Base Ball Bear is a Japanese rock band from Tokyo that made its major debut in 2006 with EMI Music Japan. Although assembled in autumn 2001, the band formally began in 2002, and started off with self-produced releases.
Their style influences include Japanese indie rock bands Number Girl and Supercar, and British rock bands such as Oasis. They have been noted for the "nostalgic" feel of band leader Yūsuke Koide's lyrics, often about teenage life and memories. Base Ball Bear are also known for their contributions to the soundtrack of the movie Linda Linda Linda (in which bassist Shiori Sekine had a leading role) and performing the themes to the anime series Toshokan Sensō, Ōkiku Furikabutte and Gintama.
The band, initially named Planet, was formed for a one-time performance at a high school culture festival, but decided to continue due to how well-received they were and the fun they had at the festival. The name Planet had likely come from the Supercar song of the same name, and the band's current name also derives partially from a song name. Koide had thought of Japanese singer Chocolat's song "Base Ball and Elvis Presley" and suggested the name "Base Ball". Guitarist Shohei Yuasa thought it would be better if one more word was added to it, and the rest of the band agreed, eventually settling on the word "bear".
In 2016, the band announced the departure of Shohei Yuasa and that they would continue with 3 members.
Members
Current members
Born December 9, 1984, in Edogawa, Tokyo
Vocalist and guitarist
Primary lyricist and composer of the band's music
Likes old school hip hop and favorite artists include XTC, Happy End, Berryz Koubou and Perfume
Born December 8, 1985, in Saitama Prefecture (youngest member) Bassist and backing vocalist The only female member and had no experience playing bass before joining Favorite artists include Jethro Tull, Caravan, Keiichi Suzuki, Yui and GO!GO!7188 Also bassist of Paranmaum band from the 2005 movie Linda Linda Linda
Born January 17, 1985, in Tokyo
Drummer and chorus
Favorite artists include The Police, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante, and Nile Rodgers
Past members
Born April 16, 1984, in Chiba Prefecture
Guitarist
Favorite artists include Thee Michelle Gun Elephant and Sly & the Family Stone
History
Formation and early years
Koide originally assembled the band in 2001 under the name "Planet," to perform at their high school's fall festival. They performed covers of the songs OOYeah!! and OOKeah!! by the band Supercar. Following their festival performance, they decided to continue with the band as a hobby.
In March 2002, the band formally assembled. In April they began sending demo tapes to record labels, whereupon they were advised by Toshiba EMI to change their name. They eventually chose "Base Ball Bear," the name under which they performed their first gig at Shimokitazawa Garage that July. Throughout the rest of the year, they continued playing in the Shibuya and Shimokitazawa areas of Tokyo as their fan base began to grow.
In November 2003, Base Ball Bear signed with Blitz Pia Records, an independent label. They immediately released their first mini-album Yūgata Generation on November 26. The band released its first single, Yume is Vision, in April of the following year. It was the first of the band's songs to be accompanied by a music video, which was created in collaboration with Yūki, a Japanese fashion magazine model and Base Ball Bear fan. The band spent the rest of 2004 practicing and writing new songs, some of where were featured on compilation CDs.
The band released its first full-length album, High Color Times, on March 16, 2005, and started playing concerts to sold-out crowds in larger venues. Also, Shiori Sekine was cast in one of the lead roles in the film Linda Linda Linda, which featured some of the band's music.
Major debut and increasing popularity
Base Ball Bear signed with EMI Music Japan in January 2006, and immediately released an introductory album, Band B ni Tsuite, on January 12. Although they had previously released another version of Band B ni Tsuite on October 14, 2005, this new release included one new song and other remastering. They then played on the "Nyakunyaku Nannyo Summer Tour" with Chatmonchy and Snowkel and released their first major album, C, on October 29.