Shigeru Kishida, the vocalist and guitarist of the Japanese rock band Kururi, is set to guest on NHK Eテレ's "Playlist for the Future" (未来へのプレイリスト) this June to discuss one of his personal passions: trains in music.

The broadcast airs June 5 at 10:30 PM, with a repeat airing the following night. Host Peter Barakan will lead the discussion on "Train Music," exploring how railways have inspired musicians across generations. Kishida's knowledge and genuine love of trains make him an ideal guest for the episode.

During the hour-long program, viewers will learn about famous musicians and composers who were drawn to railway themes, the stories behind iconic train-themed songs, and lesser-known facts about classical compositions inspired by trains. The episode will also touch on John Lennon's musical influences, including train songs that shaped his work.

Kishida has had a long career in music. Born in 1976 in Kyoto, he co-founded Kururi in 1996 while at Ritsumeikan University and led the band to their major-label debut in 1998 with the single "Tokyo." Beyond his work with Kururi, Kishida has composed film scores and orchestral works. He also serves as an associate professor at Kyoto Seika University.

Kururi itself has evolved considerably over its three decades. The band shifted to a two-member lineup in 2021 when trumpeter Fanfan departed, leaving Kishida and bassist Masashi Sato as the core. Most recently, Kururi ended their long partnership with Speedstar Records in 2024 and released the collaboration track "La Palummella" with Italian musician Daniele Sepe.

For fans of Kishida's work or anyone curious about how trains have captured musicians' imaginations, the special offers a unique angle on both music history and cultural storytelling.