The Folk Crusaders
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Kazuhiko Katō, Osamu Kitayama, Yoshio Hiranuma, Mikio Imura, Masaki Ashida |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Kansai region, Japan |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
, alternatively known as , was a notable Japanese folk ensemble active during the late 1960s.
Career
Originating in 1965, the group was initially formed by university students Kazuhiko Katō, Osamu Kitayama, Yoshio Hiranuma, Mikio Imura, and Masaki Ashida. Shortly thereafter, the lineup was reduced to a trio following the exit of Imura and Ashida. Engaged primarily in the Kansai underground music circuit, they intended to dissolve in 1967 but released their independently produced album Harenchi in a limited edition of 300 copies. The album garnered attention on radio stations across Kyoto and Kobe, with songs such as "Imujingawa" and "Kaette Kita Yopparai" receiving significant broadcast exposure. The single "Kaette Kita Yopparai" achieved sales exceeding 1.25 million units and was awarded a gold disc. The band appeared in the 1968 film Three Resurrected Drunkards, directed by Nagisa Oshima. After pursuing individual musical paths, the members regrouped twice under The Folk Crusaders name to release further albums.
Their politically motivated track "Imujingawa," which reflects on the Imjin River and Korea's division, served as an inspiration for the 2004 movie Pacchigi!.
Members
- (1965–1967, 1967–1968, 2002, 2013): In addition to his musical career, he is a psychoanalyst and scholar, holding the title of professor emeritus at Kyushu University and chairing the Japan Psychoanalytical Association.
- (1965–1967, 1967–1968, 2002; deceased 2009)
- (1965–1967)
- (1965)
- (1965, 1966–1967)
- (1967–1968; deceased 2017)
- (2002, 2013)