Haruichi Shindō

1.1. Childhood and Education

Shindō was born on September 20, 1974, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, though he was raised in Habu-cho, Innoshima, Hiroshima Prefecture. His family consists of his father, mother, an older brother, his former wife Kyōko Hasegawa, a son, and a daughter. He attended Innoshima High School, where his passion for music began to solidify. After graduating from high school in 1993, he briefly enrolled in an information processing vocational school in Fukuyama, but left after only about two months, feeling it was not the right path for him.

1.2. Musical Influences and Early Band Activities

Shindō's musical journey began in middle school, where he was significantly influenced by Japanese bands like BARBEE BOYS. During his high school entrance exam period, he borrowed an electric guitar, which sparked his desire to form a band. Upon entering Innoshima High School in 1990, he initially joined the baseball club but left after a year to join the light music club. Inspired by KONTA of BARBEE BOYS, who played saxophone while singing, Shindō purchased a soprano saxophone, his first self-bought instrument. He then formed a BARBEE BOYS cover band called "NO SCORE" with his cousins, who also attended Innoshima High School.

During his second year, Shindō was impressed by his classmate Akihito Okano's singing ability at a karaoke session. He invited Okano to join NO SCORE as a chorus member for the autumn cultural festival. After their first live performance at the festival, which included covers of BARBEE BOYS and Boøwy, Shindō's cousin suggested he take up the guitar. Consequently, Okano became the lead vocalist, and Shindō transitioned to lead guitar. The band practiced weekly in the school's audiovisual room, covering artists such as X and Ziggy. In their third year, Tama, a classmate from elementary and middle school, joined as the bassist. Their performance at the cultural festival, featuring songs by X, ZIGGY, BOØWY, and Seikima-II, garnered strong support from their peers, fueling their aspirations. At this time, Shindō was particularly influenced by guitarists such as HIDE, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme, and Slash of Guns N' Roses.

2.1. Formation and Activities with Porno Graffitti

After graduating from high school in 1993, NO SCORE effectively disbanded. However, in the spring of 1994, Shindō, Okano, and other former NO SCORE members reunited in Osaka. They initially struggled to establish a new band due to the demands of settling into their new lives, leading to two members leaving. By the summer, they resumed band activities, with Shindō himself naming the group "Porno Graffitti." The band actively performed at venues such as Jōten and the Shinsaibashisuji 2-chome Theater.

In March 1997, Porno Graffitti successfully passed the Sony Music SD Group audition and signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Their affiliation with Amuse, Inc. was subsequently established, and by the end of September, the band relocated their base of operations from Osaka to Tokyo. In mid-1998, they began intensive song production and recording sessions in preparation for their major debut. On September 8, 1999, Shindō, under the artist name Haruichi, made his major debut with Porno Graffitti, releasing the single "Apollo," for which he wrote the lyrics. He later made his first appearance with Porno Graffitti on the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on December 31, 2000, performing their hit song "Saudade." Shindō is credited with writing the lyrics for the majority of Porno Graffitti's songs, including many of their early hits like "Apollo," "Saudade," "Ageha Chō," "Melissa," and "Haneuma Rider," as well as more recent tracks such as "O! Rival" and "THE DAY." His lyrical contributions have been a cornerstone of the band's success.

2.2. Activities with THE Yatou

In early 2010, Haruichi Shindō formed the music group THE Yatou alongside SHOCK EYE of Shōnan no Kaze and the young sound creator Atsushi. In this new project, Shindō took on the role of leader and guitarist. THE Yatou released their debut album, 8:10 PM, on February 9, 2011.

2.3. Songwriting and Composition for Other Artists

Beyond his work with Porno Graffitti and THE Yatou, Haruichi Shindō is a prolific lyricist and composer who has provided songs for a wide array of other Japanese musicians. His versatility is evident in the diverse range of artists he has collaborated with.

In March 2010, Shindō also composed and wrote the lyrics for "Bokura no Chizu," a song provided to Innoshima Minami Junior High School. In 2006, he provided vocals for the song "Wendy no Usui Moji," which was included on the single "Winding Road."

3.1. Electric Guitars

Shindō's electric guitar collection features a wide range of models from renowned manufacturers, with specific instruments holding significant importance in his recordings and live performances. His 1960 Les Paul and 2005 black Telecaster are considered his trademarks. The Les Paul is favored for its "persuasive musical sound," while the Telecaster is noted for being challenging to play well. Since around 2017 and 2018, a 1962 Telecaster and a Jimmy Wallace V-type have become his primary guitars. In a 2024 live performance at Tokyo Ariake Arena, the 1962 Telecaster was used for 10 songs, the 1958 Les Paul for 7, and the 2005 black Telecaster, 2007 Telecaster, and Jimmy Wallace V-type were each used for one song.

