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Revision as of 15:46, 9 April 2007
Template:ActiveDiscuss Template:Infobox musical artist 2 Mr.Children (rendered without a space), or Misuchiru (ミスチル) as their fans know them, is a famous Japanese rock band group formed in 1987 by Kazutoshi Sakurai, Kenichi Tahara, Keisuke Nakagawa, and Hideya Suzuki.
History
1987 - 1997
Mr.Children is one of the most popular bands in Japan. They made their major debut in 1992 with the release of their first album, "EVERYTHING", but it was not until one of their singles was used as a drama theme song, like their fourth single "Cross Road", that they started getting noticed. They got their big break in 1994 with the release of their fifth single, "innocent world", which made record sales and earned the Japan Record Award in 1994. Their fourth album, "Atomic Heart", which was released in the same year, is still their top selling album. Since then, all their singles have been number one hits in the Oricon charts, like "Tomorrow never knows" and "Namonaki-uta", and many of them became million sellers.
They first formed in 1987. Originally called THE WALLS, they changed their name while talking at a diner. Around that time, the band, Echoes influenced them. The leader of that band, Tsugi Jinsei, was political and thus THE WALLS music became political and "dry". By changing their name to Mr.Children, they also changed their attitude towards the band, which they thank as helping them broaden their horizons. They felt that by being called THE WALLS they were pretending to be and act like something they were not. The group then auditioned at a music club called, "La Mama", passed the audition and played at the club a couple of times.
It was because of them playing at the club La Mama, that they begin to gain popularity with people, and were eventually asked to try and debut as professionals. After a couple of failed demo tapes sent to labels, they decided to take 3 months off in 1991 to recharge. When they went back to La Mama this time around they played and sounded more mature. Many fans of them did not like the new arrangement they came up with however and preferred their old material. Whether or not it was a good choice was decided in their Chokuzen demo tape in 1992 that caught the attention of Inaba from Toy's Factory. He felt their music had potential and got them a contract with Bad Music. They played as the opening act for the artist Jun Sky Walkers and got their first dose of what it felt like to be a professional artist. It was also around this time that they were introduced to their current producer and now long time friend Takeshi Kobayashi. Kobayashi was already known as the music composer for Keisuke Kuwata and Kyoko Koizumi.
They started their collaboration work with Kobayashi at his home. Kobayashi was truthful with Sakurai's compositions and lyrics, letting him know when they were and weren't good. In 1992, Mr. Children's debut album, "EVERYTHING", represented the long hard work they put into the album. By the time their third album rolled around, they wanted to create a new vibe so they moved to Waterfront Studio's in New York. After the release of versus, Mr.Children was chosen as the next big thing in various music magazines. It was also around this time that Sakurai made a goal to have a one million seller single. That single was "CROSS ROAD" and was used as the Japanese TV drama "Dousoukai" theme song. It was during the 22nd week after the release of CROSS ROAD that it finally hit a million copies sold.
When "innocent world", was finally released, Sakurai decided to finally get personal and really sing about what he was feeling. Soon after "Atomic Heart" was released. It was an album that was mixed with both instruments and digital sounds, becoming known as "DigiRock" (Digital Rock). Mr. Children also became involved in charity work, doing a collaboration song with Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars. The song "Kiseki no Hoshi" was used as the campaign song for the Act Against AIDS concerts. [es] Mr.Children in FILM, a documentary, was next and the group went overseas to film it. After the main song "[es] Theme Of Es" was written, the movie opened in theatres. During the release "Namonaki Uta" another change was arriving. The band felt that they had become a machine. According to Suzuki, "I felt like I was carrying a burden somewhere." Interest from the media also grew and a greater interest in Sakurai's private life started because he had succeeded at such a young age (in his 20s at the time) When work began on the next album, the initial idea was to recording in United States, Europe, and Jamaica. The plans were later changed to Tokyo, New York, and London due to unknown reasons. Thus "Shinkai" was recorded and went on to sale over 2.5 million copies. Soon after the "regress or progress" tour began were for the first time they played all the songs on Shinkai. They held 55 concerts and broke records.
