Scandal (Japanese band)

Scandal
SCANDAL at Anime Festival Asia 2010. From left to right: Tomomi, Haruna, Rina, and Mami
Background information
Origin	Osaka, Japan
Genres	Pop rock[1]
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Kitty 2008-2009 Epic 2009-present Wasabi (EU)
Associated acts	Keiko Terada, Stereopony, Nakagawa Shoko
Website	Official website
Members	Haruna Ono Mami Sasazaki Tomomi Ogawa Rina Suzuki

Scandal (スキャンダル, Sukyandaru, stylized as SCANDAL) is a Japanese pop rock girl band from Osaka, Japan. Scandal is considered as The representative of Japan’s Girl Bands and self-proclaimed as The Most Powerful Japanese Girlie Pop-Rock. Formed in August 2006 by four high school girls, they started playing street lives until they were noticed and signed to the indie label Kitty Records. In 2008, they released three singles and a mini-album while performing shows in the United States, France, and Hong Kong. That October, Scandal released their major debut single, "Doll", under Epic Records Japan.

The band has performed the theme songs for many anime, including "Shōjo S" and "Harukaze" for Bleach and "Shunkan Sentimental" for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. With numerous overseas performances and anime theme songs, Scandal has built a considerable international fanbase.^[2][3]

Members

Haruna Ono (小野春菜, Ono Haruna) - lead vocals, secondary guitarist

• Born: August 10, 1988
• Hometown: Aichi, Japan
• Guitar: Fender Tele Thinline Deluxe Black

Mami Sasazaki (笹崎まみ, Sasazaki Mami) - lead guitarist, secondary vocals

• Born: May 21, 1990
• Hometown: Aichi, Japan
• Guitar: Gretsch White Falcon Double Cutaway G6136DC

Tomomi Ogawa (小川ともみ, Ogawa Tomomi) - bassist, secondary vocals

• Born: May 31, 1990
• Hometown: Hyōgo, Japan
• Bass: Fender Japan Jazz Bass Red Competition-stripe.

Rina Suzuki (鈴木理菜, Suzuki Rina) - drummer, secondary vocals

• Born: August 21, 1991
• Hometown: Nara, Japan
• Drums: Pearl Masters Series Premium Maple

History

Indie career

Scandal was formed in August 2006 by four high school girls. The girls, Haruna, Mami, Tomomi, and Rina, met in an Osaka vocal and dance school called Caless.^[4][5] Shortly thereafter, they started performing street lives every weekend at Shiroten in Osaka Castle Park. Soon, they started getting offers from clubs in Osaka and Kyoto. The band's name originates from a sign near Studio Brotherz, a studio where they practiced in their early days. The studio is on the sixth floor of a building shared with other businesses, namely adult shops. The girls decided to choose the biggest sign among the shops, "Scandal" (スキャンダル, Sukyandaru), as the name for their band.^[6]

Scandal signed with indie label Kitty Records and released three singles exclusive to Tower Records in 2008. The first, "Space Ranger", ranked #2 on the Tower indie charts and the other two, "Koi Moyō" and "Kagerō", ranked #1.^[4] In March, they embarked on the Japan Nite US tour 2008, touring six major cities in the United States. They also performed at Sakura-Con, one of the largest anime conventions in the United States. In July, they performed in front of 10,000 people at France's Japan Expo and also at Hong Kong's Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong in August. Scandal concluded their indie career with the release of their first mini-album, Yah! Yah! Yah! Hello Scandal: Maido! Scandal Desu! Yah Yah Yah!.

Major debut

2008 continued to be an eventful year for Scandal. In October, they made their major debut on Epic Records Japan with the single "Doll". It gave them more exposure, including appearances on mainstream music television shows like Music Station.^[7] The band released their second major single "Sakura Goodbye" in March 2009 to commemorate Mami and Tomomi's high school graduation.^[8] The song is a new version of their indie song, "Sakura", only heard live.^[9] The following month, their then upcoming third major single "Shōjo S" was used as the tenth opening theme for the anime Bleach. This brought their popularity up even higher as the single ranked #6 on the Oricon charts when it was released two months later in June.^[10]

On October 14, Scandal released their fourth major single, "Yumemiru Tsubasa" which was followed with their major debut album, Best Scandal, the next week. The album ranked #5 on the Oricon weekly chart, making them the first girl band since Zone to have a debut album chart in the top five.^[11] In December, Scandal embarked on their Scandal First Live: Best Scandal tour in 2009. Concluding the year, the band won a New Artist Award at the 51st Japan Record Award, but lost the Best New Artist Award to Korean boy band Big Bang.

