Mr. Children

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Mr. Children
From left to right: Kazutoshi Sakurai, Hideya Suzuki, Keisuke Nakagawa, and Kenichi Tahara
From left to right: Kazutoshi Sakurai, Hideya Suzuki, Keisuke Nakagawa, and Kenichi Tahara
Background information
Origin Flag of Japan Japan
Genre(s) Pop/rock
Years active 1988–present
Label(s) Toy's Factory
Website mrchildren.jp
Members
Kazutoshi Sakurai
Kenichi Tahara
Keisuke Nakagawa
Hideya Suzuki

Mr. Children, commonly called "Misuchiru" (ミスチル?), is a Japanese rock band formed in 1988 by Kazutoshi Sakurai, Kenichi Tahara, Keisuke Nakagawa, and Hideya Suzuki. As a group, they are one of the most successful Japanese pop artists, having sold over 50 million records[1] and creating the "Misuchiru Phenomenon" in the mid 1990s in Japan.[2][3] They also currently hold the record for the highest first week sales of a single in Japan, with 1.2 million copies of their 10th single "Namonaki Uta",[4] have 27 consecutive #1 singles,[5] replaced Glay as the all-male band (with 3 or more members) to have the most #1 albums on the Oricon charts,[6] and won the Japan Record Award in 1994 for 'Innocent World' and in 2004 for 'Sign'. As of 2007, Mr. Children has published twelve original studio albums and 31 singles, along with three compilations, a live album, and eleven home video releases. The bands music is mainly composed and written by lead singer Sakurai (with the exception of the Suzuki-penned songs "Asia" and "#2601" from the albums Atomic Heart and Discovery, respectively).

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] 1988–1992

The group first formed in 1988. Originally called The Walls[7][3] due to their original influence by the band Echoes, the frontman of Echoes, Tsugi Jinsei, was a political activist, and because of that The Walls to became a political band. Drummer Hideya Suzuki was not originally part of the band when the group first got together. The original drummer for the band had departed and because Suzuki went to the same school as the current members of The Walls, he was asked to become their new drummer.[7] They changed their name in late 1988 after sending a demo tape that generated no interest from record companies and during a talk in a diner. The group thought the word "children" had a nice ring to it, but because they were no longer children themselves, the group decided to add Mr. in front of it.[3] They credit this change as a new way they started to look at the group.[7]

After changing their name, Mr. Children auditioned at a music club called La Mama, failed to pass the first time, but passed a second audition to play at the club. After playing in the club, they were asked to try and debut as professionals. Mr. Children sent out five demo tapes, all failed to generate record label interest, and the group took a three month hiatus in 1991. Suzuki Hideya worked as a receptionist at an economy hotel, while Kazutoshi Sakurai worked with his father who owned a construction company.[8] When they returned, the group created a sixth demo tape and caught the attention of Toy's Factory. The label signed the group and had them play as the opening act for the fellow rock group Jun Sky Walkers. It was also during this time that they were introduced to their long-time friend and producer Takeshi Kobayashi. Kobayashi was already known in the music industry as a music composer for Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars and Kyoko Koizumi.[7]


[edit] 1992–1994

On May 10, 1992, Mr. Children's debut album, Everything, was released and represented the long journey they took to get to this point. Three months later their first single "Kimi ga Ita Natsu" was released on August 21, 1992. After the release of the single the group held two tours for the album, both held between September 23, 1992 and November 5 of the same year, the '92 Everything Tour comprising ten and the '92 Your Everything Tour consisting of twelve performances. To cap off the year and lead them into the next, Mr. Children released their second album, Kind of Love and their second single "Dakishimetai" on December 1, 1992. "Dakishimetai" was later used as an insert song for the Japanese drama Pure.[9] Shortly after, a new tour called '92-93 Kind of Love Tour started and lasted from December 7, 1992 till January 25, 1993.

In 1993, with the completion of the band’s tour they began work on for their third album. The first single of the new year to be released was "Replay", released on July 1, 1993 and used in Gurikopokkii commercials. On September 9, 1993 their third album Versus was released, but failed to bring the group into the spotlight. They continued on and held a new tour. The '93 Versus Tour was held from September 23 until November 5 and had the band holding nine performances. Shortly after, "Cross Road" was released on November 10, 1993, which was used to promote the Japanese drama Wakamono Dousoukai. The single was not a hit, but through word of mouth "Cross Road" gained popularity and after 22 weeks sold over a million copies. Sakurai confessed years later as to not liking his works up to this point because according to him

“ "I thought I had to be like Mr. Children's pop music star. That's why I tried my best to play the role".[10] ”

On June 1, 1994 a new single called "Innocent World" was released and used a promotional song for the soft drink Aquaerius Ioshisu. The single solidified the groups popularity with its first week sales and managed to sell 1,935,830 copies.[11] Afterwards work began on their fourth original album Atomic Heart. The album was released on September 1, 1994 and became the bands highest selling album to date.[12] Due to the huge success the band received from the album and 'Innocent World' single, the groups popularity built up creating the "Misuchiru Phenomenon" in Japan.[2]

