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Akai Ko-en

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Akai Ko-en
OriginTokyo, Japan
Genres
Years active2010–2021
LabelsEMI Music Japan (2012–2013)
Virgin Records (2014)
Universal Music Japan (2015–2019)
Epic Records Japan (2019–2021)
Past membersMaisa Tsuno (guitar, keyboards, chorus)

Chiaki Satō (vocals)
Hikari Fujimoto (bass)
Nao Utagawa (drums, chorus)

Riko Ishino (vocals)
Websitewww.akaiko-en.com

Akai Ko-en (Japanese: 赤い公園, Hepburn: Akai Kōen, meaning "Red Park") was a Japanese rock band formed in Tachikawa, Tokyo, in 2010. The original line-up consisted of Chiaki Satō, Maisa Tsuno, Hikari Fujimoto and Nao Utagawa.[1] After Sato left the band in 2017, Riko Ishino joined as the new vocalist in 2018.

Most of Akai Ko-en's songs were written and composed by the leader of the band, Maisa Tsuno, with few exceptions.[2] Their songs clearly show Tsuno's musical influences and range, going from complex compositions with the use of counterpoint and cross-rhythm to straightforward J-pop.

Following the death of Tsuno in 2020, the group disbanded on 28 May 2021.

History

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Formation and first mini-albums (2010–2012)

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The band was formed in January 2010 by school friends Hikari Fujimoto (bass) and Nao Utagawa (drums, vocals) in Tachikawa, Tokyo. Chiaki Sato (vocals) and Maisa Tsuno (guitar, vocals) joined later.[1]

At the time, the band mainly played covers of artists like Tokyo Jihen. Chatmonchy, Kimura Kaela and GO!GO!7188,[3] among others, but started composing their own songs after Tsuno joined.[4] They started performing at the Tachikawa Babel live house, and became known for performing wearing only white clothes.[5] According to Tsuno, this was because it made them more confident and motivated on stage.[6]

In January 2011, the band released their first indie demo, Hajimemashite.[7] (はじめまして; "Nice to meet you"), containing two tracks. Two months later, their first indie mini-album, Bremen to aruku[8] (ブレーメンとあるく a.k.a. Walk with Bremen) was released.[3][6] In October the same year, the band was invited to tour at Next Music from Tokyo vol.3,[9] a Canadian music festival that aims to introduce up-and-coming bands from Tokyo.[10]

In February 2012, the band signed to EMI Music Japan and released their first major mini-album Tōmei nanoka kuro nanoka (透明なのか黒なのか), while its counterpart, Laundry de hyōhaku o (ランドリーで漂白を) followed in May 2012. Both were produced by Tsuno.

Hiatus and Kōen Debut (2012–2013)

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Later it was announced that the band would release three consecutive singles,[11] but the band entered a hiatus after the release of the first one in September 2012, "Nozoki-ana" (のぞき穴), due to Tsuno's poor health.

Tsuno continued to compose during all 8 months of hiatus, while the other three members continued their own musical activities.[12] In March 2013, the band was back to the recording studio for the single "Imasara/Kōshin/Sayonara wa iwanai" (今更/交信/さよならは言わない) and their first full-album, Kōen Debut (公園デビュー), both produced by Tsuno herself. The band also resumed live activities by May 2013 and continued to perform regularly at live venues and festivals until the break-up.

Mōretsu Rhythmics and Junjō Randoseru (2014–2016)

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The single "Kaze ga shitteru" (風が知ってる) was the first to not have been produced by Tsuno – instead, it was produced and co-arranged by Seiji Kameda of Tokyo Jihen. Following this release, the band actively collaborated with a variety of producers, including Kōichi Tsutaya (蔦谷好位置) and Shūta Hasunuma (蓮沼執太). The following single, "Zettaiteki na kankei/Kikkake/Tooku Tooku" (絶対的な関係/きっかけ/遠く遠く) was released in March 2014 and also produced by Seiji Kameda. The lead track was featured as the theme song of Fuji TV's drama Lost Days and became their highest-charting single at 20th.[13]

"Cider" (サイダー) and "Now on Air" were released as digital singles preceding the release of their 2nd album, Mōretsu Rhythmics (猛烈リトミック). This album included all four previously released singles and was said to be more "approachable" if compared to the previous album and mini-albums released by the band.[14] It won the prize of "Outstanding Album Award" of 2014 on Japan Record Awards.

