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Launched on January 1, 2025, with the release of "Ashitaninareba (What My Cat Taught Me)," Conanimal is an "Animal-First" musical unit dedicated to delivering messages from animals and the profound stories shared between humans and their animal companions.
The unit was born from the shared vision of two passionate animal advocates: Ryo Matsui, former guitarist of The brilliant green, and Zinney Imasato, a lyricist, animal rights activist, and animal whisperer. By merging Zinney's deep connection with animal voices with Matsui's decades of sophisticated sound-making, Conanimal has transcended the boundaries of a traditional music group. They have become a pioneering force, proposing a new way for society to engage with animal welfare through the power of art.
A New Era: The Birth of "Shin-sei" (Newborn) Conanimal
This latest release marks the first step for the "Newborn Conanimal," featuring a freshly assembled band. The addition of young, talented musicians has breathed new life into Ryo Matsui's arrangements, resulting in a raw, groove-heavy funk sound. Recorded live in the studio, the track captures the visceral energy and atmosphere of a live performance-making it the most dynamic piece in the unit's history.
A Powerful Collaboration
The lead vocals are performed by Maho Inagawa (also known as Inamaho), who previously contributed chorus work to "Longing for the Lion." Zinney Imasato discovered her after being captivated by her cover of Vaundy's "napori" on Instagram. Her soulful rhythm, stylish phrasing, and depth of vocal expression made her the definitive choice for this project.
Set to a funk-rock groove, this exhilarating and playful track features messages from animals delivered through rap-performed by none other than Okinawa's world-renowned dance entertainer, RINO NAKASONE.
From Local Passion to Global Impact
The intersection of music, dance, and advocacy allows Conanimal's work to transcend genres and borders. With these formidable new collaborators, the project is entering a phase of global expansion.
In fact, Conanimal's innovative approach to animal protection was featured in the global news magazine TIME in the fall of 2025, garnering international attention for their philosophy and impact. Conanimal continues to evolve, bringing the voices of animals to the world stage.
Conanimal was founded by two passionate animal advocates: Ryo Matsui, former guitarist of The brilliant green, and Zinney Imasato, a lyricist, animal welfare activist, and animal whisperer. The unit was created through the shared commitment they both hold toward animals. The voices of the animals that Zinney Imasato has encountered and listened to over many years, combined with the musical sensibility and sound craftsmanship that Ryo Matsui has developed throughout his career, form the foundation of Conanimal. Through this fusion, Conanimal has grown into more than a musical unit. It has become a project that presents new ways to engage with animal welfare through music. A defining characteristic of Conanimal is its unique approach of changing the vocalist for each song. This is not a simple guest appearance. It is a philosophy that welcomes the voice most suitable for the theme of each piece. By selecting the voice that best reflects the story and message of the animals behind each song, the world of Conanimal becomes more dimensional, sincere, and emotionally resonant. With the addition of new and talented young musicians, the renewed New Conanimal continues to expand its creative reach and evolve its activities.
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