The band also had Takeshi Kobayashi produce two new tours for them. The first tour, named after the "Innocent World" single was held from September 18 to December 18. The band also released their sixth single "Tomorrow Never Knows" on November 10, 1994 which was used as the theme song to the Japanese drama Wakamono no Subete. The song was written while the group was on tour,[8] was later voted in 2006 as fans #1 all-time favorite song on Music Station,[8] and is currently the third highest selling drama tie-in single in Japan.[13] The next single, "Everybody Goes -Chitsujo no Nai Gendai ni Drop-kick-" was released on December 12, 1994, though originally intended to be the B-side of "Tomorrow Never Knows".[14] To end the year, "Innocent World" won the Song of the Year award at the 36th annual Japan Record Awards.[15]


[edit] 1995–1997

In 1995, the second half of the Atomic Heart tour started, lasting from January 1 to February 2. Mr. Children also became involved in charity work, doing a collaboration song with Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars. The single "Kiseki no Hoshi" was used as the theme song for the Act Against AIDS campaign, was produced by Mr. Children and written by Kuwata. To promote the single and the campaign, they held a one month tour from April 18 until May 14, entitled Live Ufo '95 Kuwata Keisuke & Mr. Children Acoustic Revolution with Orchestra Kiseki no Hoshi, where the group did cover songs of many English speaking artists such as The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.[16] During the tour the group was also filming a documentary/concert movie called Es ~Mr. Children in Film~. It was released in theaters on June 6, 1995,[17] preceded by the group's eight single "Es ~Theme of Es~" on May 10, to promote the movie. Two months later the group held an open air tour titled Hounen Mansaku Natsu Matsuri 1995 Sora Ku from July 16 to September 10, during which the ninth single, "See-Saw Game ~Yuukan na Koi no Uta~" was releases on August 10.

On February 6, 1996 Mr. Children's tenth single "Namonaki Uta" was released, to promote the Japanese drama Pure. I was also used in Elleair commercials. The single went on to become Japan's highest first week selling single of all time[4] and is currently Japan's eighth highest selling drama tie-in single.[13] The success of the single was also a surprise for Sakurai, who admitted to spending very little time writing the song.[14] Two months later, on April 5, 1996 the group's eleventh single "Hana-Memento-Mori" was released, followed by their fifth original album Shinkai on June 24 and their twelfth single "Machine Gun wo Buppanase -Mr. Children Bootleg-", on August 8. To close the year, the Regress or Progress Tour started and lasted from August 24, 1996 to March 28, 1997. The group visited 14 cities and held 55 concerts.

Mr. Children's 13th single, "Everything (It's You)", was released on February 5, 1997, with the title track used as the theme song to the Japanese drama Koi no Bakansu. A month later, on March 5 Bolero, Mr. Children's sixth album was released. Soon after, rumors started of the group disbanding. Sakurai's reply: "The band will dissolve only when we have no more talent and have relationship problems with each other." Yet the group then decided to take some time off. Nakagawa and Suzuki start a side project band called Hayashi Hideo and, joined by Kenji Fujii from My Little Lover and Sawao Yamanaka from The Pillows went on a club tour.[14]


[edit] 1998–2000

On February 11, 1998, they released their 14th single "Nishie Higashi He", theme song to the Japanese drama Kira Kira Hikaru. The group was still on hiatus during this time and made no live performances to promote the single and did not appear in the music video for the song. Finally on October 21, 1998, Mr. Children officially re-grouped and released their 15th single, 'Owarinaki Tabi' with the Japanese drama Naguru Onna using it as their theme song.[9] The song remains a public favorite in voting polls, Oricon citing its inspirational lyrics as the reason.[18][19]

On January 13, 1999, "Hikari no Sasu Hou E", their 16th single, was released, followed by their seventh album Discovery on February 3, 1999. Sakurai compared his approach to the songwriting for the record to surfing:

“ "There is a way of riding on waves, not only on big waves, but also small waves. Look at it to see how to catch it. It's something similar to composing."[14] ”

Eleven days later they began the Discovery Tour '99, from February 14 to July 12, where the group visited 16 cities and held 42 shows. During the tour, Mr. Children released their 17th single 'I'll Be' on May 12, which was used in Shiseido Sea Breeze commercials. Though originally released on 'Discovery', the song was re-released as a single with a lighter beat. The single was not a success and became Mr. Children's lowest selling single since 'Cross Road'. During the Discovery Tour '99, an idea for a live album was brought up. It was released as a 500,000 copy limited edition on September 8, 1999 and called 1/42' (referring to one of the 42 shows the tour was comprised of). Most of the tracks were recorded on June 16, 1999 at the Makomanai ice arena, while the bonus track "Dakishimetai" was recorded at the Okinawa Ginowan-Shi seaside park.[14][20]

