An Cafe
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese visual kei
rock band formed in 2003 and signed to the independent label Loop Ash. They are an oshare kei band, but now describe themselves as "Harajuku Dance Rock". The group has released five full-length albums and three EPs. On September 1, 2009, the band announced that after their live on January 4, 2010, at the Nippon Budokan
, they will be suspending activities and put the group on a hiatus, however they have stated they will not be disbanding.
In 2004, An Cafe released their first demos and signed a record deal with Loop Ash. Their first release, "Candyholic
", was released in March and reached the second spot on the Oricon
indies single chart. The band continued touring and releasing, including their first album, Shikisai Moment
, in 2005. The band released even more singles in 2006 until their second studio album, Magnya Carta
(a play on "Magna Carta
").
In 2007, the band announced their first overseas appearance at Project A-Kon
. The announcement of this was followed shortly by the departure of guitarist Bou. The last performance with Bou was on April 30, 2007, and was featured in a DVD titled Hibiya On ☆The☆ 0 New Sekai. After Bou left the band, two new members were announced: Takuya was to replace Bou as the guitarist and Yu-ki was to join An Cafe as a keyboardist. The first single with their new lineup was announced as "Kakusei Heroism
" followed by "Ryūsei Rocket
". At the end of 2007, An Cafe announced their first overseas tour, taking place in Europe
in 2008.
In the opening weeks of 2008, An Cafe announced their upcoming single, "Cherry Saku Yuki!!
", in February, as well as their next studio album, Gokutama Rock Cafe
, which was released on April 9, 2008.
An Cafe's EP, Harajuku Dance Rock
, was released by the Los Angeles
based Maru Music on March 13, 2009. This special release was made exclusively for overseas fans in North America and Europe.
BB Parallel World
, An Cafe's fourth studio album, was released in Japan on September 9, 2009; and in Europe on October 2, 2009. It contains title track singles "Aroma", "Summer Dive" and "Natsu Koi ★ Natsu Game", and eight other songs.
In 2010, An Cafe announced that they will be taking a break from activities. It is unknown as to how long they will be on hiatus, but they have not stated they will be disbanding. The message, issued on their official homepage, claims that "after the Budokan show, each member will concentrate on their own activity to be prepared for the band to restart in the future." The aforementioned Nippon Budokan
show took place on January 4, 2010.
In wake of the hiatus, several members are now involved in other projects. Kanon is heading a mobile phone game called Pinky☆Distortion, which is to be released in July 2010. He will also be a guest at Otakon 2010 as a panelist and a guest DJ, as well as pairing up with Kanon Wakeshima to form a duo act called kanonxkanon. Miku is serving as the vocalist for the new visual-kei band, Lc5, which started in June 2010. Teruki is playing as a support drummer for the band DOG in the parallel world orchestra.
(2007–2011) – Bass (2003–2011) – Keyboard
(2007–2011) – Drums (2003–2011)
.
Takuya (guitar) uses a White-brown Fender, a Paul Reed Smith, a G&L Telecaster, a Dean and some stompboxes, including the Boss Super Chorus and MXR/Phase 90.
Kanon (bass) uses two kinds of Fender Jazz Basses, a EBS/Multi Comp and a Basson speaker.
Teruki (drums) has the following setup: one Splash Cymbal (Paiste 10"), two Crash Cymbals (Paiste 16" and 18") Cymbals, one China Cymbal (Paiste 18"), one Ride Cymbal (Zildjian 20"), one Hi-Hat (Zildjian 14"), one Hi-Hat stand (Pearl), a Bass Drum (Pearl 22" x 16"), a Snare (Pearl 14" x 5,5"), one Mid Tom (Pearl 12" x 8"), one Floor Tom (Pearl 16" x 16"), two Pedals (Pearl) and Behringer amplification
In 2008, An Cafe vocalist Miku hosted Volume 2 of Visual Kei DVD Magazine alongside the magazine's mascot
, Biju.
. It has also gained moderate success in Europe
, mainland Asia
(Korea
, China
), Argentina
, Brazil
, Chile
, Canada
and the United States
.
In 2008, the band visited Finland, Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, Spain, the US, and Korea on their first overseas tour, "Live Cafe-Tour '08 - Nyappy Go Around World". They played a total of twelve concerts in the eight countries.
As of November 2008, An Cafe confirmed an overseas tour, "Live Cafe Tour '09 Nyappy Go Around the World Ⅱ -Harajuku Dance Rock Night-" which encompassed twelve countries: Russia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the USA. This tour took place over March and April, playing a total of 17 dates.
EPs
Singles
DVDs
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
rock band formed in 2003 and signed to the independent label Loop Ash. They are an oshare kei band, but now describe themselves as "Harajuku Dance Rock". The group has released five full-length albums and three EPs. On September 1, 2009, the band announced that after their live on January 4, 2010, at the Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo, Japan.This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded...
