Friends (Japanese band)

History

The band's activities began in 2015 when Hirose Hirose, a member of the band Nicoten, held a live performance to celebrate his 25th birthday. He wanted a band with a female lead vocalist and collaborated with Emi Okamoto of The Love Ningen, with whom he had worked before. Hirose invited bassist Ryōhei Nagashima of The Telephones, who in turn brought in drummer Louie Sakaguchi. The band debuted on June 8, 2015, as part of Hirose's birthday live.

The name Friends came after Okamoto saw a bar named Philippine Pub Friends and sent photos to the others. In 2016, guitarist Tarō Miura, formerly of Holidays of Seventeen, joined. Early releases were sold only at live shows or by mail order, though the first mini-album Show-Time sold over 3,000 copies. The first full album Baby Tanjō! came out on April 5, 2017, followed by the mini-album Petit Town on November 22, 2017, the EP Bedside Music on March 21, 2018, and the second album Conparch! on August 1, 2018.

The single "Tanoshimou/I o You" was released on June 26, 2019; "Tanoshimou" was the theme for the film Bento Harassment, and "I o You" was the ending theme for the drama What Did You Eat Yesterday?. In December 2020, Hirose suspended activities and did not appear in upcoming performances; he left in April 2021 after his contract was canceled over unspecified issues. The single "Yakusoku" was released on March 17, 2021, used as the ending theme for the anime Horimiya. The third album Solar was released on August 4, 2021.

Members

Friends (Japanese band) features Emi Okamoto on lead vocals, who also pursues solo work. Ryōhei Nagashima leads the group and plays bass, additionally serving as bassist for The Telephones; his leadership was decided by a game of Uno.

Guitarist Tarō Miura replaced an earlier temporary member. Drummer Louie Sakaguchi previously played with The Mirraz. Keyboardist, composer, and secondary vocalist Hirose Hirose departed in April 2021.