amazarashi

amazarashi (2014)

amazarashi (あまざらし) is an alternative Japanese rock band led by Akita Hiromu from Aomori under Sony Music Associated Records.

Members

• Akita Hiromu - vocals, guitar
• Toyokawa Manami - keyboard
• Dewa Yoshiaki - guitar, programming, arrangements

Support

• Kawamura Yoshihiro - drums
• Suzuki Daisuke - bass
• Ideue Makoto - guitar

Information

In December 2009, amazarashi released a mini-album 0 as a limited release of 500 copies in Aomori. Since the album created a lot of buzz and they were flooded with inquiries, they eventually released the mini-album nationwide as 0.6.

As the intense worldview of their lyrics grabbed the attention of listeners with quick ears, they made a major debut with Bakudan no Tsukurikata released from Sony Music in June 2010.

"A band led by Akita Hiromu from Aomori," was the only information officially shared about the band, but they have expanded their fan base by word of mouth, mostly through the internet, to such an extent that their latest mini-album Nee Mama Anata no Iutoori went up to the #8 spot on the Oricon weekly album chart.

When performing live, they have a unique style where they play behind a screen that covers the whole stage and projects various images to go along with the music. Their shows have been much talked about, and some say it gives the audience a sense of watching a film and enjoying live music at the same time.

They are also known as their music videos with CG animation and have won a variety of awards worldwide.

In 2010, their music video for "Natsu wo Matte Imashita" won the Excellence Award at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival. amazarashi's "Natsu wo Matte Imashita" and Sakanaction's "Aruku Around" were the only music videos that won the awards that year.

Furthermore, they have attracted interest throughout the world as they won prizes at Annecy International Animated Film Festival (originally a part of Cannes Film Festival) in France, SIGGRAPH ASIA 2011 (the world’s biggest computer graphics event), onedotzero 2011 (a digital animation festival in London), and more.

Discography

Albums

• [2011.11.16] Sennen Koufukuron (千年幸福論; Millenarian Happiness Theory)
• [2014.10.29] Yuuhi Shinkou Higashizumu (夕日信仰ヒガシズム; Sunset Faith Higashizumu)
• [2016.02.24] Sekai Shuusoku Ni Ichi Ichi Roku (世界収束二一一六; World Convergence Two One One Six)

Other Albums

• [2012.06.13] Love Song (ラブソング)
• [2015.05.13] amazarashi Senbun no Ichiya Monogatari Starlight (あまざらし　千分の一夜物語　スターライト; Thousand Minutes of Overnight Story Starlight) (Acoustic Album)

Mini-Albums

• [2009.02.18] Hikari, Saikou (光、再考; Light, Rethink)
• [2009.12.09] 0
• [2010.02.10] 0.6
• [2010.06.09] Bakudan no Tsukurikata (爆弾の作り方; How to Make a Bomb)
• [2010.11.24] One-Room Jojishi (ワンルーム叙事詩; One-Room Epic)
• [2011.03.16] Anomie (アノミー)
• [2013.04.10] Nee Mama Anata no Iutoori (ねえママ　あなたの言うとおり; Hey Mom, It's Just as You Say)
• [2013.11.20] Anta e (あんたへ; To You)

Singles

• [2015.02.18] Kisetsu wa Tsugitsugi Shindeiku (季節は次々死んでいく; Seasons Are Dying One After Another)
• [2015.08.19] Speed to Masatsu (スピードと摩擦; Speed and Friction)

Video Releases

• [2012.11.28] 0.7
• [2014.03.26] anthology1386
• [2015.05.13] amazarashi Senbun no Ichiya Monogatari Starlight (あまざらし　千分の一夜物語　スターライト)
• [2016.06.22] amazarashi Live Tour 2016 "Sekai Bunki Ni Rei Ichi Roku" (世界分岐二〇一六)

Compilations / Other

• [2016.02.24] MIKA NAKASHIMA TRIBUTE (#5 Boku ga Shinou to Omotta no Wa / amazarashi)

External Links

• Official Website
• Official Twitter
• Official Facebook
• Official YouTube