At the beginning of a new century 'Kuchibue', released on January 13, 2000 became the groups 18th single and was the theme song to the Japanese drama ‘Bus Stop’. While 'I'll Be' failed to be a success, 'Kuchibue' proved to be a hit selling 724,070 copies.[11] On August 9, 2000, their 19th single ‘NOT FOUND’ was also used as the theme song to the Japanese drama 'Bus Stop', followed a month later by their 9th original album 'Q' on September 27, 2000. The band went to New York to record this album, where they re-recorded some of their old indie material and for the first time, producer Takeshi Kobayashi performed with the band on a recording.[21] The album was not a favorite amongst fans for various reasons and became their first album since 'Atomic Heart' to not sell over one million copies.[12] ‘Concert tour Q’ started, visiting 13 cities and holding 35 concerts between October 15, 2000 and February 24, 2001.[20]


[edit] 2001–2003

In 2001, Mr. Children continued their Q tour, followed by dual "Best Of" albums. Titled 'Mr. Children 1992-1995' and ‘Mr. Children 1996-2000’, they were both released on July 11, 2001. Both albums went on to sell a combined total of 4,034,785 copies.[22] According to an interview done with MTV Japan Sakurai stated the best of albums weren't something they had planned on doing yet. During this time, the group was finishing up work for their new upcoming album and had planned to start promoting singles on it. However it was decided that a best of album was needed and so they were released.[23] Four days following the dual album release, the group launched the ‘popsaurus’ tour, visiting 10 cities and playing 15 shows, lasting from July 15, 2001 all the way through September 25, 2001. A month into the tour their 20th single ‘Yasashii uta’ was released and used to promote the beverage 'Asahiinryo Wonda'. Two months after the popsaurus tour ended, ‘Youthful Days’ was released. Released on November 7, 2001, it was their 21st single and was an insert song for the Japanese drama 'Antique'. It ended up being their best selling single for the year. The b-side for the single, Drawing, originally had no commercial tie-in, but two years later was used as the theme song to the 2003 Japanese drama 'Koufuku no ouji'.

Mr. Children released their 22nd single 'Kimi ga Suki' on January 1, 2002, which was used as a theme song in the Japanese drama Antique.[9] Four months later their tenth original album 'It's a Wonderful World' was released on May 10, the groups' tenth anniversary. The release of the album on their 10th anniversary was not something that had originally intended. As the group was wrapping up recording, Sakurai asked if the album could be released in the spring time. While the group and their management was trying to think of how to promote an album in the spring time, they came up with releasing the album on their 10th anniversary.[23] A new tour, titled Wonderful World was set to begin later that year. The previous single "I'll Be" from the Discovery album was selected to be used as an official theme for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, held in Japan and South Korea.[24] Two months after the release of the new album, Mr.Children's 23rd single 'Any', was released on July 11, 2002 and used to promote NTT DoCoMo. The group was not able to properly promote the single. As preparations for the new tour were beginning and promotion for the new single were being done, lead singer Sakurai was hospitalized on July 21, 2002, after a blockage in his cerebellum was detected.[25] The Wonderful World tour was canceled and all group activities were put on a temporary hiatus. While recovering, Sakurai wrote a song called 'Hero', that was inspired by his hospitalization.[26] The song was released as the groups 24th single on December 11, 2002 and included a DVD where the singer talked in greater detail about his hospitalization and inspiration for the song. On December 21, 2002 the group returned to the stage for a single concert, later released on DVD, titled Wonederful World on Dec. 21.

The group remained quiet for most of 2003. Sakurai helped to launch Artists' Power Bank (AP Bank), a non-profit environmental financial institution,[27] in June. Sakamoto Ryuichi, a well known composer, came up with the initial idea to build a wind-power plant. With the help of Sakurai and music producer Takeshi Kobayashi, their goal later became to invest in environmentally friendly projects, such as renewable energy,[28] and as of 2007, participated in other social issues such as helping the victims of a Chuetsu offshore earthquake in Niigata Prefecture on July 16, 2007.[29] Near the end of the year, Mr. Children re-grouped and released their 25th single 'Tenohira/Kurumi'. It became their first double a-side single with 'Tenohira' receiving no commercial tie-in, and 'Kurumi' used to promote NTT DoCoMo. The single was a hit and became Mr.Children's best selling single since 2001's 'Youthful Days' single.[11]


[edit] 2004–2006

In 2004, Sakurai started a solo project titled Bank Band, which became a spin off of AP Bank. As Bank Band, Sakurai released a first album, titled Soushi Souai, which contained covers of two Mr. Children songs, "Hero" and "Yasashii Uta".[30] Mr. Children released their eleventh album on April 4, 2004, titled Shifuku no Oto, which came with a documentary DVD showing the group working and talking about the concept behind the album. In the following month, they released their 26th single, "Sign", on May 26, which was used as the theme song to the Japanese drama Orange Days[9] and went on to win the Song of the Year award at the 46th annual Japan Record Awards[31] ten years after their win for 'Innocent World'.

