ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION will release their new record ‘Fujieda EP’ on March 25th, the band’s first project recorded at MUSIC inn Fujieda, a residential studio established by frontman Masafumi Gotoh in his hometown of Fujieda, Shizuoka.
The band recorded the four-track EP inside the renovated 130-year-old earthen storehouse that now houses MUSIC inn Fujieda, operated by APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support-, the nonprofit Gotoh founded in 2024 to support independent musicians.
Gotoh and his team built the studio along the old Tokaido road using crowdfunding and on-site donations totalling ¥75,607,380 (360,000 GBP / 490,000 USD). They preserved the building’s traditional high ceilings while working with acoustic specialists to create a recording environment that balances historic architecture with modern sound design. The space accommodates everything from acoustic arrangements to full band sessions, while the adjacent main house has been refurbished to function as a community space.
Gotoh personally assembled more than ¥10 million worth of recording equipment, available to studio users at no additional cost, with further gear loaned and donated by supporting companies. Reduced “support price” rates will also be available for artists facing financial barriers to recording.
The studio officially opens on March 22nd. To celebrate the studio’s launch, STRAIGHTENER frontman Atsushi Horie will appear alongside Gotoh at an opening party on March 21st at Hitokoto Cafe in Fujieda, a local event space set within a renovated early Showa-era tea factory.
‘Fujieda EP’ includes lead track ‘Okaeri Johnny’, featuring chorus vocals by Ikuko Harada of Clammbon, as well as a cover of Spitz’s ‘Nam Pla Biyori’. Chosen in part because Spitz members Tetsuya Miwa and Akihiro Tamura are both from Fujieda City, it will be the band’s second Spitz cover, following ‘Grasshopper’ from the tribute album ‘Just Like Honey -“Hachimitsu” 20th Anniversary Tribute-‘.
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION will release the EP in standard and limited first-press editions, with the latter including a Blu-ray documentary, Recording Documentary at MUSIC inn Fujieda, capturing the recording sessions and member interviews.
About APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support-
APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support- was established in 2024 as a nonprofit initiative focused on improving production environments for independent musicians. Its efforts include the operation of MUSIC inn Fujieda and the long-running APPLE VINEGAR -Music Award-.
The award, launched by Gotoh in 2018 and inspired by Japan’s Akutagawa Prize, evaluates albums by early-career artists and provides prize money — and now studio access — to support their future music-making. Now in its ninth year, the 2026 edition will select a Grand Prize winner this March from 10 nominated works drawn from last year’s releases, including albums by rapper Skaai, producer duo Peterparker69, avant-pop artist Misaki Umei, and alt-indie unit Blume popo. The full list of nominees is available via the APPLE VINEGAR -Music Award- official website.
APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support- shares updates on the studio and related projects through its official channels and through Gotoh’s serialised “MUSIC inn Fujieda Tsushin” posts on note.
APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support- links:
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Fujieda EP
Release Date: 25/03/2026
Label: Sony Music Labels Inc.
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
CD: Regular | Limited Edition Blu-ray