After touring Japan from Fall 2014 through Summer 2015, the band released their 7th single, "KOIKI", in November 2015. "Canvas" followed in February 2016. Both lead songs were included in their third album Junjō Randoseru (純情ランドセル) released in March 2016. Reflecting on the previously released Mōretsu Rhythmics, Tsuno believed they could make an even more approachable album, with memorable melodies and choruses. With that in mind, for this album they worked with producers who regularly produced hit songs in Japan.[15]

New colors and Sato's departure (2017–2018)

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In January 2017, a new single was announced. Released in February, "Yamiyo ni Chōchin" (闇夜に提灯), was produced by Koichi Tsutaya and used as the theme song for TBS's drama Rental Lovers.[16] It was also announced that two more singles would follow: "Koi to Uso" (恋と嘘) released in April and "Journey" in June.

On 3 July 2017, it was announced on the official website that vocalist Chiaki Sato would be leaving the band.[17] 4th album Nesshō Summer (熱唱サマー) was also announced to be released on 23 August, along with one final live concert including Sato on the line-up. After having performed one night only together with several guest musicians, Sato officially left the band.

After being quiet for some time, Akai Ko-en performed over 20 new songs live with the three remaining members on January 4 (the band's anniversary), 2018. Having no vocalist, the members would alternate the singing parts and swap their main instruments among themselves. They later reflected on the experience and realized the need of a 4th member in order to continue performing as Akai Ko-en.[18] It was then that auditions were held for a new lead-vocalist. After the release of the compilation album Sekihan (赤飯) on 14 February the same year, the contract with Universal Music Japan expired.

2nd line-up and The Park (2018–2020)

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On 2 May 2018, the band announced that they would perform at Viva La Rock 2018 with a new lead-vocalist. On the stage, Riko Ishino (石野理子), formerly from idol group Idol Renaissance (アイドルネッサンス) was introduced as the new lead-vocalist.[19] As Ishino was still a high-school student and based in Hiroshima at that point, they had to limit their activity as a band to allow her to continue her studies. However, their first music video with Ishino, "Kienai" (消えない) was released in October of the same year. The song would later be released as the lead track from an EP of the same name, and performed on a live tour, at live venues and festivals. Still, it wasn't until May 2019 that they signed with a new label.

After signing up with Epic Records Japan, the band released Kienai - EP (消えない - EP) on October 23, which includes songs previously released as music videos and completely produced by Tsuno herself, once again. The band started the Fuyu Tour 2019 "Yo-Ho" in November to promote this release. In January 2020, the single "Zettai reido" (絶対零度) was released, with the title-track being chosen as the ending theme song for the anime Drifting Dragons.[20]

On 15 April 2020, the band's 5th full album The Park was released. It was the first full-album with Riko Ishino and all songs were produced by Tsuno. A tour was announced for May, however, it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band then performed on a streaming live concert at Tachikawa Babel, in August. This performance turned-out to be the last with Maisa Tsuno.

Tsuno's death, final concert and disbandment (2020–2021)

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On 18 October 2020,[21] leader and guitarist Maisa Tsuno passed away. She was found lying in her home and taken to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead.[22] The cause of death has not been disclosed.

On 25 November, their last single "Orange/pray" (オレンジ/pray) was posthumously released, along with two music videos. The band was booked to play live at the Countdown Japan 20/21 music festival in December,[23] with the support from Yūsuke Koide (guitar) from Base Ball Bear, but the event was also cancelled due to the pandemic.[24]

On 1 March 2021, the band announced that they would disband following a final concert The Last Live, on 28 May 2021.[25] Base Ball Bear's Yūsuke Koide (guitar), tricot's Kida Motifour (guitar) and Hiroki Horiko a.k.a. hico (keyboards) were invited as support members. The concert, held at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall, had an in-person audience and was streamed live worldwide.

A blu-ray disc containing the concert was released on 29 September 2021.[26]

Members

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  • Maisa Tsuno (津野 米咲, Tsuno Maisa) – guitar, keyboards and chorus (2010–2020)

Born on 2 October 1991, Tsuno was the leader of the band[27] and the one who composed and wrote most songs.[28]

She grew up in a musical household,[2] and started playing the electone when she was 3 years old. A self-proclaimed music fanatic,[29] some of her musical influences are Tchaikovsky, Jim O'Rourke, Sheena Ringo[12] and many J-Pop artists.[4] Before joining Akai Ko-en, she played in a shoegaze band that covered Tokyo Incidents's songs, but with no keyboards. Her first guitar was a white Fender Stratocaster.[30] Tsuno had also composed and written for many other artists throughout her career, including several Hello!Project groups and remarkably SMAP's Joy!!, which she became first known for.[12] She died in 2020, at 29 years old.

  • Chiaki Sato (佐藤 千明, Satō Chiaki) – vocals, keyboards (2010–2017)

Born on 14 January 1993, Sato was from the same class as Fujimoto and Utagawa. Before being invited to join the band, she was in the badminton club at school. From an young age, Sato mostly listened to girl band Morning Musume and wished she could join them.[4] After leaving Akai Ko-en in 2017, she started a solo career in 2018 under the name Chiaki (チアキ).