Most of the 2005 was spent working on a new album. As a solo act, Kazutoshi Sakurai appeared at Golden Circle vol.7 on February 28, 2005. Finally on June 29, 2005 the group released their 27th single ‘Yojiken - Four Dimensions’. The single became a monster hit selling 569,000 copies its first week, and ending with 925,632 copies sold.[11] As a quad a-side single, all four songs had a commercial tie in. 'Mirai' promoted 'Pocari Sweat', 'and I love you' promoted 'Nissin Cup Noodle - NO Border', 'Running High' became the theme song for the Japanese movie 'Fly Daddy Fly', and 'Yooidon' was used as a promotional song for Fuji TV's 'Kodomo bangumi Ponkikkiizu, Gachagachapon'. Even though it was released as a single, it was classified as an album by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. A month later the group attended Kazutoshi Sakurai's 3-day festival 'ap bank fes’ 05' from July 16, 2005 through July 18, 2005, followed by 'SETSTOCK '05' at Kokuei bihoku kyuuryou park on July 23, 2005 and 'Higher Ground 2005' at Umi no nakamichi kaihinkouen outdoor theater on July 30, 2005. Three months later on September 21, 2005, I Love U (I♥U), Mr.Children’s 12th original album, was released. Two months later Dome Tour 2005 'I Love U' began, running from November 12, 2005 through December 27, 2005. By the end of the year the group managed to pass the 45 million mark in sold records.[32]

The first single for 2006, was their 28th single 'Houkiboshi' released on July 5, 2006 and used as the promotion song for Toyota's "tobira wo akeyou" commercial and as the theme song to NTV's 2006 FIFA World Cup broadcasting. Due to the groups involvement with ap bank fes. '06, their were no magazine or radio promotions, and only 3 live performances were done to promote the single. However the commercial tie-in's for the single proved to be a success and 'Houkiboshi' was voted #3 as the favorite commercial song for 2006[33] and voted as the favorite winter song heard in the summer.[34] Ten days following the release of 'Houkiboshi', Mr.Children participated in the 3 day festival, ap bank fes '06, where they performed Hero, Strange Chameleon, Owari naki tabi, and Hokiboshi.[35] One month later Mr.Children were special guests at The Mujintou fes. 2006 and performed mirai, Innocent world, Hokorobi, Sign, Owarinaki tabi, Worlds end, and Houkiboshi.[36] Shortly after Mr.Children announced a joint tour with fellow Japanese rockers the pillows, known as 'Mr.Children & the pillows new big bang tour ~This is Hybrid Innocent~'. The tour was held from September 26, 2006 through October 11, 2006. On November 15, 2006, the group released their 29th single "Shirushi", which was used as the theme song Jyūyonsai no Haha, by NTV, a controversial television drama about underage pregnancy.[37] One of the b-sides of single was a re-recording of Mr. Children's 2003 song "Kurumi", used as a theme song in the movie Koufuku na Shokutaku.[38]


[edit] 2007

On January 24, 2007 the band released their 30th single, "Fake", which was used as the theme song for the movie Dororo, and while only a limited edition single, brought the group to 26 consecutive #1 singles.[39] Shortly after, the 13th original album, Home was released on March 14, which would become the group's first in almost 13 years to chart at #1 for two consecutive weeks.[40] It was also the first Japanese album in 2007 to sell more than a million copies.[41][42] Work on the record had come to a standstill, during the recording of the song "Houki Boshi", due to a dispute among the group over "Home"'s direction. Producer Kobayashi suggested to make an album that

“ "pays attention to the world with a message".[43] ”

The album reflected a more personal touch from the group, with 'Motto' talking about the 9/11 attacks at New York City, and 'Anmari oboetenai ya', being inspired by Kazutoshi Sakurai father who had been sick.[44] The title of the album 'Home', was originally suggested to be titled "Home Made" or "Home Ground", because the group wanted the album to having the meaning that is was made by hand. However they choose to name it just 'Home' because they felt that by adding an additional word it would be limiting the idea in mind.[45] Three days after the release of Home, Mr. Children won the awards Best Video of the Year and Best Group Video for the single "Shirushi" at the Space Shower Music Awards '07.[46] For the album, the group held two promotional tours. The first half called Mr. Children Home Tour 2007, started on May 4 and lasted until June 23. During the tour, a new compilation album titled B-Side was released on May 10, which was also the group's 15th anniversary. The release of a b-side compilation had been suggested by singer Sakurai while working on Home:

“ "There are so many songs I like very much".[47] ”

