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Perfume (group)

From generasia
Perfume promoting "VOICE" (2010)

Perfume (パフューム) is an all-girl electro-pop trio from Hiroshima who debuted locally in 2001 and nationally in 2005. At first, Perfume had a hard time finding an audience. They tried many different styles such as idol pop and eventually, electropop. It wasn't until the release of their 10th single, "Polyrhythm", that the group was elevated to a new level of popularity. Today, they are a top competitor in the J-pop industry and are consistently releasing hits.

Members

Former Members

Biography

Perfume promoting "Electro World" (2006)

In 2000, three young girls formed a group together in their hometown of Hiroshima. They were Nishiwaki Ayaka (A~chan), Kashino Yuka (Kashiyuka), and Kawashima Yuuka (Kawayuka). Because all three members had the Japanese character for fragrance in their names (香), they named the group Perfume. However, before the group could even debut, Kawashima decided to pull out of the project and pursue her studies. Perfume decided to continue on as a duo but Nishiwaki's mother commented on the lack of power that a two-member group has. Nishiwaki set out to find a replacement, and Oomoto Ayano (Nocchi) joined as the third member. The three girls attended the Actors School in Hiroshima (as part of the inaugural class of 1999) so although it was awkward for Nocchi and Kashiyuka at first (they had never met before being introduced by A~chan), they soon became a tight-knit group.

In 2001, Perfume debuted in Hiroshima with the single "OMAJINAI★Perori". They followed up the release with "Kareshi Boshuuchuu". Both singles were only sold in Hiroshima under Momiji Label. Around this time they also met Mikiko, a choreographer who would go on to coordinate all of the group's dances from this point forward.

Perfume promoting "Polyrhythm" (2007)

In 2003, following their graduation from the Actors School in Hiroshima, the trio moved to Tokyo. There, they became a part of BEE-HIVE (an idol group similar to Hello! Project) and signed with the management office Amuse Inc.. As a part of BEE-HIVE, the trio experienced the harsh reality of life away from home as well as dormitory life. However, they also made friends and learned valuable lessons. In Tokyo, they also met someone who would become a crucial aspect of their success, capsule's Nakata Yasutaka who would become their main producer. Between the years of 2003 and 2004, they released "Sweet Donuts", "Monochrome Effect", and "Vitamin Drop" under the indies label BEE-HIVE RECORDS. It was also during this time that they had their first 3 live performances. Because the girls were so energetic, fans acquired an appreciation for them. Still, none of their releases became a hit. Although the members became distressed by their lack of success, they carried on. Though they were in danger of being dropped, their management office made the choice to give Perfume a major debut.

On September 21, 2005, Perfume made its major label debut under the label, Tokuma Japan Communications. Two singles, "Computer City" and "Electro World" followed. Around this time, more people began to notice Perfume through rumors on the internet as well as through YouTube videos. Nakata's unique style led to Perfume being crowned as a "near future technopop unit". However, none of the three releases was a solid hit. On August 2, 2006, Perfume released Perfume ~Complete Best~. The release of this compilation caused fans to worry that their disbandment was near.

Perfume promoting "Dream Fighter" (2008)

While almost all of the other BEE-HIVE members began to get dropped by Amuse Inc., Perfume was given the opportunity to release another single. In February 2007, they released "Fan Service [sweet]" featuring the fun dance track "Chocolate Disco". This was a turning point for Perfume in which their luck began to change. Although the sales for "Fan Service [sweet]" were not stellar, "Chocolate Disco" did catch the attention of an already well-established artist in the J-pop industry, Kimura Kaela. Kimura then played Perfume's music on her radio show consistently. While listening to Kimura's radio show, a commercial director named Akira Tomotsugi noticed Perfume and decided to use the three girls in an upcoming TV ad. On July 1, 2007, the commercial for NHK's national recycling campaigned aired, featuring Perfume and a new song, "Polyrhythm". The commercial gave Perfume exposure they could have only dreamed of before. Subsequently, their next live show sold out, Perfume ~Complete Best~ reached #1 on the Amazon CD charts, and Perfume became the first idol group to perfume at the Summer Sonic music festival. On September 12, 2007, Perfume released their 10th single "Polyrhythm". It reached #4 on the Oricon daily single charts and climbed as high as #7 on the weekly charts. This is noted as the beginning of Perfume's national fame.

Perfume promoting "One Room Disco" (2009)

In 2008, the group followed up the success of "Polyrhythm" with "Baby cruising Love / Macaroni". The single reached #3 on the Oricon weekly charts and sold 50,000 copies. On April 16, 2008, Perfume released their first orignal album, GAME. GAME reached #1 on the Oricon charts upon its release, making Perfume the first technopop group to achieve this since Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1983. Amazingly, at the time of the album's release, Perfume ~Complete Best~, "Polyrhythm", and "Baby cruising Love / Macaroni" all re-entered the Oricon charts. The album went on to sell over 450,000 copies and is certified double platinum. After the album's release, Perfume First Tour "GAME" was announced. The group toured 10 cities and sold out all tickets. On the final date of the tour, Perfume announced that they would be doing a 2-day show at the prestigous Nippon Budokan in November 2008 as well as the release date of their next single, "love the world". "love the world" was released on July 9, 2008. It became the first technopop song to ever reach #1 on the Oricon charts. In October 2008, the Perfume First Tour "GAME" DVD was announced. Upon its release, it beat out prominent artists like Koda Kumi and Namie Amuro for the #1 spot. Perfume then performed at Budokan for 2 days, November 6th and 7th. On the second show, titled "BUDOUKaaaaaaaaaaN!!!!!", they announced a show at yet another famous venue, Yoyogi National Gymnasium titled "Disco!Disco!Disco!". The year 2008 ended with the release of their 13th single, "Dream Fighter" which reached #2 on the charts. They were also chosen to sing at NHK's 59th Kouhaku Utagassen, the prestigious end of the year live TV program.

On March 25, 2009, Perfume released their 14th single, "One Room Disco". The single reached #1 on the charts. On July 8, 2009, the group released its 3rd album, ⊿. The album was another #1 hit for Perfume, selling over 300,000 copies. Perfume then went on their 2nd nationwide tour.

In 2010, Perfume released "Fushizen na Girl / Natural ni Koishite", which reached #2 on the charts. They went on a fanclub tour and also announced that they would be having a show at Tokyo Dome. On August 11, 2010, Perfume will celebrate their 10th anniversary with the release of their 16th single, "VOICE".

Discography

Albums

Singles

Digital Releases

DVDs

Other Releases

Works

Radio

Present
Past

TV

Present
Past

Photobooks

Perfume Portfolio Perfume Portfolio

  • [2008.12.17] Perfume Portfolio
  • [2009.12.17] Perfume Livefolio

External Links

Trivia

  • The groups name was written in hiragana at first ( ぱふゅーむ). It was only after moving to Tokyo that the group changed its name to Perfume.
  • In August 2005, Perfume participated in a concert called J-POP Union vol. 2. They performed an unreleased song titled Juicy Fragrance. The song has never been released because producer Nakata Yasutaka lost the data.
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