, they will be suspending activities and put the group on a hiatus, however they have stated they will not be disbanding.
History
An Cafe was formed in May 2003 by vocalist Miku, guitarist Bou and bassist Kanon. Miku's former band, Revirii, had disbanded two months earlier in April, and even though the band did not have a drummer at this point, they started to perform at several events. They were later joined by Teruki after he left his former band, Feathers-Blue.In 2004, An Cafe released their first demos and signed a record deal with Loop Ash. Their first release, "Candyholic
Candyholic (song)
is the debut single by Japanese band Antic Cafe. The songs are featured on the Amedama Rock album with songs from √69.-Track listing:# "Candyholic" - 3:38# "Mousou Aikouka" - 4:27# "3P" - 4:16...
", was released in March and reached the second spot on the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
indies single chart. The band continued touring and releasing, including their first album, Shikisai Moment
Shikisai Moment
is an album released by An Cafe on November 9, 2005.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Miku – vocals* Bou – guitar* Kanon – bass* Teruki – drums...
, in 2005. The band released even more singles in 2006 until their second studio album, Magnya Carta
Magnya Carta
is an album released by An Cafe on November 29, 2006 in Japan and on May 21, 2007 in South Korea. A limited edition was released as well, containing an additional DVD with several music videos.This is also Bou's last appearance in An Cafe.-Track listing:...
(a play on "Magna Carta
Magna Carta
Magna Carta is an English charter, originally issued in the year 1215 and reissued later in the 13th century in modified versions, which included the most direct challenges to the monarch's authority to date. The charter first passed into law in 1225...
").
In 2007, the band announced their first overseas appearance at Project A-Kon
Project A-Kon
A-Kon, formerly known as Project: A-Kon, is a three day anime convention held annually in Dallas, Texas usually on the last weekend of May. First held in 1990 with just 380 people in attendance, A-Kon is North America's longest running national anime convention.-Departments:A-Kon consists of...
. The announcement of this was followed shortly by the departure of guitarist Bou. The last performance with Bou was on April 30, 2007, and was featured in a DVD titled Hibiya On ☆The☆ 0 New Sekai. After Bou left the band, two new members were announced: Takuya was to replace Bou as the guitarist and Yu-ki was to join An Cafe as a keyboardist. The first single with their new lineup was announced as "Kakusei Heroism
Kakusei Heroism
is the twelfth single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single is available in three types, two including different bonus DVDs, and one with a bonus live track. The title track is the second opening theme of the anime series, Darker than Black...
" followed by "Ryūsei Rocket
Ryusei Rocket
is a single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single comes in two editions; the limited version including a bonus DVD. The title track will be featured in the drama Fuma no Kojirou.-Track listing:Disc one #"Ryūsei Rocket" – 4:35...
". At the end of 2007, An Cafe announced their first overseas tour, taking place in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
in 2008.
In the opening weeks of 2008, An Cafe announced their upcoming single, "Cherry Saku Yuki!!
Cherry Saku Yuki!!
is a single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single comes in two editions, the limited including a bonus DVD.-Track listing:Disc one #"Cherry Saku Yūki!!" #"One Way Love"#"Cherry Saku Yūki!! "...
", in February, as well as their next studio album, Gokutama Rock Cafe
Gokutama Rock Cafe
is an album released by An Cafe on March 14, 2008 in Europe and April 9, 2008 in Japan. The European release of the album also featured three bonus tracks which were previously only available as B-Sides on their last three singles, all of which were also taken from this album...
, which was released on April 9, 2008.
An Cafe's EP, Harajuku Dance Rock
Harajuku Dance Rock
Harajuku Dance Rock is an EP released by An Cafe on March 13, 2009. Available only in North America and certain parts of Europe, "Harajuku Dance Rock" includes seven audio tracks and three music videos on a separate DVD. There is also a full-color booklet with both the Japanese lyrics and the...
, was released by the Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
based Maru Music on March 13, 2009. This special release was made exclusively for overseas fans in North America and Europe.
BB Parallel World
BB Parallel World
is an album released by An Cafe on September 9, 2009 in Japan and on October 2, 2009 in Europe. A limited edition was released as well, containing an additional DVD with several music videos.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Miku – vocals* Takuya – guitar...
, An Cafe's fourth studio album, was released in Japan on September 9, 2009; and in Europe on October 2, 2009. It contains title track singles "Aroma", "Summer Dive" and "Natsu Koi ★ Natsu Game", and eight other songs.
In 2010, An Cafe announced that they will be taking a break from activities. It is unknown as to how long they will be on hiatus, but they have not stated they will be disbanding. The message, issued on their official homepage, claims that "after the Budokan show, each member will concentrate on their own activity to be prepared for the band to restart in the future." The aforementioned Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo, Japan.This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded...
show took place on January 4, 2010.