Releasing a public statement on their official site at Toy's Factory, both the group and Sakurai felt that the a-side tracks on their singles had started to dictate and overall theme as to who Mr. Children were as a group. They felt a lot of feelings and desires which have shaped them as a group came from these coupling songs, and thus decided to released them as a compilation album.[48] On May 5, 2007 after the second concert for the first half of the Home tour, drummer Hideya Suzuki injured his hand after accidentally touching a ventilator. He injured his left index finger, which required 4 stitches and the following two concerts had to be re-scheduled.[49][50] Publicity for the tour reached a high, when they performed in front of a sold-out tour for 15,000 fans at Yokohama Arena on June 7, 2007[51][52] and reignited speculation that the Mr.Children phenomenon was alive and well.[53] A second half of the tour to promote 'Home', titled Mr.Children Home Tour 2007 -In the Field- took place from August 4 to September 30.[50] Both tours ended up being a big success for the group, and became the most attended Japan tour in 2007 at 550,000 fans.[54] The main promotional track for the Home album, "Irodori", was selected to promote the Olympus E-410. During the E Goes to World campaign, the camera manufacturer had customers submit pictures to create a new promotional video for the song.[55][56]

On July 10 Mr. Children announced a new song on their website titled 'Tabidachi no Uta'. While initially a single release date wasn't issued, the group announced a month later it would be released on October 30, 2007. The title track, 'Tabidachi no Uta', will be used as a theme for the Japanese movie Koizora, and a month later would also be used to promote NTT Higashi Nihon.[57] Similar to Jyūyonsai no Haha before, the movie Koizora deals with the struggles of a young girl, involving betrayal, rape and abortion.[20][58] The group was scheduled to play at the ap bank fes '07 from July 14 to July 16, but due to a typhoon, the first two days had to be canceled, and only the final day proceeded as planned.[59][60] With the announcement of the new single Mr.Children also announced the 'Home' tour 2007 DVD, which was released on November 14, 2007.


[edit] 2008

For the beginning of 2008, Sakurai released an album and DVD with his solo project Bank Band, followed a month later by the official announcement of two new Mr.Children songs. The first, title 'Shounen', was used in the NHK Japanese drama 'Battery'[61] and another song, currently not revealed, that will be used as the NHK Beijing Olympic Broadcast theme song in August.[20] In addition ap bank announced that Mr.Children would appear for all 3 days at ap bank fes '08.[62]

[edit] Fan Club

The official fan club of Mr. Children is called Father & Mother, the title being derived from their name. The fan club, which started in 1994, was kept relatively secretive at first, as the group has never made any mention of it on their official website. In 2006, for the release of the group's 29th single "Shirushi", the official website was revamped and with it information about the fan club was finally added. Just like before however, the fan club can only be joined by mail and requires an admission fee of 3.500 yen, with yearly re-applications for membership.[20]


[edit] Lineup

Recurring support members

  • Takeshi Kobayashi – keyboards, producer
  • Takashi "Sunny" Katsuya – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Shuji Kouguchi – guitar, harmonica


[edit] Discography

Main article: Mr. Children discography
Title Year Peak chart position[22]
Everything 1992 25
Kind of Love 1992 13
Versus 1993 3
Atomic Heart 1994 1
Shinkai (深海?) 1996 1
Bolero 1997 1
Discovery 1999 1
1/42** 1999 1
Q 2000 2
Mr. Children 1992-1995* 2001 1
Mr. Children 1996-2000* 2001 2
It's a Wonderful World 2002 1
Shifuku no Oto (シフクノオト) 2004 1
I Love U (I♥U) 2005 1
Home 2007 1[63]
B-Side* 2007 1[64]

* Compilation album.
** Live album

[edit] Books

Official Books: [20]

  • [es] Mr.Children in 370 DAYS (April 25, 1995) ISBN4-04-852567-0 C0076
  • Mr.Children Everything 天才・桜井和寿 終わりなき音の冒険 (Mr.Children Everything -Tensai Sakurai Kazutoshi owarinaki oto no bouken-) (December 25, 1996) ISBN4-87233-308-X C0073
  • Mr.Children詩集「優しい歌」 (Mr.Children song collection -Yasashii Uta-) (December 10, 2001) ISBN4-265-80100-5 C0092


[edit] Tours

Official Tours: [20]

  • '92 Everything Tour (September 23, 1992 - November 5, 1992)
Visited 10 cities and held 10 concerts
  • '92 Your Everything Tour (September 26, 1992 - November 22, 1992)
Visited 11 cities and held 12 concerts
  • '92-93 Kind of Love Tour (December 7, 1992 - January 25, 1993)
Visited 9 cities and held 9 concerts
  • '93 Versus Tour (September 23, 1993 - November 5, 1993)
Visited 9 cities and held 9 concerts
  • Mr. Children '94 tour innocent world (September 18, 1994 - December 18, 1994)
Visited 24 cities and held 27 concerts
  • Mr.Children '95 Tour Atomic Heart (January 7, 1995 - February 20, 1995)
Visited 10 cities and held 21 concerts
  • Hounen Mansaku natsu matsuri tour [ku:] (sora) (July 16, 1995 - September 10, 1995)
Visited 11 cities and held 19 concerts
  • Regress or Progress (August 24, 1996 - March 28, 1997)
Visited 14 cities and held 55 concerts
  • "Discovery" Tour '99 (February 14, 1999 - July 12, 1999)
Visited 16 cities and held 42 concerts
  • Mr. Children Concert tour Q (October 15, 2000 - February 24, 2001)
Visited 13 cities and held 35 concerts
  • Popsaurus Mr. Children (July 15, 2001 - September 25, 2001)
Visited 10 cities and held 15 concerts
  • Wonederful World on Dec. 21 (December 21, 2002)
A one night live. Originally intended to be a 26 city and 39 concert tour, but was canceled due to Kazutoshi Sakurai's hospitalization
  • Tour 2004 "Shifuku no Oto" (June 12, 2004 - September 25, 2004)
Visited 11 cities and held 21 concerts
  • Dome tour 2005 "I ♥ U" (November 12, 2005 - December 27, 2005)
Visited 5 cities and held 10 concerts
  • Mr. Children & the pillows new big bang tour ~This is Hybrid Innocent~ (September 26, 2006 - October 11, 2006)
Visited 6 cities and held 7 concerts. The tour, a Zepp tour, was a joint effort with fellow rock group the pillows
  • Mr. Children "Home" Tour 2007 (May 4, 2007 - June 23, 2007)
Visited 7 cities and held 14 concerts
  • Mr. Children "Home" Tour 2007 -in the field- (August 4, 2007 - September 30, 2007)
Visited 9 cities and held 14 concerts


