SMAP is a Japanese group which debuted in 1991, and has released many CDs, three of which have sold more than a million copies. Members of SMAP have also starred in many TV shows, dramas, commercials, and movies.
L’Arc en Ciel is a popular Japanese rock band that was formed in 1991. Their name means “the arc in the sky” or “the rainbow” in French, and has sold over 15 million albums, 30 million singles, and millions of other units such as videos.
A heavy metal Japanese band formed back in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasi and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, Loudness was the first Japanese heavy metal rock band that was signed in the United States. The band has released five albums and has reached the Billboard Top 100.
Utada Hikaru was born on January 19, 1983 and is also known to her fans as Hikki. She is a singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer in Japan and in the United States. She is also known internationally for her two theme song contributions to Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts video game series.