2010 began with Scandal's fifth major single in February, "Shunkan Sentimental". It was used as the fourth ending theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The following month, they embarked on a spring tour, Scandal: Shunkan Sakura Zensen Tour 2010 Spring. Prior to its start, the band conducted a Twitter poll to choose a song to cover for the tour. The winner was "Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono)", which was chosen out of over 600 candidates.^[12] In June, Scandal released a pop tune for summer, "Taiyō to Kimi ga Egaku Story", followed by their first original ballad, "Namida no Regret", in July.

Between the end of July and the beginning of August, Scandal traveled to Hong Kong. The band performed for the third consecutive year at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong convention and held their first one-man live concert in Hong Kong, which sold out.^[13] SCANDAL was also featured on the cover of the Hong Kong magazine re:spect music magazine, and their previously released single "Taiyō to Kimi ga Egaku Story" reached #1 on the Radio Television Hong Kong J-pop chart.^[2] Earlier in the year, they were awarded a bronze newcomer award by RTHK, similar to the Hong Kong Grammys.^[2]

After returning to Japan, Scandal released their second album, Temptation Box, on August 11. The album debuted at #3 on the Oricon weekly chart, making them the first girl band to have an album chart in the top three in over a year since Chatmonchy's Kokuhaku.^[14] The album was also released in 42 other countries worldwide.^[3]

Later in August, Scandal provided the theme, insert, and ending songs for the animated film Loups=Garous, which premiered on the 28th in most of Japan. The songs were "Midnight Television", "Koshi-Tantan", and "Sayonara My Friend", respectively.^[15] The band also appeared as themselves, marking their big-screen debut as a band. They were shown in a musical performance scene that was created with the help of motion capture, providing a realistic representation of the band's movements.^[16] Each member also had a role voicing a minor character.^[17]

Two months following Temptation Box, Scandal released their eighth major single, "Scandal Nanka Buttobase", on October 6, 2010. The title track was written and composed by the husband-and-wife duo Yoko Aki and Ryudo Uzaki, who are known for creating many songs for Momoe Yamaguchi.^[18] The limited edition DVDs contains performances from the band's first television show, Shiteki Ongaku Jijō, which ran for 13 episodes from July to September 2010. In November, Scandal released a cover mini-album called R-Girl's Rock!. It features songs by female artists that they respect from the last three decades, including their cover of "Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono)" from May. Rina undertook her first lead vocal on the song Sunny Day Sunday.^[19]

Scandal continued into 2011 with their ninth major single on February 9. Titled "Pride", the song was used as the second ending theme for the anime Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto. The single also includes the tracks "Cute!", a collaboration with Sanrio's Cinnamoroll, and "Emotion", their first song that was written solely by a band member.^[20] Their tenth major single, "Haruka", was released on April 20. The title track was used as the theme song for the animated film Tofu Kozou, while the song "Satisfaction" was later used as the promotional song for the release of Windows 8. This was followed by their eleventh major single, "Love Survive", as well as their third studio album Baby Action. They also embarked on their first Asian Tour, performing to sell out crowds in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.

2012 proved to be a year of firsts for Scandal. The title track of their twelfth single, "Harukaze", was used as the opening theme for the anime Bleach. The following month, they released their first compilation album, Scandal Show, as well as holding their first concert at the Nippon Budokan, thus becoming the fastest girl band to perform there since their debut. In July, they released their thirteenth major single, "Taiyō Scandalous". This single marked the first official release of their subunits, Dobondobondo (Mami x Tomomi) and Almond Crush (Haruna x Rina). This was followed by their fourteenth major single, "Pin Heel Surfer", and their fourth major album, Queens Are Trumps: Kirifuda wa Queen. With this release, they became the first girl band to achieve four consecutive top 5 positions in the Oricon Weekly charts. They also held a concert in Malaysia in December, becoming the first Japanese band to hold a solo concert there.

Scandal started 2013 by fulfilling one of their biggest dreams they had since their formation by performing in their hometown at the Osaka-jō Hall in March. Later that month they also performed to sellout crowds on their 2nd Asian Tour in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. During this period they also announced their fourteenth major single "Awanai Tsumori no, Genki de ne" released in May, with the title track being used as the theme song for the movie "Ore wa Mada Honki Dashitenai Dake". They also took part in some music festivals like KAWAii!! MATSURi 2013 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, and Rock in Japan Festival 2013 at Hitachi Seaside Park.

Setlist Tracks

Scandal has performed songs that have not appeared on any of their releases. These tracks are:

Original Songs

• "Ashita no Ashita" (明日のアシタ, Tomorrow's Tomorrow) – Performed at Japan Expo 2008.^[21][22]

Covers

• "Don't say "lazy"" – Performed on the Music Japan|Music Japan Shinseiki Anime SP in August 2009.^[23] It was also performed with Shoko Nakagawa on November 3, 2010 at the Animax Musix|Animax Musix Fall 2010 event.^[24] The song is a cover of Sakurakou K-On Bu's song of the same name, the first ending theme of the anime K-On!.

• "Hajimete no Chuu" (はじめてのチュウ, First Kiss) – Performed on May 15, 2010 at the Animax Musix|Animax Musix Spring 2010 event.^[25] It is a cover of Anshin Papa's song of the same name, the fourth opening theme of the anime Kiteretsu Daihyakka.

• "Rouge no Dengon" (ルージュの伝言, Rouge Message) – Performed on November 3, 2010 at the Animax Musix|Animax Musix Fall 2010 event.^[24] It is a cover of Yumi Arai's song of the same name, the theme song of the anime film Majo no Takkyuubin.

• "Shake" – Performed on December 24, 2010 at Best Xmas 2 using the name "SCAP".^[26] It is a cover of SMAP's song of the same name.

• "Time Machine ni Onegai" (タイムマシンにおねがい, Wish for a Time Machine) – Performed at their one-year anniversary acoustic live in October 2009^[27] and during their first one-man tour in December 2009.^[28] It is a Sadistic Mika Band cover and it was a tribute to the late Kazuhiko Kato. It was also performed early in their career in 2006.^[29]

• "Touch (Yoshimi Iwasaki song) (Touch", タッチ) – Performed on May 16, 2010 at the Animax Musix Spring 2010 event.^[30] It is a cover of Yoshimi Iwasaki's song of the same name, the first opening theme of the anime Touch.

• "Yūki 100%" (勇気100%) – Performed on December 23, 2012 at Best Xmas 4.^[31] It is a cover of Hikaru Genji's song of the same name.

Collaborations

• Cutie Honey (キューティーハニー) – Performed with the cast of the Animax Musix|Animax Musix Fall 2010 event on November 3, 2010.^[24] It is originally by Yoko Maekawa.

• "Image no Uta" (イメージの詩, Image Song) – Performed with The Alfee, Magokoro Brothers, Gospellers, and Shoko Nakagawa on Music Fair in October 2009.^[32] It is originally by Takuro Yoshida.

• "Jōnetsu no Bara" (情熱の薔薇, Rose of Passion) – Performed with Kariyushi58, Tamurapan, Deep, Metis, and Yacht on the Mujack Livejack vol. 4 special in 2009. It is originally by The Blue Hearts.

• "Otoko no Ko Onna no Ko" (男の子女の子, Boy and Girl) – Performed with Hiromi Go, Speed, Kiyoe Yoshioka, and MiChi on Music Fair in May 2009.^[33] It is originally by Hiromi Go.

• "Rockdom (Kaze ni Fukarete)" (ROCKDOM －風に吹かれて－, Blowing in the Wind) – Performed with The Alfee, Magokoro Brothers, Gospellers, and Shoko Nakagawa on Music Fair in October 2009.^[34] It is originally by The Alfee.