[edit] Awards and Records

Years Awards and Records
1994
  • 3rd Annual Television Drama Academy Awards "Best Theme Song" - Tomorrow Never Knows[65]
  • 36th Annual Japan Record Awards "Grand Prize" - Innocent World[66]
  • 36th Annual Japan Record Awards "Best Album" - Atomic Heart[66]
1995
  • 9th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Artist Award"[67]
  • 9th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Grand Prix Single Award" - Tomorrow Never Knows[67]
  • 9th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Single Award" - Tomorrow Never Knows[67]
  • 9th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Single Award" - Innocent World[67]
  • 9th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best Album" - Innocent World[67]
  • 13th Annual JASRAC Awards "Silver Award" - Innocent World[68]
  • 37th Annual Japan Record Awards "Excellent work prize" - See-Saw Game ~yuukan na koi no uta~[69]
1996
  • 10th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Single Award" - See-Saw Game ~yuukan na koi no uta~[67]
1997
  • 11th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Artist Award"[67]
  • 11th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Grand Prix Single Award" - Namonaki uta[67]
  • 11th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Single Award" - Hana -memento mori-[67]
  • 11th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best 5 Single Award" - Namonaki uta[67]
  • 11th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Best Album" - Shinkai[67]
  • 13th Annual JASRAC Awards "Silver Award" - Namonaki uta[68]
  • IFPI Hong Kong Gold Disc Awards "International Gold Disc" - Land in Asia[70]
  • IFPI Hong Kong Gold Disc Awards "International Platinum Disc" - Bolero[70]
  • IFPI Hong Kong Gold Disc Awards "International Platinum Disc" - Land in Asia[70]
  • IFPI Hong Kong Gold Disc Awards "International Platinum Disc" - Shinkai[70]
1998
  • 12th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock album of the year" - Bolero[67]
1999
  • 13th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Song Of The Year" - Owarinaki Tabi[67]
  • 14th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock Album Of The Year" - DISCOVERY[67]
2001
  • 15th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock Album Of The Year" - Q[67]
2002
  • 16th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock Album Of The Year" - Mr.Children 1992-1995[67]
  • 16th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock Album Of The Year" - Mr.Children 1996-2000[67]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ‘02 "Best Group Video" - youthful days
  • MTV Video Music Awards Japan '02 "Best Video of the Year" - Kimi ga suki[71]
  • MTV Video Music Awards Japan '02 "Best Director" - Kimi ga suki[71]
  • 31st Annual Television Drama Academy Awards "Best Theme Song" - youthful Days[65]
2003
  • 17th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock & Pop Album of the Year" - It’s a Wonderful World[67]
  • The One Show Awards "One Show Gold" - It’s a Wonderful World[72]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ‘03 "Best Animation Video" - HERO
2004
  • 18th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Song of the Year" - Tenohira/Kurumi[67]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ‘04 "Best Video Of The Year" - Kurumi[73]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ‘04 "Best Group Video" - Kurumi[73]
  • 41st Television Drama Academy Awards "Best Theme Song" - Sign[65]
  • 46th Annual Japan Record Awards "Grand Prize" - Sign[74]
  • 46th Annual Japan Record Awards "Gold Prize" - Sign[74]
2005
  • 19th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Song of the Year" - Sign[67]
  • 19th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock & Pop Album of the Year" - Shifuku no oto[67]
  • 19th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Music Video of the Year" - Shifuku no oto[67]
2006
  • 20th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock & Pop Album Of The Year" - I LOVE U[67]
  • 20th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "Rock & Pop Album of the Year" - Four Dimensions[67]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ’06 "Special award - artist which made a special contribution to the music scene in 2005" [75]
2007
  • 21st Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "The Best 10 Singles" - Shirushi[67]
  • 21st Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "The Best 10 Singles" - Houkiboshi[67]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ’07 "Best Video Of The Year" - Shirushi[76]
  • SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards ’07 "Best Group Video" - Shirushi[76]
  • Mr.Children sells over 50 million albums and singles[1]
  • All-male band (with over 3 members) to have the most #1 albums on Oricon[6]
2008
  • 22nd Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "The Best 10 Singles" - Tabidachi no uta[67]
  • 22nd Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards "The Best 10 Albums" - HOME[67]


