Watarirouka Hashiritai
Watarirouka Hashiritai: A Journey of Melodies and Challenges
In the vibrant tapestry of Japanese pop music, Watarirouka Hashiritai stands out as a band that has charmed listeners with their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their iconic song "Doji," a poignant ballad that explores the complexities of love and loss, has cemented their place in the hearts of countless fans.
Formation and Early Challenges
Watarirouka Hashiritai was formed in 1989 by vocalist and guitarist Genta Matsumura, bassist Naoto Furukawa, and drummer Takahiro Hashizume. The band's early years were marked by a string of setbacks, including label rejections and lineup changes. However, through perseverance and a unwavering belief in their music, they eventually gained recognition.
Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim
In 1993, Watarirouka Hashiritai released their debut album, "Yume," which spawned the hit single "Tomorrow." The album propelled the band to stardom, earning them numerous awards and establishing them as one of the most popular pop acts in Japan. Subsequent albums, such as "Matsuri no Ato ni" and "Hana-Fubuki," further solidified their status as musical icons.
Controversies and Transitions
Despite their commercial success, Watarirouka Hashiritai faced several controversies throughout their career. In 1998, drummer Takahiro Hashizume left the band due to personal reasons. This led to a period of transition, during which the band explored different musical directions and experimented with new sounds.
In 2003, Genta Matsumura announced his departure from the band to pursue a solo career. Naoto Furukawa continued to lead Watarirouka Hashiritai, recruiting new members to fill out the lineup. The band has since released numerous albums and toured extensively, maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Discography
* Yume (1993)
* Matsuri no Ato ni (1994)
* Hana-Fubuki (1995)
* Watari no Sora (1996)
* Mirai e (1997)
* Hana (1998)
* Sora to Kimi e (2000)
* Reboot (2003)
* Eien no Hana (2006)
* Sora no Kanata e (2012)
* Watari no Sekai (2017)
Members
* Naoto Furukawa (bass, vocals)
* Kazuma Takada (guitar, vocals)
* Takuya Kirihata (drums)
* Megumi Shirakura (keyboards, vocals)
Legacy
Watarirouka Hashiritai's music has touched the hearts of countless listeners in Japan and beyond. Their songs have provided solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection for generations of fans. Despite the challenges and controversies they have faced, the band has remained a beloved and enduring force in the world of pop music.
In the vibrant tapestry of Japanese pop music, Watarirouka Hashiritai stands out as a band that has charmed listeners with their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their iconic song "Doji," a poignant ballad that explores the complexities of love and loss, has cemented their place in the hearts of countless fans.
Formation and Early Challenges
Watarirouka Hashiritai was formed in 1989 by vocalist and guitarist Genta Matsumura, bassist Naoto Furukawa, and drummer Takahiro Hashizume. The band's early years were marked by a string of setbacks, including label rejections and lineup changes. However, through perseverance and a unwavering belief in their music, they eventually gained recognition.
Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim
In 1993, Watarirouka Hashiritai released their debut album, "Yume," which spawned the hit single "Tomorrow." The album propelled the band to stardom, earning them numerous awards and establishing them as one of the most popular pop acts in Japan. Subsequent albums, such as "Matsuri no Ato ni" and "Hana-Fubuki," further solidified their status as musical icons.
Controversies and Transitions
Despite their commercial success, Watarirouka Hashiritai faced several controversies throughout their career. In 1998, drummer Takahiro Hashizume left the band due to personal reasons. This led to a period of transition, during which the band explored different musical directions and experimented with new sounds.
In 2003, Genta Matsumura announced his departure from the band to pursue a solo career. Naoto Furukawa continued to lead Watarirouka Hashiritai, recruiting new members to fill out the lineup. The band has since released numerous albums and toured extensively, maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Discography
* Yume (1993)
* Matsuri no Ato ni (1994)
* Hana-Fubuki (1995)
* Watari no Sora (1996)
* Mirai e (1997)
* Hana (1998)
* Sora to Kimi e (2000)
* Reboot (2003)
* Eien no Hana (2006)
* Sora no Kanata e (2012)
* Watari no Sekai (2017)
Members
* Naoto Furukawa (bass, vocals)
* Kazuma Takada (guitar, vocals)
* Takuya Kirihata (drums)
* Megumi Shirakura (keyboards, vocals)
Legacy
Watarirouka Hashiritai's music has touched the hearts of countless listeners in Japan and beyond. Their songs have provided solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection for generations of fans. Despite the challenges and controversies they have faced, the band has remained a beloved and enduring force in the world of pop music.