In wake of the hiatus, several members are now involved in other projects. Kanon is heading a mobile phone game called Pinky☆Distortion, which is to be released in July 2010. He will also be a guest at Otakon 2010 as a panelist and a guest DJ, as well as pairing up with Kanon Wakeshima to form a duo act called kanonxkanon. Miku is serving as the vocalist for the new visual-kei band, Lc5, which started in June 2010. Teruki is playing as a support drummer for the band DOG in the parallel world orchestra.
Members
– Vocals (2003–2011) – GuitarGuitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(2007–2011) – Bass (2003–2011) – Keyboard
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
(2007–2011) – Drums (2003–2011)
Equipment
Yu-ki (keyboards) uses a Korg X50 and a Yamaha MO6 in a firm Ultimate AX48B rack. His speaker is a Roland Jazz-Chorus 120 and he has a Mackie 1202-VLZ PRO mixing panel as well. A lot of functions are used, for instance the excessive use of pitch bend in Respect Mommy on the Yamaha MO6 and the use of his arpeggiator (on the Yamaha MO6 as well) in Cherry Saku Yuki!!Cherry Saku Yuki!!
is a single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single comes in two editions, the limited including a bonus DVD.-Track listing:Disc one #"Cherry Saku Yūki!!" #"One Way Love"#"Cherry Saku Yūki!! "...
.
Takuya (guitar) uses a White-brown Fender, a Paul Reed Smith, a G&L Telecaster, a Dean and some stompboxes, including the Boss Super Chorus and MXR/Phase 90.
Kanon (bass) uses two kinds of Fender Jazz Basses, a EBS/Multi Comp and a Basson speaker.
Teruki (drums) has the following setup: one Splash Cymbal (Paiste 10"), two Crash Cymbals (Paiste 16" and 18") Cymbals, one China Cymbal (Paiste 18"), one Ride Cymbal (Zildjian 20"), one Hi-Hat (Zildjian 14"), one Hi-Hat stand (Pearl), a Bass Drum (Pearl 22" x 16"), a Snare (Pearl 14" x 5,5"), one Mid Tom (Pearl 12" x 8"), one Floor Tom (Pearl 16" x 16"), two Pedals (Pearl) and Behringer amplification
Endorsements
An Cafe has been a long time supporter and endorser of popular Japanese fashion label Sex Pot Revenge, and they are frequently seen wearing clothing from that label. They have appeared on the cover of Sex Pot Revenge free company magazine, V!nyl Syndicate.In 2008, An Cafe vocalist Miku hosted Volume 2 of Visual Kei DVD Magazine alongside the magazine's mascot
Mascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
, Biju.
International recognition
An Cafe has gained great success in JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. It has also gained moderate success in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, mainland Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
(Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
), Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
In 2008, the band visited Finland, Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, Spain, the US, and Korea on their first overseas tour, "Live Cafe-Tour '08 - Nyappy Go Around World". They played a total of twelve concerts in the eight countries.
As of November 2008, An Cafe confirmed an overseas tour, "Live Cafe Tour '09 Nyappy Go Around the World Ⅱ -Harajuku Dance Rock Night-" which encompassed twelve countries: Russia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the USA. This tour took place over March and April, playing a total of 17 dates.
Discography
Albums- Shikisai MomentShikisai Momentis an album released by An Cafe on November 9, 2005.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Miku – vocals* Bou – guitar* Kanon – bass* Teruki – drums...
(色彩モーメント, November 9, 2005) - Magnya CartaMagnya Cartais an album released by An Cafe on November 29, 2006 in Japan and on May 21, 2007 in South Korea. A limited edition was released as well, containing an additional DVD with several music videos.This is also Bou's last appearance in An Cafe.-Track listing:...
(マグニャカルタ, November 29, 2006) - Gokutama Rock CafeGokutama Rock Cafeis an album released by An Cafe on March 14, 2008 in Europe and April 9, 2008 in Japan. The European release of the album also featured three bonus tracks which were previously only available as B-Sides on their last three singles, all of which were also taken from this album...
(極魂ROCK CAFE, April 9, 2008) - BB Parallel WorldBB Parallel Worldis an album released by An Cafe on September 9, 2009 in Japan and on October 2, 2009 in Europe. A limited edition was released as well, containing an additional DVD with several music videos.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Miku – vocals* Takuya – guitar...
(September 9, 2009) - AN CAFE BEST ALBUMAN CAFE BEST ALBUMis a compilation album released by An Cafe on December 9, 2009 in Japan . This was made after An Cafe decided their hiatus and is an album featuring all of their best songs plus an unreleased song Nijikan Shabondama.-Track listing:...