• "The Galaxy Express 999" – Performed with May'n, Elisa, Mizca, Faylan, Shuhei Kita, and Sayaka Sasaki at the Animax Musix|Animax Musix Spring 2010 event on May 16, 2009.^[30] It is originally by Godiego.

Tie-Ins & Promotions

Being fans of Japanese animation and manga themselves they wanted to be represented in animated form, turning each member into an animated character. The animated Scandal is featured on a series of promotional videos on the band's website.

Scandal's music has been featured in a range of popular media. Besides their aforementioned "Shōjo S" and "Shunkan Sentimental" singles, which were featured in the anime series "Bleach" and "Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood" respectively, their first single, "Space Ranger", was the opening to Kyoto Sports Weekly, and their second single, "Koi Moyō" was the main theme of the movie Corazon de Melon. Their song, "Start", is the theme of Star Ocean: Second Evolution and is available on the game's soundtrack. More recently, "Daydream" was featured on a tribute album to the classic multi-genre Japanese band, Judy and Mary. Their new single "Harukaze" will be the 15th opening theme of Bleach. Scandal would be the second artist to be in charge of more than one opening theme in Bleach (after Aqua Timez).

Scandal also provided the theme music to the animated movie, Loups=Garous.^[35] The movie's insert song "Koshi-Tantan" was on their single "Taiyō to Kimi ga Egaku Story". Scandal also provided both the opening and ending themes for the movie, appearing in their animated form during a special musical performance scene.

They have also been featured in commercials, promoting a line of Cecil McBee cosmetics,^[36] for Nike, featuring four different colors of their footwear, and were chosen to represent Pocari Sweat in posters and in the promotional video for their song "Beauteen" as part of their summer 2009 campaign.

Fanclub

Mobile

In October 2009, pamphlets were enclosed in the band's first album, "Best Scandal", announcing the formation of "Club Scandal".

Club Scandal is a cellphone-based fanclub with exclusive videos and interviews, behind the scenes bonus material, pictures, and up-to-the minute news on the band. It is only available for Japanese cellphones. The date it launched depends on the cellphone service provider:

• NTT Docomo: Monday, November 9, 20

Traditional

On August 21, 2010 (the 4-year anniversary of the band being founded), Scandal launched a separate, traditional mail-based fanclub alongside "Club Scandal", called "Scandal Mania".

When joining, one would receive an official membership card, a full color newsletter mailed to the member tri-annually, a special birthday message written by their favorite member (chosen at sign-up) and signed by the whole band, as well as perks such as getting advance notice on tickets to live events, and special live events only for members.

Discography

Singles

• DOLL (2008.10.22)
• SAKURA Goodbye (2009.03.04)
• Shoujo S (2009.06.17)
• Yumemiru Tsubasa (2009.10.14)
• Shunkan Sentimental (2010.02.03)
• Taiyou to Kimi ga Egaku STORY (2010.06.02)
• Namida no Regret (2010.07.28)
• SCANDAL Nanka Buttobase (2010.10.06)
• Pride (2011.02.09)
• Haruka (2011.04.20)
• LOVE SURVIVE (2011.07.27)
• HARUKAZE (2012.02.22)
• Taiyou Scandalous (2012.07.11)
• Pin Heel Surfer (2012.09.12)
• Awanai Tsumori no, Genki de ne (2013.05.22)
• Kagen no Tsuki (2013.08.14)
• OVER DRIVE (2013.09.18)

Studio albums

• Best Scandal (2009)
• Temptation Box (2010)
• Baby Action (2011)
• Queens Are Trumps: Kirifuda wa Queen (2012)
• Standard (2013)

Compilation albums

• Scandal Show (2012)
• Encore Show (2013)

EPs

• Yah! Yah! Yah! Hello Scandal: Maido! Scandal Desu! Yah Yah Yah! (2008, indie)
• R-Girl's Rock! (2010, cover mini-album)

Concerts

Tours

• [2008.08.18–2008.08.29] Scandal: Give me P.P. Tour 2008 Summer^[37]
• [2009.12.04–2009.12.24] Scandal First Live: Best Scandal 2009 (First One-Man Live Tour, ファーストワンマンライブツアー)
• [2010.03.23–2010.04.10] Scandal: Shunkan Sakurazensen Tour 2010 Spring (SCANDAL～瞬間サクラゼンセンTOUR～2010 SPRING)
• [2010.09.18–2010.10.02] Everybody Say Yeah!: Temptation Box Tour 2010 Zepp Tokyo ("Scandal Temptation Box Tour 2010": Yeah! tte Iei!, 「SCANDAL TEMPTATION BOX TOUR 2010」～YEAH!って言えいっ!～)
• [2011.05.03–2011.06.08] Scandal Live Tour 2011 "Dreamer"
• [2011.10.13–2011.12.01] Scandal Virgin Hall Tour 2011 "Baby Action"
• [2012.05.19-2012.06.17] Scandal "Live Ido Live" Tour 2012
• [2012.10.12-2012.11.22] Scandal Hall Tour 2012 "Queens Are Trumps: Kirifuda wa Queen" (SCANDAL HALL TOUR 2012「Queens are trumps-切り札はクイーン-」)

One-man lives

• [2010.06.14] Ameagari no Kessan: Edo Hen "Zettai ni Makerarenai Tatakai ga Koko ni wa Aru" (雨上がりの決戦 ～江戸編～ 「絶対に負けられない戦いがここにはある」)
• [2010.06.16] Ameagari no Kessan: Naniwa Hen~ "Zettai ni Makerarenai Tatakai ga Koko ni wa Aru" (雨上がりの決戦 ～浪速編～ 「絶対に負けられない戦いがここにはある」)
• [2010.12.24] Scandal Special Live "Best Xmas 2"
• [2011.07.09–2011.07.10] Scandal One-Man Live in Shikoku "Kyuu ni Kite Gomen." (SCANDAL ONE-MAN LIVE IN 四国 「急にきてゴメン。」)
• [2011.12.22] Scandal Special Live "Best Xmas 3"
• [2012.03.28] Scandal Japan Title Match Live 2012: Scandal vs Budokan
• [2012.09.07-2012.09.09] Scandal Live "Kyu ni Kite Gomen." (SCANDAL LIVE 「急に来てゴメン。」)
• [2013.03.03] Scandal Osaka-jo Hall 2013 "Wonderful Tonight"

International

• [2008.03.16–2008.03.23] Japan Nite US Tour 2008 (United States)
• [2008.03.28–2008.03.30] Sakura-Con 2008 (United States)
• [2008.07.03–2008.07.06] Japan Expo 2008 (France)
• [2008.08.02] Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong 2008 (Hong Kong)
• [2009.08.03] Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong 2009 (Hong Kong)
• [2010.07.31] Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong 2010 (Hong Kong)
• [2010.08.01] Scandal Live in Hong Kong 2010 (Hong Kong)
• [2010.11.14] Anime Festival Asia (Singapore)
• [2011.07.03] AM² (United States)
• [2011.09.11–2011.09.17] Scandal Asia Tour 2011 "Baby Action" (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore)
• [2012.12.01] Scandal Special Live in Malaysia 2012 (Malaysia)
• [2013.03.13] Scandal Live in Jakarta 2013 (Indonesia)
• [2013.03.16-2013.03.17] Scandal Live in Singapore 2013 (Singapore)
• [2013.03.19] Scandal Live in Bangkok 2013 (Thailand)

Works

Films

• [2010] Loups=Garous

Television

• [2010.07.02–2010.09.24] Shiteki Ongaku Jijō (私的音楽事情)
• [2011.07.08–present] Next Break!!

