Kobukuro

Kobukuro's story (of success) begins in 1998. At that time, the former salesman and to-be guitarist and vocalist Kobuchi Kentarô met Kuroda Shunsuke (who is not easily disguisable in Japan because he is very tall!) at Sakai (near Ôsaka). At first Kobuchi was occupied with his 'real' job and made music casually, while Kuroda worked as a physical education teacher and made music just for fun, sometimes even on the streets because he enjoyed it (not because he was hard-pressed for money). They became very close friends instantly.

Their first song, "Sakura", was released the same year that they formed and their first indie mini-album, "Saturday 8:pm", followed in summer 1999. Their second indie label mini-album, "Roots of my mind", was published in early 2000. Its success was impressive, especially because it was 'just' an indie album and it led to their first one man concerts at Ôsaka.

In 2001, they signed a major deal and their single "Yell" reached #4 on the Oricon sales charts. (In Ôsaka, the record even hit number 1!) In addition to 19 and Yuzu they already were the third successfull folk duo of the new millennium.

They went on going their own way, and on Christmas in 2002 their way led them to Ôsaka Jô Hall. Except for some more releases, the following year was rather settled and nothing spectacular happened. Their popularity remained unbroken and because of their fame, both singers were able to do their first tour throughout Japan.

In 2005 the time for a remake of their first song, "Sakura", came and it crushed their previous sales records. The following album, "Nameless World", made its way to the top of the Oricon sales charts and the name "Kobukuro" was finally established. The duo went to their first appearance at the popular TV show "Kouhaku Utagassen" on New Year's eve 2005 (.. and also in 2006).

Kobukuro aimed for higher objectives and their next step on the job ladder was Nippon Budôkan and a single collection in September 2006, which has, up until this date, sold over two million copies.

They began 2007 with a theme song, "Tsubomi", which was used for the dorama "Tôkyô Tower – Okan to boku to, tokidoki, oton -", and released as a single in spring. Furthermore, the single "Winding Road", a collaboration with shooting star ayaka, was released later and reached the formidable #2 position right after Utada Hikaru The song even left Hirai Ken behind in its dust. So, you can be curious what the next months and years hold ready for this duo!