The band became known with their stint on the talent show television program Ebisu-Onsen, a show very similar in concept to the American program, Star Search on which the winning band would receive a recording contract.
[citation needed] Although the Surf Coasters did not win the competition, their success on the show led to a loyal fan following.
They succeeded to make it into the final round of the competition, where they finished in second place; however, they still received a record deal, which led to the release of their debut CD, Surf Panic '95, which, despite being an instrumental album, sold well.
Their sound has varied since 1995, including dancehall, acoustic arrangements, blues, and heavy metal.
Naka has also gone on to record, with and without the rest of the band, on other musical projects, including soundtracks for film and video games.