The story behind Samplaza Nakano-kun’s hit song and unique visual revealed

Why not wear sunglasses?

“Of course, our goal is a full house! Budokan is a special place for us.”

These words come from Samplaza Nakano-kun (65), the vocalist of Bakufu Slump.

Bakufu Slump is scheduled to hold a concert at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan (Chiyoda Ward) this August, their first there in 35 years. Budokan is considered a holy site for both the band and their fans. In the hit song “Ōkina Tamanegi no Shita de” (“Under the Big Onion”), the onion refers to the onion-shaped finials on the roof. It’s only natural that Nakano-kun is determined to fill Budokan with fans. Here, he reveals the story behind the creation of their classic songs and the origins of his distinctive visual style.

Nakano-kun joined the band Super Slump, which included guitarist Pappara Kawai, as the vocalist right after entering Waseda University in May 1980. At the time, Nakano-kun did not have a shaved head, but a turning point came before entering an amateur rock band contest.

“We were confident in our musical abilities. The problem was our visuals. After discussing it as a band, we all agreed that the vocalist should shave his head. Everyone contributed 1,000 yen, and I went straight to the barber.”

He began wearing sunglasses thanks to a suggestion from a female vocalist in another band.

“At one live show, I had been singing with silver-rimmed glasses, and she said, ‘Why don’t you wear sunglasses today?’ I refused at first, but people around me persuaded me, saying, ‘She’s recommending it that strongly.’ When I tried it on, the impact of a shaved head and sunglasses was strong, and surprisingly, it was well received.”

After meeting members like Funky Sueyoshi from another band, Bakufu Slump was officially formed in June 1982. While their live house performances broke attendance records and were very popular, a major debut was delayed.

“Of course. Our appeal was extreme performances, like throwing flour into the audience. Record labels probably didn’t know how to handle us.”

They finally made their major debut in August 1984. Lyrics pushing the broadcast limit and wild antics using fire on TV music programs quickly gained attention. By December 1985, their first Budokan concert was scheduled.

“After finishing a December live at Kudankai Hall the previous year, staff from the record company told us, ‘We’ve reserved the next one.’ The next one meant Budokan. I was happy, but it was also a lot of pressure. Back then, rock bands didn’t have many fans. I thought we couldn’t fill the seats.

So I wrote what would become a big hit, ‘Ōkina Tamanegi no Shita de’, as an excuse. It was about a penfriend who had promised to go to Budokan with me but didn’t show up a kind of preemptive explanation for empty seats.”

The worries were unnecessary. Their first Budokan concert was a full-house success. Thirty-five years later, Bakufu Slump is set to stand on the Budokan stage again. Under the big onion… a new legend begins.

The February 6 issue of FRIDAY (Feb. 20/27 edition) and the premium version FRIDAY GOLD introduce unexpected thoughts behind the hit song “Runner” and the story of their temporary hiatus. Numerous rare photos of Nakano-kun enthusiastically posing for the shoot are also included.

For detailed content and multiple photos, click here ↓

From the February 20/27, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”