• Gibson Guitar Corporation**
  • 1960 Les Paul Standard No. 0 0599 (main) - Acquired after the completion of Kumo o mo Tsukamu Tami (2002), this guitar has been used extensively in recordings and live performances.
  • 1958 Les Paul Custom "Factory Original Bigsby"
  • 1965 ES-345
  • Custom Shop Historic Collection 1959 Les Paul Standard '00
  • Custom Shop Historic Collection 1960 Les Paul Standard
  • Custom Shop Historic Collection 1959 Les Paul Standard No. 9 1273
  • Custom Shop Historic Collection 1956 Les Paul Gold Top Aged
  • Custom Shop Historic Collection 1968 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty #015328
  • Memphis Chris Cornell ES-335 Flat Black
  • Custom Shop CS-336 Plain Top
  • Les Paul Junior Limited Edition (main guitar until 2004, used in many music videos including "Apollo," "Hitori no Yoru," and "Music Hour"; donated to charity in 2011 for earthquake recovery)
  • 1996 Les Paul Standard
  • 1981 ES-335TD
  • ES-165
  • Flying V
  • Gibson 67 Flying V 2001
  • Fender Musical Instruments Corporation**
    • Custom Shop Master Built Series 1957 Telecaster Relic Made by John English '05 (main) - Purchased in 2005, it was used in most album productions and served as the main guitar until 2017 when the 1962 Telecaster took its place.
    • Telecaster Haruichi Model (Replica of the 57-year Telecaster. Realized by a collaboration project with a fan club and Fender Japan in 2016, sold exclusively to fan club members by order.)
    • Telecaster 1962 (current main guitar, acquired in 2017)
    • Custom Shop Master Built Series 1957 Stratocaster Made by John English
    • Custom Shop Master Built Series Stratocaster Made by Yuriy Shishkov
    • Custom Shop Master Built Series 60's Telecaster Made by Todd Krause
    • Custom Shop Master Built Series '60 Telecaster Relic by John Cruz 2007
    • Custom Shop Master Built Series '60 Stratocaster Relic by Chris Fleming 2018
    • Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Relic #R41857
    • 1959 Custom Esquire
    • 1967 Stratocaster
    • 1974 Stratocaster
    • 1975 Telecaster Deluxe
    • 1976 Stratocaster
    • Stratocaster 1962
    • Others**
      • Paul Reed Smith Modern Eagle Faded Blue Jean (2006)
      • Sago New Material Guitars Signature Model No. 1 Black (Fender scale, 2011 prototype)
      • Sago New Material Guitars Signature Model No. 2 White (PRS scale, 2012)
      • Sago New Material Guitars Signature Model No. 3 Blue Burst (2012)
      • Killer Prime Original Black (2003) & Prime Original Yellow (2003)
      • Gretsch 1969 White Falcon
      • Gretsch Duo Jet 6128 with Bigsby
      • B.C. Rich Mockingbird Slash Model
      • G&L Asat Special With Bigsby (2000s)
      • Jerry Jones Baby Sitar (2000s)
      • G'Seven Guitars g7 Special g7-JM Custom Order Model (Jazzmaster Type, 2009)
      • G'seven Special g7-LPS Series 9 (2017)
      • G'seven Special g7-CTL (2008)
      • Washburn N3 Original davies reissue (Nuno Bettencourt signature model, the guitarist from Extreme, which inspired the band's name)
      • Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59 Black
      • Jimmy Wallace Flying V Korina (acquired autumn 2018)
      • Jimmy Wallace Les Paul Junior Type Yellow
      • EVN Wolfgang Stealth
      • Brian May Guitars BMG Special Black & Gold
      • Ibanez RGKP6
      • Misa Digital Kitara
      • Flaxwood Aija
      • Relish Guitars Jane
      • Moon Telecaster Type 1980's
      • Danelectro 3021 1960's
      • Fernandes Digi-Zo Hyper Early 2000's

3.2. Acoustic Guitars

Shindō also utilizes a selection of acoustic guitars for various musical textures and compositions.