In 1997 "Bolero" was released and it was soon after that rumors started of the group disbanding. Sakurai's reply to the rumors; "The band will dissolve only when we have no more talent and have relationship problems with each other." On March 31, 1997, at Ebisu Garden Hall, a secret live for 1,000 fans was held. The band played 10 songs while drinking. The last song they performed was "Mata Aeru Kana" (See you again someday). After the live and 3 years after their last vacation, a new vacation time began. Sakurai felt rock bands needed a vacation. Tahara and Nakagawa went to driving school. A friend of Suzuki's left a message on his answering machine stating: "Why don't you go for a drink, or hang out?" Sakurai bought a computer which he started to use to compose music. Nakagawa and Suzuki started a side project band called "Hayashi Hideo", and they went on a livehouse tour. Kenji Fujii from My Little Lover and Sawao Yamanaka from The Pillows joined them. Tahara spent his vacation time listening to music at home, spending time with his family and attending Hayashi Hideo lives.
1998 - 2006
![[icon]](/enwiki/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
- to be added -
On November 15, 2006, the group released their 29th single "Shirushi" (しるし). This song is used as a theme song of 2006's controversial Japanese television drama by NTV 14 year-old Mother (14才の母, Jyūyonsai no Haha). The song proved to be a big hit.
Trivia
- fastest selling single (first week sales) of all time in Japan : na mo naki uta (1.2Million units)
- million seller singles - 2nd overall
1 - B'z (15 overall / 1 Double Million Seller) 2 - Mr. Children (10 / 2) 3 - Glay (6)
- million seller albums - 2nd overall
1 - B'z (20) 2 - Mr. Children (10) 2 - Dreams Come True (10) 4 - Yumi Matsutoya (9) 4 - Zard (9)
- sales overall : 2nd (~49.600.000) (1st - B'z (~76.000.000)
- Consecutive No.1 Hits :
1 - B'z (38) 2 - Mr. Children (26) 3 - Seiko Matsuda (24) 3 - Kinki Kids (24) 5 - Hamasaki Ayumi (15)
- No.1 on Oricon Year-End Charts : 1994 ("innocent world") and 1996 ("na mo naki uta")
- The song "LOST CHILD" was recorded when they were still calling themselves "THE WALL"
- Production label is Oorong
- Producer is Kobayashi who produced two opposite tours at once. The INNOCENT WORLD Tour, and Atomic Heart Tour. One tour focused on the physical performance. The other tour was focused on the latest technology.
- The song "Tomorrow never knows" was composed in a hotel during their tour
- C/W for the single was supposed to be "everybody goes -Chitsujo no Nai Gendai ni Dropkick-", but was decided to be released as a separate single the following month.
- Mr. Children is famous for not appearing in NHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
- During "LIVE UFO", they did cover songs from of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.
- After the release of [es] in theaters they held an outdoor concert called [ku:]
- Has stopped playing the song "Surrender" in concerts due to some people committing suicide after listening to it.
- Won Japan Record Grand Prix in 1994 for "innocent world" and won it again 10 years later for "Sign".
- Mr. Children has a long-time association with the Toys Factory record label.
- Mr. Children ranked #3 in an ORICON poll which asked 1,000 people (ages 10-49) which artist they would like to make an appearance at a "Summer Festa" 2006. (link)
- In a questionnaire that ORICON did June 14, 2006, they asked 1,200 men and women in their 20-30s who they'd want to sing at their wedding and what song they'd want the artist to sing at their wedding. Mr. Children ranked #2. (link)
- The second part of the questionnaire asked what they'd want their spouse to sing to them. 'Dakishimetai' was picked as #10.
- Bank band 'Soushi Souai' has done two cover songs of HERO and Yasashii uta.
