ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s Goto-founded NPO launches crowdfunding campaign to complete music production studio

The non-profit organization Apple Vinegar Music Support Organization, founded by musician Masafumi Goto (ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION), will begin crowdfunding on CAMPFIRE on Friday, September 27th.

The organization was established in May of this year with the goal of providing ongoing financial and technical support to independent musicians and artists. The collective name for their activities is “APPLE VINEGAR -Music Support-“, and they plan to build a residency-type music production studio, “Music Inn Fujieda”, in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and base their activities there.

At the company’s establishment press conference held at Fujieda City Hall in July, Goto stated his determination, saying, “The music production scene is changing, and given the current situation where musicians who are not affiliated with major labels have limited production funds, we felt a strong need for a studio that can be used without hesitation. We want to create a studio that is a place where musicians can freely engage in creative activities, and that will serve as a new base that connects the local community with music.”

The recording studio will take advantage of the high ceilings of the storehouse to create an environment that allows for the recording of “good sounds from live drums,” and Goto Masafumi plans to provide all of his recording equipment that he has collected so far for free use. The main house next door will also be renovated into accommodation, with accommodation space for musicians to stay and a community space for local interaction, aiming to fulfill Goto’s vision of “a place that everyone can share, grow together, and progress together.” Completion is scheduled for fall 2025.

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION members Kita Kensuke, Yamada Takahiro, and Ijichi Kiyoshi also sent a message expressing their expectations for the project, saying, “We look forward to the day when the studio is completed and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION can start recording, and we hope that this activity reaches many people.”

The crowdfunding campaign has set a goal of 55 million yen to cover the costs of renovating the tea warehouse from the Meiji era into a recording studio and the accommodations. If the funds raised exceed the renovation costs, they will be used for the operating costs of Music Inn Fujieda.

In addition, donation boxes to support the project will be set up at each venue of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s “Anniversary Special Live “Fan Appreciation Festival 2024″” to be held at BUNTAI in Yokohama, Kanagawa on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th, as well as at the “Tour 2024 “Fan Appreciation Circuit” which will start on Monday, September 30th.

Information regarding rewards and other details will be announced in due course by the crowdfunding start date. Keep an eye on their various social media accounts.

[Comments from ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s Kita Kensuke, Yamada Takahiro, and Ijichi Kiyoshi]

I had heard for some time that they were looking for a studio, so I feel like this is finally happening.
We experienced this when we were young, but the opportunities to make music while staying overnight are decreasing, so I think this is a great initiative to create a “stay studio” that allows you to concentrate on your work and to create a studio that is affordable and has good sound quality. I’m looking forward to the day when the studio is completed and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION can record, and I hope this activity reaches many people.

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Kensuke Kita / Takahiro Yamada / Kiyoshi Ijichi

[Corporate Overview]

NPO Apple Vinegar Music Support Organization
Collective name of the activity: APPLE VINEGAR Music Support
Established: May 10, 2024
Address: 1-4-12 Fujieda, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 426-0025
Representative Director: Ryosuke Kobayashi
Directors: Haruki Esaki, Tetsumune Shaku, Naoto Kamiyoshi, Masafumi Goto
Auditor: Junya Hirano

Business Description:
Studio management business to support artists / Recording production support business / Private music award management business / Event production and management business / Regional development business / Accommodation management business / Community space management business

■APPLE VINEGAR Music Support Official Site