After working together in the noise rock band Leitoh Lychee, Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda formed Cibo Matto around 1994. While recording tracks for their first album, Viva! La Woman, they collaborated with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's Russell Simmons and others, on a side project called Butter 08. The album was released in 1996.
They later enlisted band members Sean Lennon, Timo Ellis and Duma Love to help record their Super Relax EP and final full-length album, Stereo Type A. While Viva! La Woman had strong hip-hop and trip-hop elements, Stereo Type A leaned more more towards their rock, pop and Latin side. The group continued to play live concerts until disbanding near the end of 2001. Yuka Honda went on to release solo albums and continued to collaborate with Sean, while Miho Hatori moved onto bossa nova, teaming up with guitarist Smokey Hormel to form Smokey & Miho, then joining Gorillaz for their self-titled first album and eventually releasing her own solo album.
In 1997, the band guest-performed on the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer's second season premiere in the fictional club The Bronze, performing "Spoon" and "Sugar Water".
Since the break-up in 2001, their songs have been played in many different places, including the video game Jet Set Radio Future. "Birthday Cake" was featured in the Kids in the Hall's feature-length film, Brain Candy.
The band announced their reunion on March 18, 2011, to perform as part of a benefit concert for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The concert, which took place on March 27 at Columbia University in New York City also included Yoko Ono, John Zorn, Sonic Youth, and Mike Patton, among others. Following on the success of this show, a second was added, this time featuring the Plastic Ono Band and Patti Smith along with Cibo Matto. They've since performed at the Hollywood Bowl on June 26 in another benefit with Yellow Magic Orchestra. Cibo Matto then went on their formal US reunion tour titled "Yeah Basically Cibo Matto." The tour's first part was from June 21 to June 26 at the Hollywood Bowl and the second part was July 12 to July 20 with stops in NYC, Chicago, Toronto, Washington, D.C. and Boston.
Cibo Matto released Hotel Valentine, their first album in 15 years, on Valentine's Day 2014 through Chimera Music, a label founded by Sean Lennon. They are touring the United States with Salt Cathedral and their current drummer Yuko Araki, as well as guest musicians on some songs.
Sci-Fi Wasabi
Cibo Matto Lyrics
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I'm searchin' the city for sci-fi wasabi
The start button has been pushed already
Obi-Wan Kenobi is waiting for me in Union Square
My wheel needs repair. The bike lane's glowing all over the city
My bike "specializes" in the nitty-gritty
New York City never had equality, it's reality, economic duality
Where are my amenities
Ain't no analogy for individuality, I got immunity from multiplicity
That's how we do it. We got your harmony.
Where's you're identity?
Our name is stereotype with an A
I got to get the shit straight
Your vision of stupidity's made of vanity
Keep your quality up in the sky
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
I feel no goal. Where is my soul?
I got no reset for this game
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
I feel no goal. Where is my soul?
I got no reset for this game
A.O.K. gotta find an alley anyway
My hair turns grey day by day
Don't erase your points, you've got your pace
Don't waste your days, get your innerspace
Don't give me chase, I'm at St. Marks Place
Feeling Stromboli, not ravioli
I'm charging my energy fresh as a daisy
Biologically let your system know what's up
Here comes your twin hopper
Yuka Honda knows her water - "Pass the Volvic"
No wonder her fingers are smooth like butter
It's specific. No mind traffic
CIBO MATTO 1999!
I'm Miho Hatori straight outta purgatory
Ai? Ai? Alright? I'm passing on your right
Don't be snobby with me
Not aioli, surely not Moby
Obi-Wan Kenobi told me in the lobby
Technically I'm free and I can find the key
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
I feel no goal. Where is my soul?
I got no reset for this game
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
I feel no goal. Where is my soul?
I got no reset for this game
Our name is stereotype with an A
I've got to get the shit straight. Can you relate, my mate?
Don't be late, my gate is open
Downtown still sends me up in the sky
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
I feel no goal. Where is my soul?
I got no reset for this game
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
I feel no goal. Where is my soul?
I got no reset for this game
Cibo Matto's "Sci-Fi Wasabi" is a song that features the struggles of the search for individuality and the lack of control in societal settings. The lyrics state "I'm searchin' the city for sci-fi wasabi" which implies that the singer is looking for something that is unique and goes against societal norms, as does the idea of combining sci-fi and traditional Japanese cuisine. The mention of Obi-Wan Kenobi waiting in Union Square also suggests a desire to find guidance or something out of this world.
The lyrics then shift to commentary on societal inequality, with the line "New York City never had equality, it's reality, economic duality" expressing the idea that economic status often determines access to basic amenities. The singer is searching for their own identity in a city where stereotypes are rampant ("Our name is stereotype with an A") and trying to make sense of the lack of control they feel ("There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way").
