chatmonchy

The Japanese girl rock band Chatmonchy, whose name carries no particular meaning, first entered the national charts in 2005. Much of their early traction stemmed from contributions to anime soundtracks, notably the teen favorite Bleach. Although the project traces its origins to 2000, when guitarist and vocalist Eriko Hashimoto assembled a lineup of six fellow students, the other members departed two years later to focus on exams. Hashimoto soon recruited her classmate Akiko Fukuoka on bass, and the addition of drummer Kumiko Takahashi in 2004 completed the trio; an earlier male drummer had already come and gone. Once live performances became feasible, the group captured first place at a Tokushima battle of the bands. Several demo recordings later, Ki/oon Records signed them in 2005, leading to the release of their debut EP, Chatmonchy Has Come. The EP registered modest interest, peaking at number 50, though the track “Hana no Yume” received notable radio exposure. Prior to the release of their first full-length album, Miminari, the band embarked on the nationwide Smoke On tour. Miminari climbed to number ten and was supported by further touring across Japan plus appearances at Nano-Mugen, Rock in Japan, and Summer Sonic. Their breakthrough arrived with the single “Shangrila,” written for the anime Hataraki Man, which reached number six. Two follow-up singles issued in 2007 both entered the Top 20, while “Daidai,” also from 2007 and linked to Bleach, landed at number 12. Their second album, Seimei-Ryoku, arrived the same year and peaked at number two, surpassed only by the Backstreet Boys. Three additional Top Ten singles issued between 2008 and 2009 preceded the third album, Kokuhaku, which likewise attained the number-two position in 2009.