Ichiro Agata

is the guitarist for the Japanese noise rock band Melt-Banana. Agata is known particularly for his furious stage antics, jumping and constantly moving around, and exceedingly unique approach to playing the guitar which involves extended technique, heavy use of effects pedals,

and guitar slides resulting in sounds not easily attributed to the guitar.

Agata is known for consistently wearing a surgical mask on stage during performances and in promotional photos, which has been attributed to a "blood condition" or a "bone disease" that can cause sudden nose bleeds, with the mask hiding the tissues used to stem the blood. He started wearing it in "1995 or 1996" when touring with Mr. Bungle. However, he has also said that his condition is not a major concern any longer and that he wears it for fun.

Discography

Spike (2004)