Japanese rock group Elephant Kashimashi was formed in 1981 by Tokyo junior high school students inspired by hard rock bands Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Rainbow. ∙ In 1986, they won Japan’s annual CBS/Sony Audition contest, earning a recording contract with Epic/Sony Records. ∙ The band’s sophomore LP, 1987’s The Elephant Kashimashi II, was included on Rolling Stone Japan’s list of the 100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums. ∙ kokoro Ni Hana Wo, from 1996, became the first of 10 Elephant Kashimashi albums to reach the Japanese Top 10. ∙ Three different tribute albums have been dedicated to Elephant Kashimashi, featuring Japanese acts DMBQ, THE BACK HORN, and SUPER BEAVER recording covers of the band’s songs. ∙ At Japan’s 2018 Space Shower Music Awards, the group received the Best Respect Award in honor of their achievements and lasting influence on the Japanese rock scene. ∙ Tokyo’s Akabane Station—located near where three Elephant Kashimashi members grew up—used their songs “Koyoi no Tsuki no Youni” and “Oretachi No Ashita” to alert railway passengers of impending departures.