[edit] See also


[edit] References

  1. ^ a b ミスチル、シングル＆アルバム総売上枚数5,000万枚突破 (Mr.Children, single and an album break through 50,000,000 total sales!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  2. ^ a b 篠原涼子、“リレハンメル”でブレイク！ (Ryoko Shinohara breaks away by "Lilly hammer"!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-05-08.
  3. ^ a b c Mr.Children artist profile (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-05-08.
  4. ^ a b Mr.Children (Japanese). oricon.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  5. ^ ミスチル、ガッキー映画主題歌で27作連続1位！ (Mr.Children, GAKKI movie theme song continues 27 works at #1!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  6. ^ a b GLAYを抜いて歴代1位！ ミスチルが達成した新記録って？ (GLAY is removed as 1st place of success! A new record Mr.Children has achieved?) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  7. ^ a b c d Mr. Children 1992-1995 booklet
  8. ^ a b c Music Station SP' - Music Station, March 16, 2007, No. 881
  9. ^ a b c d (2007) The distance to "HOME", 別冊カドカワ総力特集 Mr.Children (Separate volume Kadokawa special issue Mr.Children) (in Japanese). Kadokawa television, p. 167-170. ISBN 978-4-04-894488-5. 
  10. ^ "BACKSTAGE PASS", Shinko music entertainment, April 1997 NO.176, pp. 8-24. (Japanese) 
  11. ^ a b c d Mr.Children、待望のニューシングル「箒星」リリース決定！(Mr.Children, and long-awaited new single "Houkiboshi" release decision!) (Japanese). oricon.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
  12. ^ a b ミスチル、ニューアルバム完成！(Mr.Children and new album completion!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-22.
  13. ^ a b 2006年ドラマ主題歌No.1は!? (2006's No.1 theme song?) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  14. ^ a b c d e Mr. Children 1996-2000 booklet
  15. ^ 第36回日本レコード大賞 (The 36th Japan Record Grand Prix) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  16. ^ LIVE UFO '95 桑田佳祐＆Mr. Children “Acoustic Revolution with Orchestra” 奇跡の地球(ほし) ('LIVE UFO '95 Kuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children "Acoustic Revolution with Orchestra" Kiseki no hoshi') (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  17. ^ (2007) The distance to "HOME", 別冊カドカワ総力特集 Mr.Children (Separate volume Kadokawa special issue Mr.Children) (in Japanese). Kadokawa television, p. 168. ISBN 978-4-04-894488-5. 
  18. ^ ZARDに支えられた･･･　夢を追いかけるときに聴きたい曲No.1 (Supported by Zard... song I'd like to hear when running after the dream No.1) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
  19. ^ ZARD「負けないで」、14年経っても輝きは失われない (ZARD 'Makenaide', 14 years later, blaze isn't lost) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g Mr.Children official website (Japanese).
  21. ^ Hallelujah Document, SONY TELEVISION (2001)
  22. ^ a b ミスチル、ニューアルバム完成！(Mr.Children and new album completion!) (Japanese). oricon.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-06-17.
  23. ^ a b MTV Japan Vol.79 Mr.Children interview (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  24. ^ 2002 FIFA World Cup Official album: Songs of Korea Japan. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  25. ^ ミスチル桜井が漏らした重病のホンネ (Serious illness of Mr.Children's Sakurai leaked) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  26. ^ Mr.Childrenついに活動再開。ファン待望の新曲をリリース (Mr.Children activities restarted. A new song fans are looking forward to is released) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  27. ^ AP Bank official website. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  28. ^ The Eco-Friendly Bank. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  29. ^ Bank Band、配信限定で新曲を急遽リリース…その理由は？ (Bank Band releases a new song by download only... the reason?). Retrieved on 2007-10-23.
  30. ^ Toy's Factory - Bank Band Discography (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  31. ^ 日本レコード大賞・最優秀新人賞 (Japanese Japan Record Grand Prix and the best rookie of the year award) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  32. ^ MUSIC STATION SPECIAL アーティスト別 CDトータルセールスランキング TOP50！(MUSIC STATION SPECIAL Classification of artist CD total sales ranking TOP50!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  33. ^ 10年前のあのヒット曲がCM曲好感度に登場！(The hit song 10 years ago appears as CM song favorite) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-09-08.
  34. ^ 夏に聴いても心に響く冬の曲！？夏ソングじゃないイチ押し！(The winter song appealing even if it's heard in summer!? The Ichi influence which isn't a summer song!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-09-08.
  35. ^ ap bank fes. '06 official live report (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-09-08.
  36. ^ Mr.Children （8/27 SPECIAL GUEST） (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-09-08.
  37. ^ 14才の母 (Jyūyonsai no Haha) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  38. ^ Mr. Children、「くるみ」が映画主題歌に決定！(Mr.Children 'Kurumi' decide as a movie theme song!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  39. ^ ミスチル、映画『どろろ』主題歌で26作連続1位！ (Mr.Children 'Dororo' movie theme song and consecutive 26 works at #1!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