• Martin HD-28V (main, 2000s)
• Martin Pre War 000-28
• Martin 000-28EC (1949, donated to charity in 2011 for earthquake recovery)
• Kohno Guitar Manufacture Concert-J (2003)
• Gibson Les Paul Acoustic (2001)
• Gibson Chester Atkins CEC (2001)
• Gibson J-50
• Gibson J-45 (2013)
• Greco Zematis GZA-1800 Tiny Heart (2008)
• Ovation 2003 Collector's Edition (Model 2013-VN)
• Alvarez Yairi WK1-12BK
• Epiphone FT-70 Texan 1960's
• VG Guitars VG-00
• K.Yairi Ichigoichie (2004)
• Beffnick Custom Made Model 2018 (Haruichi Order Model)

3.3. Amplifiers

Shindō's choice of amplifiers has evolved throughout his career, contributing significantly to his distinctive guitar tone. From his early debut until around 2007, he primarily used Groove Tubes Trio, Matchless DC-30, and Marshall JCM series amplifiers for live performances. Currently, his main setup combines old Marshall amplifiers with the Matchless DC-30. Additionally, he incorporates amplifier simulators like Kemper as sub-units, actively exploring the possibilities of modeling technology.

• Groove Tubes Trio
• Matchless DC-30
• Marshall 1973X
• Marshall 1974X
• Marshall 1987X
• Marshall JCM800
• Reinhardt Storm 33
• Fender Twin-Reverb
• Fender Vibro-King Custom
• Fender Bassman
• Vox AC30BM (Brian May Custom Limited Edition)

4.1. Novels

Shindō has published several novels, showcasing his storytelling abilities. His novel Toki no O (時の尾^Japanese, "Tail of Time") was initially serialized in the magazine papyrus from February 2008 to April 2009 before being released as a book by Gentosha on May 15, 2010. He also published the novel The Rules on September 1, 2017, through Magazine House. Additionally, he wrote an online novel titled We are Obajinzu! which was featured on the Popteen blog.

4.2. Essays and Serializations

Shindō has been a regular contributor to various magazines, sharing his insights and personal experiences through essays and serialized columns. His column "Jitaku nite" (自宅にて^Japanese, "At Home") was serialized in the music magazine Pati Pati from February 2001 to April 2005, spanning 51 installments. This collection was later compiled and released as a monograph on December 24, 2005, by Sony Magazines. He also contributed "haru.cam," a series featuring his photographs and comments, to the music magazine B.Pass starting from May 2006.

A notable ongoing serialization is "Hiroshima Carp Fan mo Umi o Wataru" (広島カープファンも海を渡る^Japanese, "Hiroshima Carp Fans Also Cross the Ocean"), a baseball-themed column he writes for the Major League Baseball information magazine Slugger, which began in May 2006. From June 2006 to June 2007, he co-wrote "Otoko no Kōkan Nikki" (男の交換日記^Japanese, "Men's Exchange Diary") with Akihito Okano, a column that appeared alternately in the female fashion magazine An An. In January 2020, Shindō also opened a note account, further expanding his online presence as an author.

5.1. Radio

Shindō has had a long-running career in radio. He has been a regular DJ for the bayfm radio program "Cafe in 11" (カフェイン11^Japanese) since April 7, 2003. The show airs weekly on Mondays from 23:00 to 23:52.

5.2. Television

Shindō has made several appearances on television, both as a regular segment host and in special programs. From April 3, 2018, to March 26, 2020, he had a regular segment on Hiroshima Television's Terebi Ha program, titled "Porno Graffitti Shindou Haruichi no 'Haruichi No Oto'" (ポルノグラフィティ新藤晴一の『ハルイチノオト』^Japanese), which aired twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays.

He has also participated in special television programs, including:

• Terebi Ha Special: Porno Graffitti Shindou Haruichi no 'Haruichi No Oto' ~Sora to Umi ga Majiru Shimanami Furusato Gaeri~ (テレビ派特番 ポルノグラフィティ新藤晴一の『ハルイチノオト』~空と海が交じる しまなみ故郷がえり~^Japanese) which aired on December 29, 2018.
• Asano shi Hiroshima shiro nyūjō 400 nenkinen bangumi-chi o hiraki bunka ni hana o Hiroshima o osameta Asano-shi no ashiato (浅野氏広島城入城400年記念番組 地を拓き文化に華を 広島を治めた浅野氏の足跡^Japanese), where he served as an MC on June 29, 2019, for Hiroshima Television.
• 2020 Shinshun Kōrei! Carp Senshikai Golf (2020新春恒例!カープ選手会ゴルフ^Japanese) on January 3, 2020.

He also participated in a talk event at the 'FENDER CUSTOM SHOP EXPERIENCE' held at Omotesandō Hills on June 15, 2019. Furthermore, he was scheduled to appear at the 'Makuhari Messe x bayfm 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL THANKS PARTY' on October 13, 2019, but the event was canceled due to an approaching typhoon.

5.3. Film

Shindō has a brief acting credit in the film Road 88: Deai-ji, Shikoku e (ロード88 出会い路、四国へ^Japanese), released on November 6, 2004, where he played the role of Bessho.