Kanjani Eight

Kanjani Eight
Origin Osaka, Japan
Genres
Years active 2002 (2002)–present
Labels
Website www.infinity-r.jp
Johnny's net
Members
Past members Hiroki Uchi

Kanjani Eight (関ジャニ∞（エイト） Kanjani Eito, stylized as Kanjani∞) is a seven-member Japanese boy band from Japan's Kansai region. They are managed by the multimedia talent agency, Johnny & Associates, and signed to Imperial Records. The group was formed in 2002 and made their CD debut in 2004 as "Johnny's modern enka group", though after the year 2006, their sound and style has become a mix of pop and rock. Like the rest of the acts managed under Johnny & Associates, Kanjani Eight also perform in various other areas of the Japanese entertainment industry such as variety show hosting, television, movie, and stage acting, and radio talk show hosting.

History

Combination of two groups: 2002–2003

Kanjani Eight was the combination of the four top leading Kansai Juniors of the "Junior golden age" and the newly popular V. West (Five West), a rock band Kansai Junior unit. Prior to the creation of the group, Subaru Shibutani, Yuu Yokoyama, Shingo Murakami, and Ryo Nishikido were one of the top leading juniors of the time, headlining many Junior hosted programs and acting in dramas. After the debuts of Arashi and Tackey & Tsubasa, the golden era was suddenly coming to an end and so was their popularity. By the year 2001 all their activity had slowed down to magazine photoshoots.

On the contrary, a new Kansai Junior unit named V. West was taking off in popularity, more so than their eastern counterpart FiVe. The group consisted of Ryuhei Maruyama, Shota Yasuda, Hiroki Uchi, Kiyohito Mizuno, and Tooru Imayama.[1] The group became so popular that by 2001 they had their own television show, Weekly V. West.[2] But, when Mizuno and Imayama left Johnny's & Associates, worry had begun to creep within unit as to their fate within the talent agency.

In 2002, after the end of Weekly V. West, a new program was created to replace it on Kansai TV Channel 8 entitled J3Kansai (pronounced as J Cube Kansai). This show brought together the top leading Kansai Juniors of the golden age and V. West creating the new Junior group, Kanjani, a portmanteau of the words Kansai Johnny's.[3][4] With the success of the stage play, Another, the group became official garnering the name Kanjani Eight. The "8" stood for the channel that the show J3Kansai aired on. Tadayoshi Ohkura had been added to the group as a drummer and then as an official member in the 12 episode finalizing the group as an eight-member group.[5]

Kanjani Eight, as a newly formed group, held their first concert in December 2002, titled " Kanjani Eight Xmas Party 2002 ". This concert ended up becoming a yearly tradition before ending in 2005. It was also the birthplace of the group's signature act, Kanjani Sentai Eight Ranger.[6]

In 2003, Kanjani Eight members Nishikido and Uchi were called to go to Tokyo to become a part of NEWS, another Johnny & Associates group.[7]

Debut: 2004–2005

Although Nishikido and Uchi were already members of NEWS, they went on to also debut as members of Kanjani Eight when the group released their debut single titled "Naniwa Iroha Bushi" in the Kansai area on August 25, 2004. The single became a local hit, capturing the traditional feel of their hometown region through the pop-enka tune. Shibutani had said, in regards to the feel of the song, " The song has a Kawachi Workman's bass, so it's entirely something new. It'd make me happy to see others dancing when they hear it." [8] Despite the release of the CD, their debut was lackluster, leaving many to question if the debut actually was real. The members themselves had found out of the debut through a newspaper article; Shibutani had said that he was "very surprised" when he found out.[9]

Even though there was questions about the group's debut, "Naniwa Iroha Bushi" had risen to the number-one spot on the Oricon's Enka charts and reaching number-eight on the Oricon's generic music charts. When the single made its nationwide debut on September 22, it had hit number-one on both the Oricon Enka and General Music charts.[10]

Much of 2004 activities were Kansai region focused in comparison their fellow acts who had the luxuries of nationwide exposure. Kanjani Eight had become hometown idols with majority of their popularity within the region but outside the area they were almost unknown. The release of their second single, "Osaka Rainy Blues", further exemplified the fact with the CD single debuting number-nine on the Oricon. To this date, "Osaka Rainy Blues" is the group's lowest single in sales.[11]

2005 had marked the launch of Kanjani Eight's popularity even though it had opened up with the lackluster sales of their second single, "Osaka Rainy Blues". The group had been starring in three regular programs, now being aired nationwide, and were starting to get recognition as a debut Johnny's act.[12][13][14] But with growing success came a scandal and in 2005 Hiroki Uchi was arrested for disorderly conduct and underage drinking, being 18 at the time.[15]

The scandal had a significant impact on Kanjani Eight as well as NEWS, the other group he was active in. Johnny's & Associates removed Uchi from both units and put him under an indefinite hiatus from all activities.[15] Also, the drama special about the WWII Kamikaze pilots starring the group, Yakusoku, was canceled.[16] Kanjani Eight continued on that year to do their first Osaka-jō Hall performance with one member less in the summer of 2005.[17]

KJ1 F.T.O: 2006

After the nationwide exposure and scandal in 2005, Kanjani Eight were pushing forward without looking back. Their late 2005 single, "Sukiyanen, Osaka/Oh! Enka/Mugendai" had shown signs of the group's growing success opening at number-two on the Weekly Oricon charts and in March 2006, the group had released their first nationwide debut album, KJ1 F.T.O, the title standing for Kanjani 1: Funky Town Osaka. The album had hit number-two on the Oricon on its debut.

