Tokyo Broadcasting System Television
In 1985, after entering different universities (Wajima would study Buddhism at Komazawa University while Suzuki studied Russian literature at Sophia University), they formed a hard rock band, whose name was changed to "Ningen'isu" in 1987, the year when drummer Noriyoshi Kamidate joined the band. They first gained public attention in 1989 through a performance of their song "Injū" (Beast In The Shadows) on the Japanese Television program "Ikasu Band Tengoku" (which roughly translates to "cool band heaven"), a newly initiated TV-band-contest that first aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System Television during the same year. Their uniquely heavy sound, technical skill, and lyrics full of literary references took the judges by surprise.