The Kansai band Kanjani∞ was created in summer 2004 and was the first Johnny's Junior group in that region. Their name Kanjani∞ was derived from their original given name, Kansai Johnny's Jr. but in 2002, the name was shortened to what it is fondly known as today.
The line-up of Kanjani∞ consisted of several members who had worked together in the past, including Hiroki, Shota, Ryuhei and Tadayoshi who had all been together in the band V.WEST. Hiroki and Ryo are also together in another Johnny's group, NEWS.
The band made their debut with the single Naniwa Iroha Bushi in August 2004. Originally limited only to the Kansai region, it became so successful that it was soon re-released to the entire nation, where it quickly ranked first on the Oricon charts. By December the same year, the band released their first mini-album, Kansha ni eight. This too followed in the footsteps of Naniwa and was released nationwide before long.
In 2005, Kanjani∞ had its highs and lows. They released two new singles, Osaka rainy blues and Sukiyanen, Osaka. / Oh! ENKA / Mugendai, but member Uchi Hiroki came down with pneumothorax during a tour in May and was hospitalized. To make matters worse, in July, allegations of underage drinking surfaced, and he was temporarily suspended from Johnny's Entertainment.
Despite the hardships the band endured from the loss of a member, they carried on through 2006 and hit the recording studio, finishing their first album, F.T.O, which was released on March 2006. Once again, Kanjani∞ had changed their musical style, the enka-feel disappearing and being replaced by the sound of jazz. The music was well received and after a long tour through June the band hit the recording studio again. By the year's end, Kanjani∞ had released two more singles and a live DVD.
In 2007, Kanjani∞ had numerous releases, including the album KJ2 zukkoke daidassou which was released in three editions: a DVD and two singles. The new album topped the charts, bringing the band newfound success. In celebration, the band's tour schedule was extended and by the end, Kanjani∞ had broken a record in Japan for touring all forty-seven prefectures within one tour, for a total of 113 performances that had spanned five months.
Over the next two years, Kanjani∞ did not slow down a bit. In early spring, they hit the road once again for a 24-stop tour and by fall had released two singles, including Musekinin Hero, which sold over 300,000 copies. The band continued to release new material in 2009, nearly all of which hit the highest numbers in the Oricon charts.
2010 has been a busy year for the band. Along with numerous television appearances, they released the single LIFE ~Menomae no mukou e~ in August and the album 8UPPERS in October, thereafter kicking off the official tour for the album with shows planned into January, 2011.
Along with their work in sub-groups within Johnny's Entertainment and occasional solo work, members Nishikido Ryo and Yokoyama Yu among others are frequently seen in Japanese television dramas, such as "JOKER Yurusarezaru Sosakan" and "Hidarime Tantei EYE".