- Mr. Children's official fan club is called 'Father & Mother'. You can only be a member by writing to them. They will mail you back an application where you will pay 3,500 yen for a membership. You must re-apply every year for membership.
- All Mr. Children songs are composed by Kazutoshi Sakurai and produced by Takeshi Kobayashi and Mr. Children, except for two songs composed by Hideya Suzuki and produced by Takeshi Kobayashi and Mr. Children. Those songs are Asia (Eijia) from Atomic Heart and #2601 from DISCOVERY.
2007 Events
On 2007-01-24, the band released their 30th single, "FAKE," a single-tracked, limited single used as the theme song for the movie "Dororo," starring Shibasaki Kou and Tsumabuki Satoshi. Their thirteenth original album "HOME" is released two month later on March 14, featuring singles from "Houkiboshi" to the latest "FAKE," and the promotional tour for the album Mr.Children“HOME”TOUR 2007, will commence on May 6 and lasting until June. On Thursday, May 10, 2007, the band will be celebrating their 15th anniversary with a special collection album titled "B-SIDE," which includes their single b-sides that never made it onto an album. A second tour, titled Mr.Children“HOME”TOUR 2007 -in the field- has also been planned and will take place from August to September 2007.
Discography
Singles
 | This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. |
| # | Cover | Information | 1st week sales | Copies sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kimi ga Ita Natsu (君がいた夏) | 2,000 | 21,000 | |
| 2nd | Dakishimetai (抱きしめたい)
|
3,000 | 60,000 | |
| 3rd | Replay | 24,000 | 88,000 | |
| 4th | CROSS ROAD
|
65,000 | 1,255,000 | |
| 5th | innocent world | 206,000 | 1,935,000 | |
| 6th | Tomorrow never knows
|
669,000 | 2,766,000 | |
| 7th | everybody goes -Chitsujo no Nai Gendai ni Drop-Kick- (everybody goes -秩序のない現代にドロップキック-)
|
369,000 | 1,240,000 | |
| 8th | es ~Theme of es~ | 520,000 | 1,571,000 | |
| 9th | See-Saw Game ~Yuukan na Koi no Uta~ (シーソーゲーム～勇敢な恋の歌～) | 561,000 | 1,811,000 | |
| 10th | Na mo Naki Uta (名もなき詩)
|
1,208,000 | 2,308,000 | |
| 11th | Hana -Mémento Mori- (花－Mémento-Mori－)
|
639,000 | 1,538,000 | |
| 12th | Machinegun o Buppanase -Mr.Children Bootleg- (マシンガンをぶっ放せ -Mr.Children Bootleg-) | 301,000 | 733,000 | |
| 13th | Everything (It's you)
|
602,000 | 1,217,000 | |
| 14th | Nishi e Higashi e (ニシエヒガシエ)
|
361,000 | 663,000 | |
| 15th | Owari Naki Tabi (終わりなき旅)
|
515,000 | 1,070,000 | |
| 16th | Hikari no Sasu Hou e (光の射す方へ)
|
327,000 | 455,000 | |
| 17th | I'LL BE | 194,000 | 301,000 | |
| 18th | Kuchibue (口笛)
|
327,000 | 724,000 | |
| 19th | NOT FOUND | 356,000 | 607,000 | |
| 20th | Yasashii Uta (優しい歌) | 250,000 | 477,000 | |
| 21st | youthful days
|
352,000 | 699,000 | |
| 22nd | Kimi ga Suki (君が好き) | 305,000 | 513,000 | |
| 23rd | Any | 257,000 | 509,000 | |
| 24th | HERO
|
315,000 | 552,000 | |
| 25th | Tenohira / Kurumi (掌/くるみ)
|
286,000 | 651,000 | |
| 26th | Sign | 370,000 | 773,000 | |
