介绍： Summary
TK, born Toru Kitajima on December 23, 1982 in Machida, Tokyo, is a Japanese singer‑songwriter and guitarist known for his work as frontman of the post‑hardcore band Ling tosite sigure and for his solo project “TK from Ling tosite sigure.” Since his first solo release in 2011, he has put out five ...

介绍： Summary
TK, born Toru Kitajima on December 23, 1982 in Machida, Tokyo, is a Japanese singer‑songwriter and guitarist known for his work as frontman of the post‑hardcore band Ling tosite sigure and for his solo project “TK from Ling tosite sigure.” Since his first solo release in 2011, he has put out five full‑length solo albums—Flowering (2012), White Noise (2016), Sainou (2020), and Whose Blue (2025)—along with EPs and singles that include the anime hits “Unravel” and “Katharsis”.  His style blends rapid‑fire, math‑rock guitar riffs with soaring vocals and ambient electronics, earning him acclaim in Japan’s indie rock and anime music scenes.
Early Life and Ling tosite sigure
Toru Kitajima grew up around Machida, Tokyo and nearby Saitama. In 2002, he co‑founded Ling tosite sigure with bassist/vocalist 345 and drummer Pierre Nakano. The band’s name, which evokes the image of cold, drizzling rain, reflected their blend of intensity and melancholy. They self‑released EPs, toured the local scene, and in 2005 issued their debut album #4 on their own NAKANO Records label. Their aggressive dual vocals, intricate rhythms, and cutting guitar work quickly made them a leading force in Japan’s post‑hardcore scene.
Solo Career as TK from Ling tosite sigure
TK debuted his solo work in 2011 with the DVD release Film A Moment, pairing 8 mm footage and instrumental tracks with a photobook. His full‑length solo debut, Flowering, arrived on June 27, 2012, featuring seven new songs and alternate versions of earlier instrumentals. In 2014, he released the single “Unravel” for the anime Tokyo Ghoul alongside the mini‑album Contrast. Later that year, he issued Fantastic Magic, his second solo album, featuring guest contributions and reimagined tracks.
In early 2016, TK released the mini‑album Secret Sensation and the anime theme single “Signal” for 91 Days. White Noise followed in November 2016, combining electronic textures with post‑hardcore power. On November 21, 2018, he released “Katharsis” for Tokyo Ghoul:re and performed “P.S. Red I” for the Japanese dub of Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse. His fourth album, Sainou, came out on April 15, 2020, blending ambient passages with his signature guitar style and reaching the top ten on Japan’s Oricon charts. The yesworld EP was released on April 14, 2021, offering acoustic reinterpretations of past works. In March 2022, TK teamed with Koshi Inaba of B’z for the double A‑side single As Long as I Love/Scratch. He capped 2022 with the live‑video single “First Death” to mark his 40th birthday.
Musical Style and Influences
TK’s music is defined by rapid, syncopated guitar riffs, sudden dynamic shifts, and a dual vocal approach that ranges from raw screams to ethereal falsettos. He layers classical strings, electronic textures, and ambient soundscapes over a post‑hardcore foundation, creating stark contrasts between aggression and serenity. Critics praise his compositional skill, noting how albums like Whose Blue lead listeners from deafening crescendos to hushed introspective moments.
Collaborations and Anime Themes
Beyond his own releases, TK has collaborated with artists including Aimer, Chara, Boom Boom Satellites, Yuko Ando, and Pandas. His anime theme songs—“Unravel” (Tokyo Ghoul), “Katharsis” (Tokyo Ghoul:re), and “Signal” (91 Days)—have achieved international recognition and charted highly in Japan.
Latest Release – Whose Blue
On April 16, 2025, TK released his fifth solo album, Whose Blue, through Sony Music Associated Records. The album’s 12 tracks navigate extremes of mood—from raw, distorted guitar onslaughts to serene instrumental interludes—underscoring his mastery of contrast. Early reviews highlight its cohesive emotional arc and innovative production, calling it his most ambitious work yet.
Legacy and Impact
Over more than two decades, TK has shaped both Japan’s rock underground and its mainstream anime music culture. His signature blend of technical guitar work and emotive vocals has inspired a new generation of bands. As frontman of Ling tosite sigure and as a solo artist, he remains a seminal figure in modern Japanese music, continually pushing creative boundaries.