The Japanese-American duo that turned 'Crazy Food' into a cult aesthetic

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1994, Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori formed a band whose name literally translates to 'crazy food.' They didn't just sing about snacks; they built a surreal, avant-garde sonic world that bridged the gap between Japanese expatriate identity and the gritty underground of New York City.

Formed in 1994 by Japanese expatriates Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori, Cibo Matto initially built their identity around a whimsical, culinary-focused aesthetic. Their 1996 debut, Viva! La Woman, featured lyrics centered on food items like 'Apple' and 'Birthday Cake.' The project gained significant traction in the United States, selling over 74,000 copies, while finding a more gradual following in Japan. This early period was marked by high-concept visual collaborations, such as a split-screen music video for 'Sugar Water' directed by Michel Gondry, where the footage played forward and backward simultaneously to meet in the middle.

The band's trajectory shifted in 1997 with the release of the Super Relax EP, which expanded the lineup to include Sean Lennon, Timo Ellis, and Duma Love. This era saw a move toward broader subject matter and a more complex sound, culminating in the 1999 album Stereo Type A. Despite being signed to Warner Bros. Records, the group was a core fixture of the Grand Royal Records family, a label founded by the Beastie Boys. This connection linked them to a diverse roster of artists, including Beck and Sonic Youth, and even placed their music in notable media like the video game Jet Set Radio Future.

After a decade-long hiatus, the duo reunited in 2011 for a series of high-profile benefit concerts, including a performance at Columbia University featuring Yoko Ono and Sonic Youth. In 2014, the group debuted Hotel Valentine, their concluding studio record, which hit a peak of 168 on the Billboard 200. The band continued to tour internationally—performing at the Summer Sonic Festival and the Meltdown Festival—before announcing their final split in December 2017. Their legacy remains a study in how niche, avant-garde art can achieve a lasting, cross-cultural footprint.

The band's influence is evidenced by their appearances in popular culture, from a cameo in Buffy the Vampire Slayer to being referenced in lyrics by Le Tigre. While they eventually disbanded, the members transitioned into successful solo careers, maintaining the experimental spirit that defined their 'crazy food' origins.

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