Now known nationally and having an official album release under their belts, Kanjani Eight had begun their first tour. Named after the album's title, the F.T.O.N, Funky Tokyo Osaka Nagoya, concert tour spanned the three cities for six days and twenty performances in total. Soon after the small spring concert tour, the band launched their first nationwide tour, entitled Nationwide 1-St Tour 2006 followed up with a part two winter concert which was appropriately named after the release of their first number-one single, "Kan Fu Fighting". Both tours were a total of 46 performances.

As with all Johnny's, music and television appearances were not the only thing on the group's active schedule. 2006 had also marked the acting debut leads for Ohkura, Maruyama, and Yasuda. By the end of 2006, the group had been in more than four dramas including the Kansai TV drama special showcasing the entire band in three separate stories.

Kanjani Eight have also been active in several stage plays, returning once again for the third year in a row to headline the popular Johnny's & Associates produced play, Dream Boys, with KAT-TUN. This year also marked the end of their summer special stage play series with the return of Another as Another's Another. Their final summer special stage play had a total of 58 performances and marked the last time Kanjani Eight would ever perform at Osaka Shochiku-za Theater.

KJ2 Zukkoke Dai Dassō: 2007

2007 would be marked as the year of Kanjani Eight's success as a group and as a Johnny. The year had opened up with the chart-topping single, "Kan Fu Fighting", which was then followed by the release of their second single, "Zukkoke Otoko Michi". "Zukkoke Otoko Michi" debuted at number-one on the Weekly Charts[18] and number-three for the month of April. The single went later on to be the number-one8 top selling single of 2007. Despite the popularity of the song, it still wasn't as substantial as the success of "Kanfuu Fighting" which had been number-nine on the 2007 yearly charts.

The release of "Zukkoke Otoko Michi" also marked the change of labels from Teichiku Records to its subsidiary, Imperial Records partly due to the change of sound that the band had. Teichiku is an Enka label and the change to Imperial allowed the band to be on a label with a broader sound as Imperial is Teichiku Entertainment's pop/rock label.

June 2007 was the release of their second full-length album, KJ2 Zukkoke Dai Dassō. The album was a significant departure in sound from their first release, focusing the funk and rock side of things, but still didn't stop record sales as it had debut number-one on the Oricon[19][20] and number-two overall for the month of June.

Majority of 2007 was spent on the road as the group had opened up 2007 holding a concert series as Kyocera Dome entitled Eh?! Honma?! Bikkuri!! Dome Concert in Osaka (Eh? Really?! Shocking!!). The concert tour was extended to a full-length nationwide tour of the same name, breaking records of being the first pop group ever to perform in all forty-seven prefectures in the same concert tour. The Eh! Honma! Bikkuri!! Tour 2007 had lasted five months and was a total of 113 performances.

In between all the concert activities, many members in Kanjani Eight were involved in other side projects. Yokoyama had starred in the Fuji TV drama, Haikei, Chihiue-sama (拝啓、父上様 Dear, Father) as well as the drama adaptation of the manga, Yūkan Club. Nishikido had starred in the Attention Please drama special and in 1 Liter of Tears. Ohkura had a role in the franchise revival of Hissatsu Shigotonin as well as a supporting role in the TBS drama, Utahime. Maruyama also held a role in the TBS special, Wachigaiya Itosato (輪違屋糸里).[21]

Directly following up the concert was the release of their seventh single, "It's My Soul". The song had followed the style of its preceding single and album, and managed to hit number-one on the Oricon in its debut week[22] and number-two overall for the month of October. The single managed to hit twenty-second most sold single of 2007.

2007 had ended with the release of the documentary photobook and the concert DVD, 47, which was from the Tokyo Dome performance of their nationwide 2007 tour. 47 ended up becoming the top selling music DVD of 2008 on the Oricon charts, staying on for a solid 57 weeks.[23][24]

Puzzle: 2008–2009

2008 continued the flow of the band's high-speed activity for the first half of the year. The release of their eighth single, "Wahaha!!", met with success reaching number-one on the Weekly Oricon charts,[25] Billboard Japan Hot 100, Billboard Japan Hot Single Sales, and reaching number-two7 on the top singles of 2008 (Oricon).[26]

Right after their 4-city, 24-performance spring tour, Kanjani Eight hosted the NTV special, Touch! Eco 2008: Ashita no Tame ni... 55 no Chōsen? Special (Touch! eco 2008 明日のために…55の挑戦?スペシャル Touch! Eco: For the Sake of Tomorrow... 55 Challenges? Special), a 13-hour television special spreading the awareness of ecology and the impact of energy waste and littering to the planet. Soon after, they hosted the sequel to their variety special, Sore Yuke! Daidaman, Daidaman Z.

Much of 2008 after June was spent with mild activities from the group. After the successful summer tour, the group released their ninth single, "Musekinin Hero". The single marked a milestone in the group's rising stardom by breaking over 300,000 units sold. The single had reached number-one on the charts and number-eleven on the 2008 yearly charts.[27][28][29]

In 2009, Kanjani Eight had released their third album Puzzle after nearly two years since the release of Zukkoke Dai Dassō. Puzzle was a complete departure in sound compared to their previous two albums, containing more of mixture of R&B, rock, and pop songs. The album took only three months to complete and was released in April instantly garnering the number-one spot on the Oricon.[30] The album ended up the number-one1 best-selling album in the first half 2009. After a very successful concert tour, a DVD was released from their Tokyo Dome performance. The DVD had reached number-one on the General and Music DVD Oricon charts.

Their tenth single, "Kyū Jō Show!!", was released in November after nearly a year since their last single. The CD single hit number-one on the Oricon weekly charts and number-two overall for the month of November, despite the number-one spot, it did not beat the success of "Musekinin Hero".[31]

In December 2009, Kanjani Eight released their eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth single. "Gift" was released as three separate singles, white, red and green, with different songs on each one. The single release is the band's first Christmas themed song and is said by the group to be a "Gift to the fans". It was released on the day before Christmas Eve (White), Christmas Eve (Red), and Christmas Day (Green). With these releases, Kanjani Eight became the first (and so far only) group to occupy the top three spots in the Oricon singles chart at once.[32]

8Uppers: 2010

In a news article concerning Hiroki Uchi becoming involved with the Japanese production of Guys and Dolls, the president of Johnny & Associates, Johnny Kitagawa, stated that Uchi has been permanently removed from both Kanjani Eight and NEWS and will instead focus on solo work and acting.[33]

It was announced on July 6, 2010 that the group's fourteenth single "Wonderful World!!" debuted at number-one on the Oricon weekly singles chart.[34] Kanjani Eight released their fifteenth single "Life (Me no Mae no Mukō e)" (LIFE 〜目の前の向こうへ〜) on August 25, 2010, and it went on to top the Oricon weekly singles chart.[35]

Fight: 2011

2011 opened up with a triple single release from the group. T.W.L/Yellow Pansy Street was the first; a double-A side single that was released on April 20, 2011. Yellow Pansy Street served as the theme song to the 19th Shin-chan movie, The Storm Called: Operation Golden Spy and T.W.L was the 14th theme song for the animated show. The single immediately shot to no. 1 on the Oricon charts. Ohkura and Murakami both guest starred in the theatrical movie as two bumbling anti-heroes whom Shin-chan unexpectedly gets in their way.[36] Following that release, in March 2011, Kanjani Eight released the second single in the series of releases with My Home. This single was the theme song to Nishikido's TV Asahi drama, Inu wo Kau to Iu koto ~Sky to Waga ga Uchi no 180 Nichi ~. The triple release project was concluded with the single titled, 365 Nichi Kazoku, which was the theme song to Ohkura's TBS drama, Umareru. Both singles earned the top spot on the Oricon charts and remained on the charts for 13 weeks respectively.[37][38]

On April 6, 2011, Kanjani Eight was announced to be the hosts of the 34th annual 24 Hour Television, a televised charity event produced by NTV.[39] After the devastating March 11th Touhoku tsunami and earthquake, Kanjani Eight were selected because the members themselves were affected by the 1995 Hanshin earthquake, nearly 16 years earlier. Murakami commented, in regards to being selected to host the fund raising event, " Now it's our turn to return the favor ", in regards to the help given to them during the 1995 quake. Yokoyama stated, " I can still remember the screams and the parents protecting us. We, Kanjani8, have experienced a devastating earthquake, but today Kobe and Osaka are doing great. I want to convey to the people of Touhoku how if we become one we can overcome (anything)!"[40] The theme for that year's 24 Hour Television was, " Strength ", in response to the perseverance of the victims of the 2011 earthquake.[41]

In July 2011, all the members of Kanjani Eight were announced to appear in the 24 Hour Television drama special titled, Ikiteru dake de nankurunai sa. It had already been announced that Murakami Shingo had the leading role and Shibutani Subaru had the supporting role as his friend since childhood, but it was revealed on July 19 that everyone else in Kanjani Eight would make an appearance in the drama. This was a historical first for the charity event as only one member of the hosting group would star in the special.[42] The drama aired the night of August 20, 2011 during the 24 Hour Television broadcast. It was later released on DVD on November 26, 2011. [43]

Continuing their string of activities and national exposure, it was announced on August 18, 2011 that Kanjani Eight's television show, Kanjani no Shiwake Eight, would now become an hour-long Golden Time variety. The show was currently airing at the late night time slot of Wednesdays at 1:21am for thirty minutes. But now the show would air every Saturday at 7:58pm starting in September. This was the first variety show that the group hosted that was now in a Golden Time slot. Shibutani commented, " To have a golden time program is a major landmark. I'm glad to have this dream realized ".[44]

Also announced, on that same day, the group would be going on a four baseball dome tour in support of their fifth album, Fight.[45] This tour marked the first time that the group performed at Sapporo Dome and Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome. Murakami stated, " We (Kanjani8) talked about how other groups have done concerts (there) and how we wanted to do that as well. "[44] In September 2011, an additional stop was added to the tour schedule; Nagoya Dome for a Christmas Eve performance. This made Kanjani8 to be the fourth Johnny & Associates signed talent to perform at 5 major domes. Though, the worries of the recent earthquake did not go unnoticed by the members. Subaru remarked with, "How are we going to do this year's tour? It's going to happen but how should we go about it? I've been thinking a lot about it […] I want to spread my thanks, when people watch this live, I want them to become invigorated. I believe in the connecting spirit of Japan. "[46]

On October 7, 2011, Nishikido withdrew from NEWS to focus on activities with Kanjani8.[47][48] Nishikido had been in both groups for 8 years up to that point and the schedule conflicts of being in two different idol groups were becoming to be too much for him. On the October 14, 2011 episode of Music Station, Nishikido gave his reason behind his departure, " I'm sure there's a lot of you who are shocked, but, things like scheduling between the two groups was a problem that was worrying me. Now, I'm going to continue my best as Nishikido Ryo of Kanjani8. Please, also, continue to support the new NEWS as well as Yama P. "[49][50]

Their fifth album, Fight, was released on November 17, 2011 and reached no. 1 on the Oricon charts with a total of 253,524 units sold.[51] Monjai Beat served as the supporting track for the album and promotion began in October and continued throughout the rest of the year. The album closed out the year as the 21st top sold album of 2011.[52] Fight was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.[53]

8EST: The 8th Anniversary: 2012 - present

On January 1, 2012, during Kanjani8's yearly countdown concert at Kyocera dome, the group announced their 8th anniversary after the New Year's celebrations. A large sign was displayed on the overhead LED screens congratulating the group on 8 years. Because of how significant the number 8 is to the group's image and namesake, the 8th anniversary was a milemarker celebration for their career. The concert also kicked off the return of the Eight Rangers, the group appearing on stage in their suits during the final encore of the performance.[54]

To mark the beginning of the 8th anniversary celebrations, in February 2012 it was announced that Ryo Nishikido would star in a drama titled, Papa wa Idol or, officially in English, My Papa is an Idol.[55] It was also announced that Kanjani Eight themselves would appear in the drama to add to the 8th anniversary celebrations. The goal of the drama was to blur the lines between reality and fiction, so TBS dedicated some of their prime time programming to coincide with the events going on within the drama.[56][57] To even further blur the lines, the entire cast performed a real wedding at a chapel which was broadcast on live television prior to the premiere of the drama.[58] A Golden Week special aired in May, tying into the Papadoru theme, in which the members of Kanjani Eight split into teams of two to assume the roles as fathers and take care of children. Yasuda Shota was the only one not in a team and filmed his segment in Papau New Guinea.[59]

In early March, a movie adaptation of the fan-favorite skit, Eight Ranger, was announced. The movie was to be directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, known for his 20th Century Boys movie series and drama work on Ikebukuro West Gate Park and SPEC.[60] The movie would take a more grim and darker approach to the otherwise childish skits, introducing characters with alcoholism and gambling addiction. Shortly after the movie announcement, it was later revealed that the movie production would collaborate with the Papadoru production.[61] Various other tie ins and collaborations followed with different companies such as 7-11, Sanrio, Scalabo, and others. The movie was released in theaters on July 28, 2012.[62][63][64]

The first of Kanjani Eight's anniversary singles were announced on April 3, 2012. Titled Ai Deshita, it served as the theme song for the TBS drama Papadoru. Filming for the promotional video as well as CD jacket art and promotional materials were incorporated into the actual drama. The group performed the song, live, in the final episode.[65] The June release date was announced on April 17 and the CD track listing was announced in May.[66][67] Ai Deshita. was the number one top selling single on the Oricon charts upon release and stayed on the charts for a total of 15 weeks making it their 7th consecutive single to reach number one.[68][69]

The second of Kanjani Eight's anniversary singles was announced shortly after the release of "Ai Deshita", on June 21, 2012 titled "ER". It would serve as the theme song to movie, Eight Rangers. What made this single unique from the rest was that it was released under the pseudonym, Eight Rangers, rather than the group name.[70] It was revealed that the single would go on sale on July 25, 2012; three days before the actual movie would have its nationwide release. The single had three versions, two of the versions including the music video for the A-side, directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko. Tracklisting also included a longer, studio version of the song, "∞Rangers", which was used as theme song for the concert skits. The single, upon release, reached number one on the Oricon and remained on the charts for a total of 20 weeks.[71] "ER" was the group's 8th consecutive number one hit and also managed to become the group's second highest grossing single to date, putting "Kanfu Fighting", in third place after four years.[72][73]

The entrance to the Hasai Bokura mo Hacchai, Hacchake Matsuri at Intex Osaka on August 11, 2012

In June, a fan appreciation event was announced. On August 8, 2012, Kanjani Eight performed "Matsubara Shinichi Presents: Sugohachi" at Kyocera Dome Osaka, a free live to winners of a lottery raffle. The raffle tickets were included in the releases for "Ai Deshita" and "ER". Roughly 40,000 winning tickets were available in that raffle. Also, during that same month, Kanjani Eight produced and performed at Hasai Bokura mo Hacchai, Hacchake Matsuri (8sai), pay-for fan appreciation event that took place in Tokyo on the weekend of August 5 and in Osaka on the weekend of August 10 respectively.[74] The "Sugohachi" performance involved Kanjani Eight playing a game where they moved around a game board, performing tasks related to the group's history. At the end of the event, they had a countdown of the top 5 best songs selected by fans in a survey taken at the Tokyo 8sai event.

The Hasai Bokura mo Hacchai, Hacchake Matsuri was a festival with various activities for fans to take part of spanning an entire day. A website was launched with information shortly after the announcement. Tickets were sold, initially as a lottery, to the general public online or through phone via Ticket PiA. After the results were release, a general sale happened as a first-come, first-served. Attendees were allowed to select the day and group that they wanted to go in.[75] Open to the general population, the event split up attendees into five different groups, each assigned a different talk and live time. The talks involved Kanjani Eight taking part in games in order to win center position on their next release while the lives had the group perform a mini concert, one half being dance tracks and the other half being acoustic. The title, Hasai Bokura mo Hacchai, Hacchake Matsuri (∞祭　ボクらも８っちゃい、８っちゃけ祭) is a pun that does not directly translate into English. Hasai can be read as Eight Festival or taken as a double meaning for Eight Years. Hacchai/Hacchake is more of an expression to explain someone who's really over the top or has really gone beyond the norm.

On August 6, Kanjani Eight's third anniversary single, "Aoppana", was announced. "Aoppana" was the theme song to the drama, Boys on the Run, which starred member Maruyama Ryuhei in the lead. The single was released on September 9, 2012, and had two editions—a regular and limited edition. The first press of the regular edition of the song contained a photo album that featured the childhood photos of each member while the limited edition single contained the DVD of the promotional video as well as the behind the scenes.[76] The cover art was also different, with the regular edition featuring Kanjani Eight as children and the limited edition featuring the group as their adult selves doing the same poses. The single shot to number one upon release with a total of 280,000 units sold. It stayed on the charts for 21 weeks and is the group's tenth highest grossing single to date.[77][78]

In early September, Kanjani Eight's first compilation album was announced. Titled, 8EST: Eight x Eighter = Eightest!, three versions of the album was released. Two limited editions along with a normal edition. Limited edition A contained the live performances from 8sai as well as a documentary about the production of the festival. It also contained a digest of "Matsubara Shinichi Presents: Sugohachi". Limited edition B contained all five days of the 8sai live talk segments, the "Hohoemi Date", a punishment game that the two worst performing members in the 8sai games had to do, and a postcard set featuring the promotional artwork of all their singles up to Crouton, the only original song from 8EST. The album contained all of the group's A-side releases up to "ER", except for the normal edition which contained all the songs from GIFT.[79] 8EST reached number one on the Oricon charts with 298,000 units sold, the first compilation album of theirs to do so. It was also their 5th consecutive single since their second album, KJ2 Zukkoke Dai Dassou, to reach number one.[80]

The sign board for the Osaka dome extension at Kyocera Dome Osaka on December 31, 2012

During the 8sai festival, on August 5, Kanjani Eight announced their concert tour the year. Titled, Kanjani Eight Live Tour 8EST: Minna no omoi wa doudai? Bokura no omoi wa mugendai!, it was scheduled for ten cities with a total of 35 performances.[81] The tour kicked off with the group's first stadium performance at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on September 15, 2012. During those performances, it was then announced that the tour would be extended to include two dome performances at Tokyo and Osaka. This brought the total attendance, scheduled, of the tour to a grand total of 880,000 attendees.[82] The tour continued on to Osaka for the Nagai Stadium performances but was ultimately canceled on the last day, September 30, due to Typhoon no. 17.[83] In response to the cancellation, Kanjani Eight released a statement,[84]

“ For everyone looking forward to our final stadium performance in our hometown of Osaka, we are extremely sorry but thinking of the safety of you all that were going to come, we canceled tomorrow’s live at Nagai Sports Stadium. This is our first outdoor live in Osaka and we, all us members, were really looking forward to it. Though we’re filled with a lot of regret, today we’re going to perform on stage with all our might. We will try to do our best as our 8th anniversary tour continues. ”
— Kanjani Eight, Johnny's Net Statement

The concert tour continued on with the arena and dome performances. In support of their compilation album, the group only performed their most popular songs and unit/solos. The arena performances had a different setlist than the dome performances, with the arena being a condensed version of the stadium performances (containing shorter songs and a new Eight Rangers skit) while the dome performances axed the skit for longer songs and solos. Tickets for the concert were sold through the fanclub while the Tokyo and Osaka dome extensions were opened up to the general public through playguide and sold via Lawson Ticket. Also, different this year was the absence of a countdown live. This was because Kanjani Eight was to perform for the first time at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.[85]

The group was the 5th artist by total sales revenue in Japan in 2012 and 2013, with ¥4.916 billion and ¥4.738 billion, respectively.[86][87]

2014, Launching of the independent record label 'Infinity Records'

Right after their 10th anniversary celebrations(十祭, Jussai), Kanjani Eight announced launching of the independent record label 'Infinity Record' that was named by members. Their contract with record company Teichiku Entertainment has expired on the 24th and they have since launched own independent label, to be under the umbrella of J-storm. With the independent label, there will be an increased responsibility as members seek to pursue Kanjani Eight-ness. They will be responsible for production, from song arrangement and recording, release time, and concert planning. According to Murakami Shingo, this has been decided so that "we can show our colors and ideas more deeply" and promises growth as a group. Additionally, launching of the independent record label is first time as a boy group of Johnny & Associations.

The group was the 3rd artist by total sales revenue in Japan in 2014, with ¥5.862 billion.[88]

Members

Former Member

Sub-units

Within Kanjani Eight are several subunits created by the members for various reasons, either for a creative outlet or for other special reasons such as concerts. Out of all the units created between them, only SanKyōDai and SubaruBand have made it onto actual albums.

SubaruBand – A rock band that is composed of Shibutani (vo), Maruyama (ba), Yasuda (g), and Ohkura (dr). The group made its first appearance in 2002 at the Kanjani Eight Xmas Party. The songs are composed by Yasuda, lyrics written by Shibutani, and arranged by the band. Notable songs are "One", "High Position", and "Down up ↑"

SanKyōDai – An acoustic band as well as a full sounding band with Maruyama and Ohkura on support. Its main members are Yuu (Yokoyama), Chipa (Yasuda), and Baru (Shibutani) and their first appearance was at the 2003 Kanjani8 Xmas Party. Up until the Christmas 2005 show, SanKyoudai had released new song, these songs being, "Purin" (Pudding), "Amechan" (Candy), "Mikan" (Oranges), and "Onigishi" (Onigiri). Lyrics are written by Yuu and songs composed by Chipa.

YamaDa – A manzai duo created by Maruyama and Yasuda in which Maruyama plays the boke and Yasuda plays the tsukkomi.

There are also other lesser known subunits that the group has created such as OhYamaDa (band), SanBaka (Shibutani, Yokoyama, Murakami), Yasuba (Yasuda and Shibutani), and others.

Kanjani Sentai Eightranger

Discography

Studio albums

Mini albums

  • 2004: Kansha ni Eight

Compilations

  • 2012: 8est

Concerts/Stage

Concert Tours

  • 2002 - 2005 X-mas Party
  • 2005 Zenyasai 1st Live
  • 2006 F.T.O.N. (Funky Tokyo Osaka Nagoya)
  • 2006 1st Nationwide tour
  • 2007 Kanjani8 Dome Concert in Osaka: Eh? Honma?! Bikkuri!
  • 2007 Kanjani8 Nationwide 47 Prefecture Tour: Eh? Honma?! Bikkuri! Tour 2007
  • 2008 Kanjani8 Live Tour 2008! 8 Da Yo! Zenin Shugo!
  • 2008 Kanjani8 Live Tour 2008: Natsu Da! Tsūa Da! Wahaha!
  • 2009 Kanjani8 Tour 2009 Puzzle
  • 2009 Kanjani8 Dome Concert 2009–2010
  • 2010 Kanjani8 ∞Uppers Live Concert 2010-2011
  • 2011 Kanjani8: 5 Big Dome Tour Eight x Eighter: Sorry if it isn't Enjoyable Tour 2011 - 2012
  • 2012 Kanjani8 Live Tour!! 8EST: Minna no omoi wa dounandai? Bokura no omoi wa Mugendai!!
  • 2013 Kanjani8 Jussai
  • 2014 Kanjani8 Kanjanism Live Tour 2014-2015

Stage Performances

  • 2002 Another
  • 2003 Dōton Boys
  • 2004 Summer Storm
  • 2004 Magical Musical Dream Boy
  • 2005 Hey! Say! Dream Boy
  • 2005 Magical Summer
  • 2006 Another's Another
  • 2006 Dream Boys

Filmography

Variety Programming

  • 2002 - 2003 J3 Kansai
  • 2004 - 2005 Urajani
  • 2005 Mugendai no Gimon
  • 2005 - 2007 Suka J
  • 2003 - 2007 Honjani
  • 2007 Oishinsuke
  • 2007 - 2008 Mucha Buri
  • 2008 - 2009 Can!Jani
  • 2009 Kanpani
  • 2010 - 2012 Bōken Japan! Kanjani8 Map

Current Programming

  • 2007 - present Kanjani8 no Janiben
  • 2008 - present Ariehen Sekai
  • 2011 - present Kanjani8 no Shiwake Eight

Television Dramas

Movies

Publications

Photobook

Manga

References

  1. ↑ "V.WEST(ふぁいぶうぇすと) の楽曲リスト - 無料試聴！投稿型着メロ/Ｊ研" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-01.
  2. ↑ "KTV [週刊 V.WEST] (Wayback Machine Archive)" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  3. ↑ "KTV 番組　ジェイキューブ カンサイ (Wayback Machine Archive)" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  4. ↑ "VWXYZ : Weekly V. West" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  5. ↑ 関ジャニ"に新メンバー?! そして (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  6. ↑ 関ジャニ８　Ｘ’ｍａｓ　パーティ レポ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  7. ↑ "スペシャルサポーター「イメージキャラクター」　NEWS　" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  8. ↑ ジャニーズ演歌やでぇ～「関ジャニ８」デビュー (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  9. ↑ "ザ少年倶楽部プレミアム 第９回". ザ少年倶楽部プレミアム. Episode 9 (in Japanese). 2006-12-17. NHK.
  10. ↑ "関ジャニ∞（エイト）、演歌デビュー曲史上初の初登場TOP10入り！" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  11. ↑ 関ジャニ∞（エイト）のシングル売り上げランキング (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  12. ↑ "TV Tokyo Suka-J" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  13. ↑ 関ジャニ∞の新レギュラー番組「∞(ムゲンダイ)のギモン」がスタート (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  14. ↑ "KTV ほんじゃに" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  15. 1 2 ＮＥＷＳ飲酒１８歳　無期謹慎 (in Japanese). Yomiuri News. Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  16. ↑ 関ジャニ∞全員主演ドラマ、関西テレビで年内放送へ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  17. ↑ "関ジャニ∞コンレポin大阪①" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  18. ↑ 関ジャニ∞、演歌・歌謡ランキング記録3部門制覇! (in Japanese). Oricon. 2007-04-17. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  19. ↑ "Johnny's groups dominate charts". Tokyograph. 2007-06-11. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  20. ↑ 関ジャニ∞、初のアルバム初登場1位! (in Japanese). Oricon. 2007-06-12. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  21. ↑ "関ジャニ∞、動きまくった怒涛の1年！". 2007-12-26. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  22. ↑ 今週の注目ランキングトピックス一覧! (in Japanese). Oricon. 2007-10-23. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  23. ↑ "【年間映像ランキング】関ジャニ∞、ミュージックDVD全部門制覇" (in Japanese). Oricon. 2008-12-18. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  24. ↑ "47 DVD info" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  25. ↑ 【オリコン】関ジャニ∞、4作連続通算5作目のシングル1位 (in Japanese). Oricon. 2008-03-18. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  26. ↑ "ジャニーズ、ジャパン・チャート４週連続で１位独占、山下達郎、桑田佳祐も上位に登場". 2008-03-20. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  27. ↑ 2008年11月第2週のシングルランキング情報 (in Japanese). Oricon. 2008-11-02. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  28. ↑ 関ジャニ∞が5作連続1位　デビュー以来最高の滑り出し (in Japanese). Oricon. 2008-11-04. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  29. ↑ 2008年 年間シングルランキング (in Japanese). Oricon. 2008-12-11. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  30. ↑ "Charts: EXILE, Kanjani8". Tokyograph. 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  31. ↑ "2009年11月第3週のシングルランキング情報". Oricon. 2009-11-04. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  32. ↑ "Charts: Kanjani8 takes top three". Tokyograph. 2009-12-30. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  33. ↑ "内初座長、再出発から３年「頑張った」 - 芸能ニュース : nikkansports.com". 2010-01-10. Retrieved 2010-01-31.
  34. ↑ 関ジャニ∞、初週売上20 万突破で通算9作目の首位獲得 (in Japanese). Oricon. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  35. ↑ 関ジャニ∞、初のドラマ主題歌＆初のバンド形態シングルで10作目の首位 (in Japanese). Oricon. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  36. ↑ "映画クレヨンしんちゃん　嵐を呼ぶ　黄金のスパイ大作戦 キャスト・スタッフ - goo 映画". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  37. ↑ "オリコン芸能人事典＞関ジャニ∞（エイト）＞関ジャニ∞（エイト）の作品(CD)". Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  38. ↑ "オリコン芸能人事典＞関ジャニ∞（エイト）＞関ジャニ∞（エイト）の作品(CD)". Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  39. ↑ "関ジャニ∞、今年の『24時間TV』メインパーソナリティー決定 (関ジャニ∞（エイト）) ニュース-ORICON STYLE-". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  40. ↑ "関ジャニ村上、横山ら「阪神・淡路」経験/芸能・社会/デイリースポーツonline". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  41. ↑ "羽鳥アナ「24時間テレビ」総合司会者に決定～西尾アナと"ズーム"コンビ復活 (羽鳥慎一) ニュース-ORICON STYLE-". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  42. ↑ "24時間テレビスペシャルドラマ史上初！メインパーソナリティーの関ジャニ∞メンバー全員が出演決定！ - シネマトゥデイ". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  43. ↑ "生きてるだけで なんくるないさ トップページ". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  44. 1 2 "関ジャニ∞初のゴールデン進出！4大ドームツアーも決定！". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  45. ↑ "「関ジャニ∞」ゴールデン初冠番組！１１月４大ドームツアーも決定！：芸能特集：スポーツ報知". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  46. ↑ "関ジャニ、ジャニーズ４組目の５大ドーム公演！：芸能特集：スポーツ報知". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Yamapi & Ryo Nishikido withdraw from NEWS". 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-10-08.
