Biography
Radwimps emerged from Yokohama as a technically demanding, jagged indie rock outfit whose literate and emotionally charged lyrics propelled them to domestic chart dominance along with modest international sales, even though none of their albums received official releases beyond Japan. After issuing their self-titled debut in 2003, the group reached the Japanese mainstream via their third album, Mujinto ni Motte Ikiwasureta Ichimai, which became their first platinum-certified release. Subsequent platinum efforts continued to ascend the charts, culminating in a streak of number-one positions that began in 2016 with the soundtrack to the anime Your Name.
Five school friends from Yokohama—vocalist Yojiro Noda, guitarists Akira Kuwahara and Yuusuke Saiki, bassist Kei Asou, and drummer Akio Shibafuji—formed the band in 2001. Noda, who composed every song and wrote all lyrics after discovering Oasis during middle school, was invited by the others to handle vocals; he later added guitar duties. While still students they performed at the 2002 Yokohama High School Music Festival, where “Moshi Mo” earned the grand prize and appeared as their debut single. The 2003 self-titled album followed, after which the members paused activity to prepare for examinations. Upon reconvening in 2004, Saiki, Asou, and Shibafuji chose not to return; Saiki’s role went unfilled while Yusuke Takeda took over bass and Satoshi Yamaguchi took over drums, establishing the lineup that has since remained unchanged.
The second album, Hatten Tojou, arrived in 2005 and was supported by an extensive tour that included major festivals. EMI took notice, signed the band, and issued the third album in 2006; it entered the Oricon chart at number 13. Far from softening their approach, major-label status initially encouraged further experimentation, yielding several albums of challenging rock. Popularity nevertheless expanded, especially among teenagers who formed the band’s core audience. Okazu no Gohan, their fourth album, reached number five in 2006; Altocolony no Teiri (2009) and Zettai Zetsumei (2011) both debuted at number two. Their first number-one single, “Order Made,” appeared in 2008.
Having spent three childhood years in the United States, Noda had long hoped to tour the West, yet his bandmates showed little enthusiasm despite the group’s overseas following. After the 2013 release of their seventh album, Batsu to Maru to Tsumi To, Noda launched the solo project Illion with the album Ubu. A second Illion record, P.Y.L., followed in 2016. Radwimps then returned with two albums issued a week apart: the soundtrack to the 2016 anime film Your Name and their eighth studio album, Ningen Kaika. The film’s global success raised the band’s international profile and placed them at number two on the Billboard World Albums chart. Human Bloom earned their seventh platinum certification and second consecutive number-one position. In 2018 they added another chart-topper with Anti Anti Generation, an album featuring contributions from Taka of One OK Rock, Aimyon, Tabu Zombie, and rapper Miyachi.
Five school friends from Yokohama—vocalist Yojiro Noda, guitarists Akira Kuwahara and Yuusuke Saiki, bassist Kei Asou, and drummer Akio Shibafuji—formed the band in 2001. Noda, who composed every song and wrote all lyrics after discovering Oasis during middle school, was invited by the others to handle vocals; he later added guitar duties. While still students they performed at the 2002 Yokohama High School Music Festival, where “Moshi Mo” earned the grand prize and appeared as their debut single. The 2003 self-titled album followed, after which the members paused activity to prepare for examinations. Upon reconvening in 2004, Saiki, Asou, and Shibafuji chose not to return; Saiki’s role went unfilled while Yusuke Takeda took over bass and Satoshi Yamaguchi took over drums, establishing the lineup that has since remained unchanged.
The second album, Hatten Tojou, arrived in 2005 and was supported by an extensive tour that included major festivals. EMI took notice, signed the band, and issued the third album in 2006; it entered the Oricon chart at number 13. Far from softening their approach, major-label status initially encouraged further experimentation, yielding several albums of challenging rock. Popularity nevertheless expanded, especially among teenagers who formed the band’s core audience. Okazu no Gohan, their fourth album, reached number five in 2006; Altocolony no Teiri (2009) and Zettai Zetsumei (2011) both debuted at number two. Their first number-one single, “Order Made,” appeared in 2008.
Having spent three childhood years in the United States, Noda had long hoped to tour the West, yet his bandmates showed little enthusiasm despite the group’s overseas following. After the 2013 release of their seventh album, Batsu to Maru to Tsumi To, Noda launched the solo project Illion with the album Ubu. A second Illion record, P.Y.L., followed in 2016. Radwimps then returned with two albums issued a week apart: the soundtrack to the 2016 anime film Your Name and their eighth studio album, Ningen Kaika. The film’s global success raised the band’s international profile and placed them at number two on the Billboard World Albums chart. Human Bloom earned their seventh platinum certification and second consecutive number-one position. In 2018 they added another chart-topper with Anti Anti Generation, an album featuring contributions from Taka of One OK Rock, Aimyon, Tabu Zombie, and rapper Miyachi.
Albums
Singles