  • Hikari Fujimoto (藤本 ひかり, Fujimoto Hikari) – bass (2010–2021)

Born on 30 October 1992, Fujimoto started playing the bass guitar at 15 years old after joining the pop music club at her high school, since no one else wanted to play it.[31] Despite being left-handed, she plays a regular right-handed model . Her main instrument is a green jazz bass by Freedom Custom Guitar Research that she has been using since 2012 or so,[31] along with a MARSHALL SUPER BASS 100 amplifier and several effects pedals. She used to play the bass for hardcore band World In The Silence until August 2012. Fujimoto mostly listened to western music and hip hop as a child, but enjoyed metal and j-pop as well. Her interest in metal music is reflected on her bass playing style, with a frequent use of effects pedals.[29]

  • Nao Utagawa (歌川 菜穂, Utagawa Nao) – drums, chorus (2010–2021)

Born on 28 August 1992, Utagawa's musical life started very early. She started (unwillingly) learning the electone from her sister, at age 7 to 8. At age 10 to 11, she became interested in music when she learned about brass instruments from a college student. Due to that, she started playing drums at her elementary school brass band.[4] At the time, she mostly listened to J-Pop and video game music. Utagawa continued to study drum playing at the Technos International College[1][permanent dead link] even after Akai Ko-en signed with EMI Music Japan. She also occasionally played the keyboards on stage.

In February 2022, Utagawa joined Japanese Rock/Alternative band The 2.[32]

  • Riko Ishino (石野 理子, Ishino Riko) – vocals (2018–2021)

Born on 29 October 2000 in Hiroshima, Ishino was the last member to join the band. She was previously a member of idol group Idol Renaissance (アイドルネッサンス). After her group having disbanded in February 2018, she participated in auditions to join Akai Ko-en and was promptly chosen by the members because of her clear voice and proper way of singing.[19] In May 2018, Ishino officially joined the band after performing with the band at the Viva La Rock music festival. She was still in high school at the time.

Discography

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Albums

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Title Release date Format Label Code Peak[33]
Kōen Debut (公園デビュー) 14 August 2013 CD EMI Music Japan TOCT-29184 27
Mōretsu Rhythmics (猛烈リトミック) 24 September 2014 CD Virgin Music TYCT-69023 27
Junjō Randoseru (純情ランドセル) 23 March 2016 CD Universal J UPCH-7119 27
Nesshō Summer (熱唱サマー) 23 August 2017 CD Universal J UPCH-7343 15
The Park 15 April 2020 CD Epic Records Japan ESCL 5383~4 13

Mini albums

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Title Release date Format Label Code Peak[33]
Bremen to aruku (ブレーメンとあるく) 1 March 2011 CD - - -
Tōmei nanoka kuro nanoka (透明なのか黒なのか) 15 February 2012 CD EMI Music Japan TOCT-28036 89
Laundry de hyōhaku o (ランドリーで漂白を) 9 May 2012 CD EMI Music Japan TOCT-28054 70

EP

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Title Release date Format Label Code Peak[33]
Kienai - EP (消えない - EP) 23 October 2019 CD Epic Records Japan ESCL 5167 26

Demo

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Title Release date Format Label
Hajimemashite (はじめまして) 1 January 2011 CD -

Singles

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Title Release date Label Format Code Peak[13] Album
Nozoki-ana (のぞき穴) 19 September 2012 EMI Music Japan CD TOCT-40457 89 Kōen Debut (album version)
Imasara/Kōshin/Sayonara wa iwanai (今更/交信/さよならは言わない) 3 July 2013 EMI Music Japan CD TOCT-45074 40 Kōen Debut
Kaze ga shitteru/Hitsujiya-san (風が知ってる/ひつじ屋さん) 12 February 2014 EMI Music Japan CD TYCT-39013 49 Mōretsu Rhythmics
Zettaiteki na kankei/Kikkake/Tooku Tooku (絶対的な関係/きっかけ/遠く遠く) 12 March 2014 EMI Music Japan CD TYCT-39014 20
Cider (サイダー) 31 July 2014 Virgin Music Digital -
Now on Air 27 August 2014 Virgin Music Digital -
Koiki 25 November 2015 Universal J CD UPCH-7079 74 Junjō Randoseru
Canvas 24 February 2016 Universal J CD UPCH-7115 51
Yamiyo ni chōchin (闇夜に提灯) 15 February 2017 Universal J CD UPCH-7221 44 Nesshō Summer
Koi to uso (恋と嘘) 19 April 2017 Universal J CD UPCH-7247 51
journey 21 June 2017 Universal J CD UPCH-7323 57
Rinrin Ranran (凛々爛々) 21 August 2019 Epic Records Japan Digital - Kienai - EP
Zettai reido (絶対零度) 29 January 2020 Epic Records Japan CD ESCL 5209 37 The Park
Orange/pray (オレンジ/pray) 25 November 2020 Epic Records Japan CD ESCL 5456 27 -