| 27th | Four Dimensions (四次元) | 569,000 | 925,000 | |
| 28th | Houkiboshi (箒星) | 254,024 | 419,445 | |
| 29th | Shirushi (しるし)
|
350,059 | 729,531 | |
| 30th | Fake (フェイク) [limited edition]
|
280,877 | 319,788 | |
| 26,947,000 |
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Albums
| Year | Album | 1st week sales | Copies sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Everything | 2,000 | 451,440 |
| 1992 | KIND OF LOVE | 7,000 | 1,179,780 |
| 1993 | versus | 58,000 | 802,140 |
| 1994 | Atomic Heart | 851,000 | 3,429,650 |
| 1996 | 深海 (Shinkai) | 1,536,000 | 2,744,950 |
| 1997 | BOLERO | 1,734,000 | 3,283,270 |
| 1999 | DISCOVERY | 1,110,000 | 1,814,180 |
| 1999 | 1/42 LIMITED EDITION |
411,000 | 559,310 |
| 2000 | Q | 632,000 | 896,890 |
| 2001 | Mr. Children 1992-1995 | 1,201,000 | 2,294,185 |
| 2001 | Mr. Children 1996-2000 | 1,004,000 | 1,753,707 |
| 2002 | IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD | 640,000 | 1,228,470 |
| 2004 | シフクノオト (Shifuku no Oto) | 803,000 | 1,410,001 |
| 2005 | I♥U | 686,000 | 1,135,997 |
| 2007 | Home | 693,038 | 967,827 (still charting) |
| 2007 | B-SIDE | ||
| 23,688,000 |
Commercial tie-ups
- kimi no koto igai wa nani mo kangaerarenai - Yazakisougyou CM song
- dakishimetai - Drama "Pure" Insert Song
- niji no kanata e - Anime "Shonan Bakusozoku" - omae to ore no Good Luck Theme song
- hoshi ni naretara - Drama "wakamono no subete" Insert Song
- Replay - Gurikopokkii CM song
- Cross Road - Drama "Dousoukai" Theme Song
- innocent world - Aquaerius Ioshisu CM song
- tomorrow never knows - Drama "wakamono no subete" Theme Song
- 【es】 ～Theme of es ～ - Movie "ES" Mr. Children in Film Theme Song
- Na mo naki Uta - Drama "Pure" Theme Song", Airial CM Song
- mata aeru kana - Nissan Buruubaado CM song
- Everything (It's you) - Koi no Bakansu Theme Song
- nishi e higashi e - Drama "kira kira hikaru" Theme Song
- owarinaki tabi - Drama "naguru onna" Theme song
- I'll be - Shiseido Sea Breaze CM Song
- Not Found - Drama "Bus Stop" Theme Song
- yasashii uta - Asahi Inryo Wonda CM song
- Everything is made from a dream - Biglobe "Mr. Children Alternative" CM Song
- youthful days - Drama "Antique" Theme Song
- kimi ga suki - Drama "Antique" Insert Song
- Drawing - Drama "Koufuku no Ojii" Theme Song
- sosei - Asahi Inryo Wonda CM song
- Any, Hero, Kurumi, Paddle - NTT DoCoMo CM Song
- Tagatame - Nissin Cup Noodle NO Border CM Song
- Sign - Drama "Orange Days" Theme Song
- Mirai - Pocari Sweat CM Song
- and I love you - Nissin Cup Noodle NO Border CM Song
- Yooidon - Fuji TV kodomo bangumi "Ponkikkiizu", "GachaGachaPon" Theme Song
- running high - movie "Fly Daddy Fly" Theme Song
- Bokura no Oto - Nissin Cup Noodle NO Border CM Song
- Houkiboshi - Toyota tobira wo akeyou CM Song and theme song of NTV's 2006 FIFA World Cup broadcasting
- Kurumi ~for the Film Koufuku na Shokutaku~ - movie "Koufuku na Shokutaku" Theme Song
- Shirushi - Drama "14 Sai no Haha" Theme Song
- Fake - Movie "Dororo" Theme Song
