Behind the Beat: Japanese Drummer’s Silent Journey with Chinese Rock Band

When Rhythm Crosses Borders

Music knows no borders—a truth embodied by Japanese drummer Funky Sueyoshi and his two-decade bond with Chinese rock band Buyi. Their story began in 2005 with language barriers and cultural ‘lost in translation’ moments, but soon transformed into a friendship forged through shared riffs and late-night jam sessions.

From Misunderstandings to Friendship

‘At first, we communicated through drumsticks and air guitar,’ Funky recalls with a laugh. Despite early hiccups, their collaboration became a cultural bridge, blending Japanese precision with China’s evolving rock scene. By 2010, they’d created enough backstage memories to fill a festival lineup.

A Musical Mystery

But why did Funky—a pioneer who helped shape China’s rock landscape since the 1990s—step back from mainstream music after joining Buyi? Insiders hint at creative evolution rather than conflict. ‘Sometimes the loudest statements are made in silence,’ says a Shanghai-based music producer close to the band.

One thing’s clear: This cross-cultural collaboration proves that friendship and artistry can thrive even when words fall short.

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A Japanese drummer's rock solid connection with a Chinese band

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