(December 9, 2009)
EPs
- Amedama Rock (飴玉ロック, February 23, 2005)
- Ko Akuma Usagi no Koibumi to Machine Gun EPKo Akuma Usagi no Koibumi to Machine Gunis an EP released by An Cafe on October 29, 2008 in Japan.-Track listing:...
(小悪魔USAGIの恋文とマシンガンe.p., October 29, 2008) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 12 - Harajuku Dance RockHarajuku Dance RockHarajuku Dance Rock is an EP released by An Cafe on March 13, 2009. Available only in North America and certain parts of Europe, "Harajuku Dance Rock" includes seven audio tracks and three music videos on a separate DVD. There is also a full-color booklet with both the Japanese lyrics and the...
(March 13, 2009)
Singles
- "CandyholicCandyholic (song)is the debut single by Japanese band Antic Cafe. The songs are featured on the Amedama Rock album with songs from √69.-Track listing:# "Candyholic" - 3:38# "Mousou Aikouka" - 4:27# "3P" - 4:16...
" (キャンデーホリック, March 24, 2004) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 75 - "√69" (June 6, 2004) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 88
- "Komou Cosmos" (孤妄, November 24, 2004) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 91
- "Karakuri HiteiKarakuri Hiteiis a single by Japanese band An Cafe. The first track will be featured in their album "Shikisai Moment".-Track listing:#"Wagamama Koushinkyouku #"Momo Iro Pure Moto Dekiai Zakura"...
" (カラクリ否定, March 30, 2005) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 64 - "Tekesuta Kousen" (テケスタ光線, July 20, 2005) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 67
- "Escapism" (エスカピズム, August 24, 2005) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 75
- "Merrymaking" (メリメイキング, September 21, 2005) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 63
- "10’s Collection March10’s Collection Marchis the eighth single by Japanese band Antic Cafe. The initial track is featured on the Magnya Carta album.-Track listing:# "Maple Gunman" # "Koukai" # Funky Fresh Days...
" (10's コレクション マァチ, March 1, 2006) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 42 - "Bonds ~Kizuna~" (BondS ～絆～, May 17, 2006) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 39
- "Smile Ichiban Ii OnnaSmile Ichiban Ii Onnais the tenth single by Japanese band Antic Cafe. The title track is featured on the album Magnya Carta.-Track listing:# "Smile Ichiban Ii Onna" - 4:12# "Super Rabbit☆"...
" (スマイル一番 イイ♀, September 20, 2006) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 32 - "Snow SceneSnow Sceneis the eleventh single by Japanese band Antic Cafe. The title track is featured on the album Magnya Carta.-Track listing:Disc one# "Snow Scene" # "Bokura no Poppopo!" Disc two...
" (スノーシ一ン, October 18, 2006) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 26 - "Kakusei Heroism ~The Hero Without a "Name"~Kakusei Heroismis the twelfth single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single is available in three types, two including different bonus DVDs, and one with a bonus live track. The title track is the second opening theme of the anime series, Darker than Black...
" (覚醒ヒロイズム～THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"～, August 22, 2007) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 13 - "Ryūsei RocketRyusei Rocketis a single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single comes in two editions; the limited version including a bonus DVD. The title track will be featured in the drama Fuma no Kojirou.-Track listing:Disc one #"Ryūsei Rocket" – 4:35...
" (流星ロケット, November 7, 2007) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 19 - "Cherry Saku Yuki!!Cherry Saku Yuki!!is a single by Japanese band An Cafe. The single comes in two editions, the limited including a bonus DVD.-Track listing:Disc one #"Cherry Saku Yūki!!" #"One Way Love"#"Cherry Saku Yūki!! "...
" (Cherry咲く勇気!!, February 27, 2008) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 20 - "Summer Dive" (August 30, 2008, live distribution only)
- "Aroma" (March 11, 2009) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 16
- "Natsu Koi ★ Natsu Game" (夏恋★夏GAME, August 12, 2009) Oricon Singles Weekly Chart: 13
DVDs
- "Like an cafe" (ライカ・カフェ, October 10, 2004)
- "20051203 Shikisai A On" (20051203色彩亜音, December 3, 2005)
- "Yagai de nyappy" (野外でニャッピー, December 17, 2006)
- "Hibiya on ★the★ o New World" (HIBIYA ON★ザ★御NEW世界, July 2, 2007)
- "Nyappy Go Around Fever" (April 25, 2008)
- "AnCafesta '08 Summer Dive" (December 24, 2008)
- "Live Cafe - Tour '08 Nyappy Go Around the World" (March 11, 2009)
- "Finale of Nyappy - Kawayusu Rock de Go Gogo!!" (November 4, 2009)
- "Live Cafe 2010 King of Harajuku Dance Rock Ikinari Nyappy Legend" (August 22, 2010)