Songs with a PV (Music Video)
- [Es] Theme Of Es
- Alive
- Ame nochi hare
- and I love you
- Any
- Bolero
- Brandnew my Lover
- Cross Road
- Dakishimetai
- Everything (It's You)
- Fake
- Hana -Memento Mori-
- HERO
- HERO (Special Version)
- Hikari no Sasu Houhe
- Houki Boshi
- Houki Boshi -ordinary beauty-
- I'll Be
- Innocent World
- Irodori
- Kimi ga ita Natsu
- Kimi ga Suki
- Kuchibue
- Kurumi
- Kutsuhimo
- Love Connection
- Machine Gun wo Buppanase
- Mirai
- Nishi e Higashi e
- Not Found
- Owarinaki Tabi
- Replay
- See Saw Game
- Shirushi
- Shirushi ~14 Sai no Haha Ver.~
- Sign
- Sosei
- Tenohira
- Time Machine ni Notte
- Tomorrow Never Knows
- World's End
- Yasashii Uta
- Youthful Days
VHS/DVD
| Year | VHS/DVD | Copies sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | [es] Mr. Children in FILM | |
| 1997 | music clips ALIVE | |
| 1997 | regress or progress '96-'97 DOCUMENT | 89,000 |
| 1997 | regress or progress '96-'97 tour final IN TOKYO DOME | 103,000 |
| 2001 | Concert Tour '99 DISCOVERY | |
| 2001 | Concert Tour Q 2000~2001 | |
| 2002 | CONCERT TOUR POP SAURUS 2001 | |
| 2003 | wonderful world on DEC 21 | 110,000 |
| 2004 | Mr. Children Tour 2004 シフクノオト (Shifuku no oto) | 207,000 |
| 2006 | Mr. Children Dome Tour 2005 "I♥U" -Final In Tokyo Dome- | 166,263 |
Other
Indie/Demo Work
- DEMO TAPE 「Ticket」(December 3, 1987)
- Boys be Ambitious
- Red Sky
- Blue Day
- Blue Age
- God Bless You
- CBS/SONY Audition (December 1988)
- CHU CHU CHU
- LOST CHILD
- Hello, I Love You (Demo Tape August 1989)
- Kono Ame Agare
- Berlin no Kabe
- Chu Chu Chu
- Kimi Dake no Ichi-nichi
- Soyokaze no Uta (May 1990)
- Tom Sawyer no Uta
- Mr. Sunshine
- Oh My God
- Kaze
- MAGIC MELODIES ~TURN TO THE POP II~ (September 21, 1990)
- Disc One (Original side)
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY
- Disc Two (Cover side)
- Mr. Tambourine Man
- Disc One (Original side)
- 19:00 Hatsu, X'mas Train ni Tobinore! (Live Demo Tape December 24, 1990)
- Merry Merry Christmas
- Jen's Christmas
- Futsuka Okure no Christmas
- Mr. Children (Demo Tape July 07, 1991)
- CHILDREN'S WORLD
- Kuruma no Naka de Kakurete Kiss wo Shiyou
- Tomodachi no Mama-de
- Major Debut Chokuzen Tape (Demo Tape 1992)
- CHILDREN'S WORLD
- Kimi no Koto Igai wa Nani mo Kangaerarenai
- Tomodachi no Mama-de
- Yurikago no Aru Oka Kara
- Chikara ~Power~
- Tom Sawyer no Uta (Live version)
Other CDs
- Mr. Children SUPER BEST [CD+DVD]
- Collection of the first 19 singles
- 名もなき詩 (Na mo Naki Uta)
- 8cm rare single version of the single that contains the same song but different lyrics
- LAND IN ASIA
- SHEILA COUNTS 2・3・4
- An LP that was a joke and recorded during the making of Shinkai
- A scribble of a chicken like thing is drawn on the case
- They used the artist name MR. CHICKEN
External links
- Mr. Children official site
- TOY'S FACTORY official Mr. Children site
- Jpopmusic Mr.Children English Thread
- Innocent World (English fansite)
- Mr.Children Lyrics Translation