Description
Shonen Knife – Secret Number 712 – Seven Inch Vinyl Record
Gasatanka Records 1991
Brand new and never played
Secret Number 712 is a 7 inch vinyl record by the Japanese pop-punk band Shonen Knife. Known for their energetic and upbeat sound, Shonen Knife has been a prominent figure in the indie rock scene, both in Japan and internationally.
Shonen Knife’s 1991 Secret Number 712 is a delightful and energetic showcase of the Japanese pop-punk trio’s quirky charm, blending punk rock rawness with bubblegum pop melodies and whimsical lyrics. Released at a time when Western audiences were becoming increasingly fascinated by alternative and underground bands from Japan, this record served as both an accessible entry point and a bold declaration of Shonen Knife’s unique place in the global rock scene.
Formed in Osaka in 1981, Shonen Knife — originally consisting of Naoko Yamano, her sister Atsuko Yamano, and drummer Michie Nakatani — had already cultivated a cult following in the U.S. and U.K. by the early ‘90s. With their Ramones-inspired simplicity, girl-group harmonies, and obsession with food, animals, and cute-yet-subversive topics, they carved out a distinct sound that managed to be both punk and entirely their own. Secret Number 712 is a clear continuation of that joyful ethos.
The title of the album is itself a charming mystery. “712” is reportedly a play on the Japanese pronunciation of the numbers, which roughly translates to “na-i-fu” — a nod to the word “knife” in their band name. The “secret number” adds a touch of mystique to the record’s playful exterior, hinting at deeper layers beneath the sugary surface.
What really makes Secret Number 712 stand out is how it sits at the crossroads of Shonen Knife’s DIY punk beginnings and their growing international exposure. The album was released on major labels in the U.S. (Rockville Records) and U.K., and it came right around the time when alternative rock was booming globally. Bands like Nirvana (who famously admired and toured with Shonen Knife), Sonic Youth, and L7 had publicly expressed their love for them, helping catapult the band into the global spotlight.
Despite singing in both English and Japanese and playing music far from the angsty grunge dominating the charts, Shonen Knife’s appeal was universal: they were genuine, fun, and unapologetically themselves. Secret Number 712 captures that spirit perfectly — it’s upbeat, weird, and full of endearing charm.
This single remains a favorite for fans of punk-pop, indie rock, and those seeking something outside the typical alt-rock narrative of the early ‘90s. It’s also a fantastic starting point for diving into Shonen Knife’s deep and playful discography, which continues to this day with Naoko Yamano still at the helm.
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