The chorus repeats the idea of feeling lost and directionless, with the hole symbolizing an essential part of the self that is missing ("Where is my soul? I got no reset for this game"). The second verse emphasizes the importance of inner growth and taking control of one's own life ("Don't waste your days, get your innerspace") before the song concludes with the singer attempting to find the key to their own freedom.
Overall, "Sci-Fi Wasabi" is a thought-provoking exploration of individuality, societal inequality, and the search for inner peace in a bustling city.
Line by Line Meaning
What's up be? Wa-sa-bi
Greeting, asking ‘what’s up?’ while simultaneously referencing the Japanese condiment, wasabi.
I'm searchin' the city for sci-fi wasabi
I am on a quest to find something unique and rare, like science fiction inspired wasabi.
The start button has been pushed already
An event is already in motion, change is underway.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is waiting for me in Union Square
A reference to Star Wars’ character, signifying an important encounter awaits in Union Square.
My wheel needs repair. The bike lane's glowing all over the city
My mode of transportation needs fixing, but the bike lane system is vibrant throughout the city.
My bike 'specializes' in the nitty-gritty
My bike is designed for the rough and imperfect aspects of the city.
New York City never had equality, it's reality, economic duality
New York City has a history of economic disparity and division.
Where are my amenities, tell me my sanity
Questioning the availability of basic human needs, connecting to mental well-being.
Ain't no analogy for individuality, I got immunity from multiplicity
There is no comparison to being unique, I am protected from conforming to many identities.
That's how we do it. We got your harmony
This is how we operate as individuals, yet we still have a sense of balance and harmony as a group.
Where's your identity?
Asking about someone’s individuality, sense of self.
Our name is stereotype with an A
Referencing the band’s name, which contains a stereotype with the added letter ‘A’.
I got to get the shit straight
I need to figure things out, get organized.
Your vision of stupidity's made of vanity
Your definition of foolishness comes from a place of arrogance and egotism.
Keep your quality up in the sky
Maintain your high standards and aspirations.
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
A physical or metaphorical hole on a busy street, causing obstacles and inhibiting progress.
I feel no goal. Where is my soul? I got no reset for this game
Feeling aimless, disconnected, and in need of a fresh start or new direction, but with no clear solution.
A.O.K. gotta find an alley anyway
Everything is okay, but still needing to find an escape or quieter path.
My hair turns grey day by day
Aging and experiencing the passage of time, with a hint of sadness or nostalgia.
Don't erase your points, you've got your pace
Do not diminish your contributions, you have your own unique style and speed.
Don't waste your days, get your innerspace
Make the most of your time and energy, find your inner peace and alignment.
Don't give me chase, I'm at St. Marks Place
Do not pursue or follow me, as I am already at St. Marks Place.
Feeling Stromboli, not ravioli
Feeling full of energy and excitement, not dull or typical like ravioli.
I'm charging my energy fresh as a daisy
Replenishing my energy, feeling refreshed and prepared for what's next.
Biologically let your system know what's up
Physically and mentally tune into yourself and your surroundings.
Here comes your twin hopper
An approaching entity or situation that is familiar or similar to oneself.
Yuka Honda knows her water - 'Pass the Volvic'
A reference to the band member, who knows the quality of her water brand and asks for it by name.
No wonder her fingers are smooth like butter. It's specific. No mind traffic
The specific brand of water has contributed to Yuka's smooth fingers. The phrase ‘No mind traffic’ suggests a clear and focused mindset.
CIBO MATTO 1999! I'm Miho Hatori straight outta purgatory
A declaration of the band’s name and the year, followed by the lead singer introducing herself as emerging from a state of limbo or uncertainty.
Ai? Ai? Alright? I'm passing on your right
Confirming if it is okay, before passing someone on their right side.
Don't be snobby with me. Not aioli, surely not Moby
Asking someone not to be arrogant or dismissive. Referring to the popular condiment aioli and musician Moby as an example of something that is not meant.
Obi-Wan Kenobi told me in the lobby
Repeating the earlier Star Wars reference, which may hold valuable advice or insight.
Technically I'm free and I can find the key
In a technical or practical sense, I am free to move forward and find a solution or answer.
Our name is stereotype with an A
Repeating of an earlier lyric, possibly for emphasis or impact.
I've got to get the shit straight. Can you relate, my mate?
Repeating an earlier line about organizing one’s life, while seeking empathy from a friend or acquaintance.
Don't be late, my gate is open
Encouraging someone to arrive or not be tardy, as an opportunity or invitation is waiting.
Downtown still sends me up in the sky
Downtown or city life still fills me with excitement and possibility.
There is a hole on Broadway, no control, it's in my way
Repeating an earlier line and chorus, which may indicate a lack of resolution or continuing struggle.
I feel no goal. Where is my soul? I got no reset for this game
Repeating an earlier line, highlighting a sense of searching, aimlessness, and uncertainty with no easy solution in sight.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: MIHO HATORI, YUKA HONDA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind