Complex (band)
Japanese rock duo that reunited for earthquake relief concerts.
Complex was a Japanese rock duo consisting of guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei and singer Kōji Kikkawa. Active from 1989 to 1990, they released two studio albums, a live album, and several singles before disbanding. The band reunited twice in the 2010s and 2020s for charity concerts at the Tokyo Dome.
- Field
- Rock music
- Nationality
- Japanese
- Years active
- 1989–1990; 2011, 2024 (reunions)
- Known for
- Duo of Tomoyasu Hotei and Kōji Kikkawa; charity reunions at Tokyo Dome
- Label
- Toshiba EMI
Lore & Background
Complex formed as a duo of guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei and singer Kōji Kikkawa. They released their self-titled debut album in 1989, along with the single and video 'Be My Baby'. After a tour, they issued the album Romantic 1990 and a live album, 19901108, in 1991. The concert captured on that live album proved to be their last; the duo broke up shortly after. In an interview, Hotei compared the split to a divorce and called the whole experience 'a mistake', but neither member has elaborated on the reason for the breakup. Both continued solo careers afterward.
Reader's Guide
Complex's significance lies in their brief but impactful run as a rock duo and their later reunions for charitable causes. Their debut single 'Be My Baby' gained renewed attention when Koda Kumi covered it in 2010 and when an edit featuring characters from the Idolmaster franchise went viral in Japan in 2016. The band was also referenced as a pun in an episode of Mr. Osomatsu. After 21 years apart, Hotei and Kikkawa reunited for two shows at the Tokyo Dome on July 30–31, 2011, donating all proceeds to victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. They returned to the same venue on May 15, 2024, to raise funds for victims of the 2024 Noto earthquake. Their discography includes two studio albums, a live album, and a greatest hits compilation, Complex Best, released in 1998. Their video catalog has been re-issued on DVD but is currently out of print.
Did You Know?
- Complex's live album 19901108 captures what turned out to be their final concert before disbanding.
- Tomoyasu Hotei described the band's breakup as 'a mistake' and likened it to a divorce.
- The duo reunited in 2011 after 21 years to perform at Tokyo Dome for Tōhoku earthquake relief.
- Koda Kumi covered Complex's song 'Be My Baby' on her 2010 cover album Eternity: Love & Songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Complex (band)?
Complex was a short-lived Japanese rock duo pairing guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei with vocalist Kōji Kikkawa. They operated on the Toshiba EMI label during a brief 1989–1990 run before calling it quits.
What made Complex (band) stand out in the Japanese rock scene?
Their stripped-back two-piece format—just one guitar and one voice—gave them a raw, intimate sound that set them apart from the larger ensembles dominating the late-'80s J-rock charts. Despite their short lifespan, they managed to put out two studio records, a live album, and a handful of singles.
Why is Complex (band) important to fans of Japanese rock?
Though they existed for barely a year, their chemistry and the sheer contrast of a guitar-and-voice duo made a memorable mark on the late-'80s scene. Their 2011 and 2024 Tokyo Dome charity shows proved that a small, brief project could still command a massive arena of devoted listeners years later.
What did Complex (band) release on record?
During their 1989–1990 active period, the pair issued two studio albums, one live album, and several singles, all through Toshiba EMI. No new studio material has been announced since their 2024 reunion concert.
More in Rock music duos 1-24
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