  40. ^ ミスチル“今年初のミリオン”射程圏内 (Mr.Children "The million album this year" within range) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  41. ^ ミスチル強し！今年初の“ミリオンセールス”誕生！ (Mr. Children is strong! The first album to surpass one million sales!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  42. ^ 2007年上半期ランキング大発表 (The first half rank big announcement in 2007) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  43. ^ (April 2007 No.217) Mr.Children, R&R Newsmaker (in Japanese). PIA, p. 20-23. ISBN 491-0-19-739047-0. 
  44. ^ 'Home' Documentary (from 'Home' CD+DVD album), TOY'S FACTORY (2007)
  45. ^ Mr.Children　インタビュー＆作品解説 (Mr.Children Interview and work explained) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-04-09.
  46. ^ Space Shower Music Awards '07 BEST VIDEOS (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  47. ^ ミスチル、デビュー15周年記念アルバムが5月発売 (Mr. Children and 15th debut anniversary album put on the market in May.) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-30.
  48. ^ Mr.Children official Toy's Factory website (under B-Side release) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  49. ^ ミスチル、メンバーの負傷で公演中止を発表 (Performance cancellation is announced after injury of Mr.Children member.) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-18.
  50. ^ a b Mr.Children "Home" Tour 2007 (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-18.
  51. ^ ミスチルライブに１万5000人熱狂！(15,000 people are excited at Misuchiru live broadcasting!) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
  52. ^ (Misuchiru "I am back" performance) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
  53. ^ 第二のミスチル現象 (Mr.Children phenomenon) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-05-08.
  54. ^ ミスチル６万7000人と大合唱 (Misuchiru 67,000 person chorus) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-10-23.
  55. ^ Olympus Wonder (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  56. ^ ミスチル＆宮崎あおい、あのCMを盛り上げる！ (Mr. Children and Aoi Miyazaki, the CM that is built) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-18.
  57. ^ 「都会の真ん中で絆を想う」篇（旅立ちの唄） ("I think of a bond in the middle of the city." (Tabidachi no uta)) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  58. ^ Koirzora -official website- (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
  59. ^ 「ap bank」中止日歌手も一部参加へ ('ap bank' cancellation of singer and participation ) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  60. ^ 台風4号で夏フェス、軒並み中止！？ap bank１６日は開催 (Summer Fes. is canceled No.4 typhoon! ap bank for day 16 is only held) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
  61. ^ バッテリー - NHKドラマ8 (Battery - NHK Drama 8) (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  62. ^ ap bank fes '08 (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
  63. ^ CDリリース ＨＯＭＥ/Ｍｒ．Ｃｈｉｌｄｒｅｎ (CD Release Home/Mr.Children) (Japanese). oricon.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-06-29.
  64. ^ CDリリース Ｂ－ＳＩＤＥ/Ｍｒ．Ｃｈｉｌｄｒｅｎ (CD Release B-Side/Mr.Children) (Japanese). oricon.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-06-29.
  65. ^ a b c Television Drama Academy Awards (Japanese). television.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  66. ^ a b 第36回日本レコード大賞 (The 36th annual Japanese record prize) (Japanese). jacompa.or.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  67. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Japan Gold Disc Award Official Website (Japanese). golddisc.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  68. ^ a b 1993年~1997年 JASRAC賞－第11回～第15回 (1993~~1997 The JASRAC prize - 11th time - 15th time) (Japanese). jasrac.or.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  69. ^ 第37回日本レコード大賞 (The 37th annual Japanese record prize) (Japanese). jasrac.or.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  70. ^ a b c d IFPIHK Gold Disc Award (Japanese). ifpihk.org. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  71. ^ a b MTV Music Video Awards 2002 (Japanese). vmaj2007.org. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  72. ^ ツタヤで「擬音語＆擬態語」を体験するバレンタイン企画 (Valentine project to experience "onomatopoetic word and imitative word") (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  73. ^ a b ミュージックビデオの祭典で、Mr.Childrenが２冠達成。Mr.ADULTSも駆けつけた！ (In the festival of the music video, Mr.Children achieves two crowns. Mr.ADULTS also ran) (Japanese). barks.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  74. ^ a b 第46回日本レコード大賞 (The 46th annual Japanese record prize) (Japanese). jacompa.or.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  75. ^ SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards 06速報 (SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards 06 newsletter) (Japanese). yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  76. ^ a b SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 07速報 (SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 07 newsletter) (Japanese). yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved on 2007-12-08.


[edit] External links