Within their early years, Asakusa Jinta had a slightly rocky beginning with a constant change of the band's name. The band originated in 1995 when Osho formed Death March Kantai. They had numerous releases between 1997 and 1999, but during the latter year Osho renamed the band Mach March Japonica, and a year later changed their name to Hyakki no Gyouretsu.
Starting in 2001, the band released an album every year for three consecutive years. When their third album, Koko wa Asakusa, koi no bangaichi, was released in 2003, a famous Japanese rakugoka (comedic story teller) by the name of Sanyutei Koyuza gave the band the new name Asakusa Jinta.
2004 proved to be a busy year for the newly-named band, beginning when they were the first rock band guest members of the Rakugo Arts Association. In March, they had a joint concert with Sanyutei Koyuza at the Tokyo Art Theatre. The following year, in 2005, they released their album Asakusa Rock, which was supported by the Rakugo Arts Association. In the album, there were many leading Rakugoka instruments played and Takeshi Kitano, who is a world famous comedian and film director, wrote the lyrics for the title track. Later that year, they were nominated at the Japan Foundation festival in Stockholm.
In 2006, Asakusa Jinta wrote the theme song for the Japanese horror movie "Nekome kozô" (Cat-Eyed Boy) with the famous horror anime writer, Kazuo Umezu. Even with the band staying in the spotlight with various activities, the following year seemed to be made for overseas performances, beginning with their invitation to perform at the USA music festival, South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. This tour was soon followed by their participation in Japan Nite. In August, they performed in several countries throughout Europe.
After nine years of being with the band, accordion and keyboard player Hiro left in January 2008. Despite this loss, Asakura Jinta pushed forward and released five singles. When August rolled around, they had a one-man live in Japan, which sold out. They also performed in The Netherlands at a festival with over 5,000 people attending. For the October release of the movie "Yumemachi Kwannon", the band contributed the ending theme with their song Natsu no sora. In November, the drummer and percussionist Gome also left the band and was quickly replaced by Kaname.
In 2009, Asakusa Jinta returned to the USA to perform at not only Japan Nite on the east coast but SXSW in March, whose line-up also included bands THE EMERALDS and quaff. Later that month, the band released their eighth album. Throughout the remaining year, the band has been having many performances throughout their country and don't seem to be slowing down any time soon.