Radio

• [2008.10.02–2009.10.01] Scandal no Doon. (SCANDALのド～ン。)
• [2009.05.21–2012.03.31] Radio Sessions "Scandal Munasawagi no Afer School" (Radio Sessions「SCANDAL 胸騒ぎのAFTER SCHOOL」)
• [2010.07.13–2010.12.28] FM OSAKA E-Tracks Selection

Internet

• [2009.10.22] Scandal Summit Vol. 1 (SCANDALサミットVol.1)
• [2010.02.03] Scandal Summit Vol. 2 (SCANDALサミットVol.2))
• [2010.06.01] Scandal Summit Vol. 3 (SCANDALサミットVol.3)
• [2010.08.24] Scandal Summit Vol. 4 (SCANDALサミットVol.4)
• [2011.04.06] Nico Nico Namahoshou "Scandal Kinkyu Kaigi! (ニコニコ生放送『SCANDAL 緊急会議!』)
• [2011.04.20] Nico Nico Namahoshou "Scandal Summit in Nico-sei" (ニコニコ生放送『SCANDALサミット in ニコ生』)
• [2011.07.29] Nico Nico Namahoshou "Dokusen! Album Zenkyoku Senkou Shichou-kai Scandal no Pajama Party" (ニコニコ生放送『独占!アルバム全曲先行視聴会♪SCANDALのパジャマパーティー☆★』)
• [2012.03.06] Best Album "Scandal Show" Hatsubai Kinen Tokuban "Scandal Summit in Ameba Studio" (BESTアルバム『SCANDAL SHOW』発売記念特番『SCANDALサミット IN AmebaStudio』)
• [2012.07.11] Nico Nico Namahoshou "Scandal Summit "Taiyō Scandalous" Release Kinen! "Almond Crush" vs "Dobondobondo" (ニコニコ生放送『SCANDALサミット 『太陽スキャンダラス』リリース記念! "アーモンドクラッシュ"vs"どぼんどぼんど"』)

Commercials

• [2009] Recochoku
• [2012] Stylee Sparkling
• [2013] Windows 8

Endorsements

• [2008] Nike Terminator "Play Hard"
• [2009] Cecil McBee
• [2010] 109 Men's

Books

• [2009.11.26]Scandal Best Scandal Band Score (SCANDAL BEST★SCANDAL バンドスコア)
• [2010.09.16] Temptation Book Scandal
• [2010.12.28] Scandal Temptation Box Official Band Score (SCANDAL TEMPTATION BOX オフィシャル・バンド・スコア)
• [2011.08.11] Band Score Scandal "Baby Action" (バンドスコア SCANDAL「BABY ACTION」)
• [2011.10.13] Girls Be Scandalous!
• [2012.03.28] Band Score Scandal "Scandal Show" (バンドスコア SCANDAL 「SCANDAL SHOW」)
• [2012.10.14] Band Score Scandal "Queens Are Trumps: Kirifuda wa Queen" (バンドスコア SCANDAL 「Queens are trumps-切り札はクイーン-」)
• [2013.02.06] Band Score Scandal "Encore Show" (バンドスコア SCANDAL 「ENCORE SHOW」)

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Scandal (Japanese band) (category)

• Official website (2008-) (Japanese)
• Official website (2007-2008)
• Official blog (2012-) (Japanese)
• Official blog (2009-2011) (Japanese)
• Official blog (2006-2007) (Japanese)
• Scandal on Twitter
• Scandal on Myspace
• Scandal's channel on YouTube
• Scandal's channel on YouTube

v t e Scandal Haruna Mami Tomomi Rina Studio albums Best Scandal Temptation Box Baby Action Queens Are Trumps: Kirifuda wa Queen Standard Compilation album Scandal Show Encore Show Singles "Space Ranger" "Koi Moyō" "Kagerō" "Doll" "Sakura Goodbye" "Shōjo S" "Yumemiru Tsubasa" "Shunkan Sentimental" "Taiyō to Kimi ga Egaku Story" "Namida no Regret" "Scandal Nanka Buttobase" "Pride" "Haruka" "Love Survive" "Harukaze" "Taiyō Scandalous" "Pin Heel Surfer" "Awanai Tsumori no, Genki de ne" "Kagen no Tsuki" "Over Drive" Digital releases Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) DVDs Scandal First Live: Best Scandal 2009 Everybody Say Yeah!: Temptation Box Tour 2010: Zepp Tokyo Video Action Japan Title Match Live 2012: Scandal vs Budokan Scandal Osaka-Jo Hall 2013: Wonderful Tonight Related articles Discography Kitty Records Epic Records Japan Wasabi Records