The Mops
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Psychedelic rock, garage rock music |
The Mops (Japanese: ザ・モップス) were a notable Japanese band specializing in psychedelic and garage rock, active between 1966 and 1974. They are regarded as influential contributors to the group sounds movement.
History
The band originated in 1966 when high school students Mikiharu Suzuki (drums), Taro Miyuki (guitar), Masaru Hoshi (guitar), and Kaoru Murakami (bass) came together. Initially, their repertoire consisted of instrumental rock similar to The Ventures. The addition of Mikiharu’s brother, Hiromitsu Suzuki, as lead singer marked a transition toward psychedelic rock, guided by their manager’s direction and influenced by American hippie groups such as Jefferson Airplane. After signing with JVC Records, they released their single "Asamade Matenai" in November 1967, which climbed to number 38 on the Japanese charts. Their first album, Psychedelic Sound in Japan (April 1968), included covers of popular songs from Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, and The Animals. Promoted as Japan’s pioneering psychedelic band, they became known for their sophisticated light show presentations.
Following bassist Murakami’s departure in 1969, Miyuki moved to bass guitar. Subsequently, the group signed with Liberty/Toshiba/EMI and evolved their sound toward blues and hard rock genres. In 1971, they achieved chart recognition with singles such as "Tadorituitara Itumo Amefuri," "Gekko Kamen (Moonlight Mask)," and "Goiken Muyo (No Excuse)." They released multiple albums before ultimately disbanding in May 1974.
After the group dissolved, Masaru Hoshi pursued a career as a music arranger; Hiromitsu Suzuki became active as a television personality and actor; Mikiharu Suzuki entered artist management. International interest in The Mops was revitalized when their track "I'm Just A Mops" was included on the 1960s rarities collection Nuggets II.
Discography
- サイケデリック・サウンド・イン・ジャパン/Psychedelic Sounds in Japan (JVC Records, April 1968)
- ロックンロール'70/Rock & Roll '70 (Liberty Records, June 5, 1970)
- 御意見無用(いいじゃないか) (Liberty, May 5, 1971)
- 雷舞 (Liberty, October 5, 1971)
- 雨/モップス'72/Mops '72 (Liberty)
- モップスと16人の仲間 (Liberty, July 5, 1972)
- モップス1969～1973/Mops 1969~1973 (Liberty, June 5, 1973)
- ラブ・ジェネレーション/モップス・ゴールデン・ディスク/Mops Golden Disk (Liberty, October 25, 1973)
- イグジット/Exit (Liberty, July 5, 1974)