ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Contents
From Wiki.theppn
Overview
Asian Kung-Fu Generation is known largely by the English population as doing the theme songs to three anime:
- "Haruka Kanata" is used as the second opening theme to the anime Naruto.
- "Rewrite" is used as the fourth opening theme to the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
- "After Dark" will be used as the seventh opening theme to the anime Bleach.
Asian Kung-Fu Generation's Style is to sing emotional/love songs in an aggressive, hardcore/punk rock style while giving the songs a bit of angst along with the emotion. Asian Kung-Fu Generation has four members: Gotou Masafumi (guitar, main vocalist), Kita Kensuke (background vocal as needed, guitar), Yamada Takahiro (background vocal as needed, bass), and Ijichi Kiyoshi (drummer). Gotoh is usually the only one who sings, although Kita was the main vocalist for the song "Uso to Wonderland".
History
AKG was first formed in 1996 by Gotou Masafumi, Kita Kensuke, and Yamada Takahiro. Their drummer, Ijichi Kiyoshi, later joined after quitting another band. Their first works were sold exclusively online. In addition, their first independent album, "The Time and Past I Couldn't See You Again," was entirely in English (which is not uncommon for Japanese musicians).
AKG got their first big break when their song, "Konayuki," was featured on the radio. That same year, another independent album was released titled "I'm Standing Here." This time, the album included some Japanese lyrics.
In 2002, AKG released their mini album, Houkai Amplifer, which ranked #1 on the High Line Record Sales and #35 on Oricon. That same year, AKG also scored a deal with the producers of Naruto and used the song "Haruka Kanata" for its opening. In 2003, AKG produced their first major album, Kimitsunagi Five M which sold over 250,000 copies.
By November of 2004, AKG had participated in several rock festivals and released 4 singles, 1 album, and 1 DVD. Their second album, Sol-fa, reached the number one spot on the Japanese music charts following its release, selling over 700,000 copies.
Line-Up
Gotou Masafumi - Vocals, guitar, lyrics
Kita Kensuke - Guitar, backup vocals
Yamada Takahiro - Bass, backup vocals
Ijichi Kiyoshi - Drums
Discography
Albums
- [2003.11.19] Kimitsunagi Five M (君繋ファイブエム)
- [2004.10.20] Sol-Fa (ソルファ)
- [2006.03.15] Fan Club (ファンクラブ)
- [2006.10.25] Feedback File (フィードバックファイル)
Mini-Albums
- [2003.04.23] Houkai Amplifer (崩壊アンプリファー)
Singles
- [2003.08.06] Mirai no Kakera (未来の破片)
- [2003.10.16] Kimi to iu Hana (君という花)
- [2004.04.14] Siren (サイレン)
- [2004.05.19] Loop & Loop (ループ&ループ)
- [2004.08.04] Rewrite(リライト)
- [2004.09.23] Kimi no Machi Made (君の街まで)
- [2005.11.30] Blue Train (ブルートレイン)
- [2006.02.15] World Apart (ワールドアパート)
- [2006.11.29] Aru Machi no Gunjou (或る街の群青)
- [2007.11.07] After Dark (アフターダーク)
DVDs
- [2004.11.26] Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol.1 (映像作品集 1巻)
- [2005.04.20] Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol.2 (映像作品集 2巻)
- [2007.03.21] Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol.3 Tour Suihai 2006-2007 "The start of a new season" (映像作品集 3巻 Tour酔杯2006-2007 "The start of a new season")
UMDs
- [2004.11.26] Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol.1 (映像作品集 1巻)
- [2005.04.20] Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol.2 (映像作品集 2巻)
