Kishidan

Kishidan
氣志團
Origin Kisarazu, Chiba Japan
Genres J-pop
Pop Rock
Pop Punk
Comedy
Years active 1997–present
Labels Tinstar Records (2000-2001)
EMI Music Japan (2002-2008)
Avex Trax (2009-present)
Website Kishidan Official Site
Members Show
Hikaru
Tommy
Ranma
Matsu
Yukki

Kishidan (氣志團), which means "The Knights", are a Japanese rock band. They have a retro image, wearing Japanese school uniforms in the style of bōsōzoku. The lead singer, Show Ayanocozey, was DJ OZMA, until the persona was "retired" in December 2008. Kishidan announced a "comeback", after a three-year break, on January 27, 2009. The band had never officially split up, but had been taking a break while Show and Hikaru were working on the DJ OZMA side project. Their song, Omae Dattanda released on November 10, 2009,[1] was used for the 11th ending theme song for Naruto Shippuden. They are signed to Avex Trax and are managed by Sony Music Artists. Their song, Warera Omou, Yue ni Warera Ari, is used for the opening theme song for Kamen Rider Ghost, released on December 9, 2015

Members

Currently Suspended

Stage personas

Their various uniforms, modeled after the short and long-coat bōsōzoku-preferred versions of old Japanese gakuran (boys' school uniforms), their matching bōsōzoku uniforms (the kind modeled on those worn by kamikaze pilots)—everything is done with a touch of humor and a nostalgic fondness for the gangs and values of days not-long gone by. Since the band started touring again in 2009, they have started wearing different styles of gakuran, as well as outfits from Tokyo-based fashion group, Saturday Nite.

The group's lyrics are predominantly about motorcycles, being with your gang, conflicts with school, and adolescent love. Though Kishidan has something of a comic approach to their presentation and performances, their songs are often sincere and about issues that are generally important to young people.

Kishidan's hit songs "One Night Carnival" and "Zoku" were featured in Nintendo's Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, and Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2, respectively, which are games about ouendan (cheer squads). The song "One Night Carnival" (a cover version) is even used for a level that was inspired by one of Kishidan's live performances. Coincidentally, the characters wear long gakuran coats and dance like Kishidan. The dancing style is based on actual ouendan cheering routines, and long gakuran coats are often worn by ouendan cheer teams. It is possible that Kishidan's lively and powerful dance routines were inspired by the tradition of ouendan cheering, a subject that is unique to Japanese culture.

Controversies

A February 2011 appearance on MTV Japan's Mega Vector program was heavily criticized by the Simon Wiesenthal Center after the band appeared in costumes resembling Nazi SS uniforms. The band's agency, Sony Music Artists, issued a statement of apology, noting that the band members "deeply regretted" their attire and that the clothing "was not meant to carry any ideological meaning whatsoever."[2] Avex Group, the band's current record label, also sent an apology through its homepage.[3]

In regards to the costume worn by Kishidan on MTV Network Japan’s program, “Megavector”, although it was not meant to carry any ideological meaning whatsoever, we deeply regret and apologize for the distress it has caused Simon Wiesenthal Center and all concerned. Members of Kishidan also deeply regret and apologize to you in this matter. We have duly received the words of advice from Simon Wiesenthal Center and take them very seriously. Kishidan will never again use this costume and it will be disposed of immediately. We will not broadcast, transmit, or distribute the video recording of Kishidan's performance with the said costume, and the recording will be disposed of immediately. The companies and artist Kishidan sincerely apologize for the insensitive action.

—Kimikazu Harada and Akira Takahashi, representing Sony Music Artists Inc.; and Shintaro Higuchi, representing Avex Group Holdings Inc.[3]

Live show

Kishidan embraces the theatrics of rock music in their live performance, and make extensive use of pop dancing and theatrics. Members of the band will sometimes pretend to perish mid-concert in battle with rival school gangs. Kishidan is also known to parody current popular Japanese songs, such as Matsudaira Ken's "Matsuken Samba II", and Nakashima Mika's "Glamorous Sky" from the film adaptation of Nana.

Use of ateji

Since transferring to Avex, the band started to use ateji to promote their singles. In every promotional video, the band uses the ateji character for the Avex Trax label, 影別苦須 虎津苦須.

Discography

Albums

Singles

DVD

(Kishidan Genshou ~ Gaiden ~ DVD "Koibito")

(Kishidan Genshou Kanzenban - 2000-2002 -)

(Kishidan Banpaku 2003 Kisarazu Global Communication!! ~Born in the toki no K-city~)

(Kishidan Genshou Daizen -Samurai Spirit Suicide-)

(Kishidan Genshou Saishuushou "The Last Song" in Tokyo Dome)

(Kishidan Genshou Bangaihen Never Ending Summer)

(Kishidan Banpaku 2006 Kyokutou Never Land)

(Kishidan Genshou 2009 Again and Again)

Other

(Kishidan Genshou (1) ~Sayonara no Kajitsutachi~)

(Kishidan Genshou (2) ~Hadairo Dake no Angel~)

(Kishidan Genshou (3) ~Asahi no Naka no Requiem~)

References

  1. ↑ "Omae Dattanda single". Cd Universe. November 10, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
  2. ↑ "Japanese pop group Kishidan's 'Nazi' outfits force Sony to apologise". guardian.co.uk. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Avex Group's Message of Apology to the Simon Wiesenthal Center" (PDF). avex.co.jp. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
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