Compilation album

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Title Release Date Format Label Code Peak[33]
Sekihan (赤飯) 14 February 2018 CD Universal J UPCH-7392 23

Other appearances

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Title Release date Format Album Code Additional info
Part of Your World 22 January 2014 CD Disney Rocks!!! - Girls Power! AVCW-63008 From "The Little Mermaid"; Composed/written by Alan Menken/Howard Ashman.
Trouble Maker (トラブルメイカー) 3 December 2014 CD A-Rock Nation - Nanase Aikawa Tribute AVCD-93054 Written and Composed by Tetsuro Oda.
Hachimitsu (ハチミツ) 23 December 2015 CD JUST LIKE HONEY - "Hachimitsu" 20th Anniversary Tribute UPCH-2065 Written and Composed by Masamune Kusano (Spitz).
Hikari no hou e (光の方へ) 6 June 2018 CD Do me a favor EPCE-7408 Airi Suzuki x Akai Ko-en (鈴木愛理×赤い公園); Written and composed by Maisa Tsuno.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Profile｜赤い公園 Official Website". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  2. ^ a b "赤い公園「公園デビュー」インタビュー (3/4) - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー". 音楽ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  3. ^ a b "akai ko-en try to avoid getting caught in the Web". The Japan Times. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  4. ^ a b c d "Beeast 太鼓判シリーズ第6弾アーティスト『赤い公園』". Beast (in Japanese). 27 June 2012. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  5. ^ "デビュー僅か4日でさいたまスーパーアリーナのステージに立つ 2012年最注目バンド"赤い公園"メジャー・デビュー決定！ mFound 音楽情報". mFound 音楽情報 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  6. ^ a b "赤い公園 『透明なのか黒なのか』". Tower Records Online (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
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  8. ^ "赤い公園 Official Website". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  9. ^ "Previous Tours — Next Music From Tokyo". Next Music From Tokyo. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  10. ^ "Next Music From Tokyo Vol. 3 - Promo - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  11. ^ "【インタビュー：その1】シングル「のぞき穴」を9/19にリリースした「赤い公園」とは！？ デビューしたばかりの4人の魅力に迫る！！｜ウォーカープラス". ウォーカープラス（Walkerplus） (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  12. ^ a b c "赤い公園「公園デビュー」インタビュー - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー". 音楽ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  13. ^ a b "赤い公園のシングル売上ランキング". Oricon News (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  14. ^ "赤い公園 Special：2ndアルバム『猛烈リトミック』インタビュー". CDJournal CDJ Push (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  15. ^ "【赤い公園】絶対に届くから聴いてくれよ！". okmusic.jp. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  16. ^ "「女子から女へ」「白じゃなくなって良かったこと」――赤い公園、キラーフレーズ連発の奔放トーク". Spice （スパイス）｜エンタメ特化型情報メディア スパイス (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-08.
  17. ^ "赤い公園からVo佐藤千明が脱退 今後は3人で活動継続 ・ CINRA". www.cinra.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  18. ^ "赤い公園『消えない - EP』インタビュー ・ 赤い公園". 赤い公園『消えない - EP』インタビュー (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  19. ^ a b "新体制の赤い公園、『消えない - EP』に至るまでの試行錯誤を語る". ミーティア (Meetia) (in Japanese). 23 October 2019. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  20. ^ "Drifting Dragons TV Anime Reveals Teaser Video, 18 Cast Members". Anime News Network. October 9, 2019. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  21. ^ "News｜赤い公園 Official Website". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  22. ^ "Member of Japanese rock band Akaiko-en dies in apparent suicide". Kyodo News. October 19, 2020. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  23. ^ "News｜「Countdown Japan 20/21」タイムテーブル公開。". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  24. ^ "News｜「Countdown Japan 20/21」開催中止のお知らせ". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  25. ^ "News｜赤い公園より ファンの皆さま、関係者の皆さまへ 大切なお知らせ". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  26. ^ "News｜9/29(水)発売 BD映像作品"赤い公園 The Last Live「The Park」"の商品詳細情報＆ジャケット公開！". 赤い公園 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  27. ^ "赤い公園 『ランドリーで漂白を』". Tower Records Online (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  28. ^ "赤い公園の歌詞一覧リスト - 歌ネット". Uta-Net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  29. ^ a b "赤い公園". Jungle☆Life (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  30. ^ "My First Fender - 津野米咲". Fender (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  31. ^ a b "藤本ひかり". Bass Magazine (in Japanese). 16 July 2020. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  32. ^ "Profile | The 2". Profile | The 2 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  33. ^ a b c d "赤い公園のアルバム売上ランキング". Oricon News (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-12-30.
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