their 1999 album MAKING THE ROAD went on to sell more than 1.1 million copies worldwide—an extraordinary achievement for an independent Japanese band. Their music and DIY ethos have had a profound influence on generations of bands that followed, while their ability to ignite audiences from packed clubs to arenas and stadiums has made Hi-STANDARD a truly singular presence in Japanese punk. Following the sudden passing of drummer Akira Tsuneoka in 2023, Aki and Ken vowed to continue Hi-STANDARD. In 2025, ZAX, known as the drummer for Pay money To my Pain and THE BONEZ, officially joined the band. More than three decades after their formation, Hi-STANDARD opened a new chapter with the release of the mini-album Screaming Newborn Baby.