Formed in 1997, Plus-Tech Squeeze Box is a pioneering Japanese electronic duo. They are celebrated as foundational architects of the hyper-kinetic Picopop subgenre and key figures in the evolution of Akishibu-kei. Their manic, sample-heavy cut-and-paste sound redefined modern Japanese pop. Plus-Tech Squeeze Box was formed in Tokyo in 1997 by programmer and keyboardist Tomonori Hayashibe and multi-instrumentalist Takeshi Wakiya. The Trio Era: For their landmark 2000 debut album FAKEVOX, they were joined by vocalist Junko Kamada. The Duo & Guest Era: Following the release of their 2004 album CARTOOOM!, Kamada parted ways with the group. Hayashibe and Wakiya continued as a duo, opting to utilize heavily manipulated sampled vocals and various guest singers rather than a permanent frontwoman. The duo is arguably one of the most vital acts in establishing Picopop. Building on the stylistic foundations of 1990s Shibuya-kei, they infused traditional J-pop and jazz structures with bleepy 8-bit, “piko-piko” synths, frenetic tempos, and relentless, sample-heavy chaos. Despite their outsider status in mainstream pop, the duo’s influence crossed international borders. Their high-energy, infectious tracks have appeared in British Coca-Cola and Powerade commercials, BBC Three’s Adam and Joe Go Tokyo, and the soundtrack to The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. Domestically, their music has been a staple in popular rhythm games like Pop'n Music and Dance Dance Revolution Universe.