  48. ↑ "山Ｐ、錦戸が「ＮＥＷＳ」脱退！ ― スポニチ Sponichi Annex 芸能". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  49. ↑ "テレビ朝日｜ミュージックステーション". Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  50. ↑ "「ＮＥＷＳ」解散危機だった…錦戸　Ｍステで脱退報告 ― スポニチ Sponichi Annex 芸能". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  51. ↑ "2011年11月14日～2011年11月20日のCDアルバム週間ランキング（2011年11月28日付". Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  52. ↑ "2011年のCDアルバム年間ランキング（2011年度". Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  53. ↑ "一般社団法人 日本レコード協会｜各種統計". Retrieved January 21, 2012.
  54. ↑ 関ジャニ∞ (2012-03-21). 関ジャニ∞ FIGHT - 五大ドームTour Eight x Eighter: おもんなかったらドームすいません (Blu-ray). 京セラドーム大阪: Imperial Records/Teichiku Entertainment.
  55. ↑ "錦戸亮がシングルマザーと結婚!?　主演ドラマでアイドルの現実と家族の絆を描く -ORICON STYLE-". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  56. ↑ "錦戸亮主演の新ドラマ「パパドル!」、第1話で「ひみつの嵐ちゃん!」とコラボ". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  57. ↑ "錦戸亮、本人役で主演！ＴＢＳ系「パパはアイドル！（仮）」". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  58. ↑ "錦戸亮、優香と結婚!?　チャペルでドラマの製作会見". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  59. ↑ "関ジャニ∞、メンバー全員がパパに挑戦　GWにSP番組放送決定". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  60. ↑ "関ジャニ∞初主演、コンサートの名物企画『エイトレンジャー』を映画化 -ORICON STYLE-". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  61. ↑ "関ジャニ錦戸主演ドラマと映画『エイトレンジャー』がコラボ". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  62. ↑ "ファースト・スカルプシャンプー「SCALABO」× 映画『エイトレンジャー』スペシャルコラボレーション！！". Retrieved January 7, 2013.
  63. ↑ "ハイチュウ×映画『エイトレンジャー』　 "正義"のコラボレーション決定！！". Retrieved January 7, 2013.
  64. ↑ "セブン-イレブン×映画『エイトレンジャー』". Retrieved January 7, 2013.
  65. ↑ "関ジャニ∞の新曲"愛でした。"が錦戸亮主演ドラマ「パパドル!」主題歌に - TOWER RECORDS ONLINE". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  66. ↑ "関ジャニ∞、新ドラマ「パパドル!」主題歌"愛でした。"を6月にリリース". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  67. ↑ "関ジャニ∞、ドラマ「パパドル!」主題歌シングル"愛でした。"の詳細判明". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
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  69. ↑ "愛でした。関ジャニ∞ -ORICON STYLE-". Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  70. ↑ "関ジャニ∞がエイトレンジャー名義でCDリリース決定". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  71. ↑ "ＥＲ 関ジャニ∞（エイト）のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  72. ↑ "関ジャニ∞（エイト）のCDシングルランキング、関ジャニ∞（エイト）のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  73. ↑ "関ジャニ∞「エイトレンジャー」主題歌初登場１位 - 芸能社会 - SANSPO.COM（サンスポ）". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  74. ↑ "ナタリー - 関ジャニ∞、8周年祝い8月8日に大阪ドームフリー公演". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  75. ↑ "関ジャニ∞ 一般発売（WEB先着）／大阪 | チケットぴあ[音楽 J-POP・ROCKのチケット購入・予約]". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  76. ↑ "関ジャニ∞ ニューシングル「あおっぱな」が9/5発売決定". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  77. ↑ "関ジャニ、8周年で初ベスト　横山センター新曲も収録". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  78. ↑ "あおっぱな 関ジャニ∞（エイト）のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  79. ↑ "関ジャニ、8周年で初ベスト　横山センター新曲も収録". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  80. ↑ "【オリコン】関ジャニ∞初ベストが首位　アルバム自己最高の初週29.8万枚". Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  81. ↑ "関ジャニ「∞祭」に８万５０００人動員！". Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  82. ↑ "関ジャニ∞:東京＆京セラＤ公演追加　８周年記念８８万人動員－ 毎日ｊｐ(毎日新聞)". Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  83. ↑ "関ジャニ∞台風で30日公演中止". Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  84. ↑ "KANJANI∞ LIVE TOUR!! 8EST
    大阪/長居競技場公演情報
    【台風17号の接近に伴う、9/30（日）公演のお知らせ】"    . Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  85. ↑ "関ジャニ　紅白初内定！快進撃のデビュー８周年を締める". Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  86. ↑ "Oricon reveals "Artist Total Sales Revenue" ranking for 2012". tokyohive. 6Theory Media, LLC. December 20, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  87. ↑ "Oricon 2013 Yearly Charts : Artist Total Sales". tokyohive. 6Theory Media, LLC. December 16, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  88. ↑ "2014 Oricon Yearly 'Artist Total Sales' Ranking TOP5". tokyohive. 6Theory Media, LLC. December 20, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  89. 1 2 Johnny's net
  90. ↑ "関ジャニ∞「えっ! ホンマ!? ビックリ!! TOUR 2007」密着ドキュメント写真集: 書籍: 角川書店・角川グループ". Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  91. ↑ "ｆｏｒ　Ｎｏ．∞ 講談社 講談社". Retrieved January 9, 2013.

External links

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