Cymbals' Okii Reiji Returns After 23 Years for Final Album Track

Cymbals has released a lyric video for "Jikan wo Nanoru Tenshi" (Time-Claiming Angel) on Victor Entertainment's official YouTube channel, marking a significant moment for the influential Japanese band.

This release represents bandleader Okii Reiji's return to creative activities for Cymbals after a 23-year hiatus. The track appears on what's being called the band's final album, making this both a comeback and a farewell.

Cymbals emerged in the 1990s as part of Japan's Shibuya-kei movement, known for their sophisticated pop sound that blended Western influences with Japanese sensibilities. Okii Reiji, the band's primary songwriter and creative force, helped establish their distinctive style that influenced countless Japanese musicians.

The decision to resume songwriting specifically for this final collection suggests these tracks hold special significance. "Jikan wo Nanoru Tenshi" offers fans a chance to experience new material from a band that helped shape modern Japanese pop music.

For international fans unfamiliar with Cymbals, this lyric video provides an accessible entry point to understand their musical legacy. The band's impact on Japanese music extends far beyond their direct releases, influencing the broader J-Pop landscape through their innovative approach to melody and production.

The lyric video format allows both Japanese and international audiences to engage with the song's poetic elements while experiencing Okii's return to form after more than two decades away from Cymbals.