I’m going to
tell you about Exile. They have been so popular for more than a decade that any
Japanese people should know them regardless of their interests. Now, Exile has
eighteen members, but the number of members has changed many times with their
four periods. I’ll compare three of them except the latest one that started
this year.
Early years
In 2001, the
history of Exile has started as six members. Atsushi and Shun joined to Exile
as new vocals. Hiro, Matsu, Usa, and Makidai had already set up a dance group.
The name of their first single is “Your eyes only ~Aimaina Bokuno Rinnkaku~.”
Two years later, they released the second album called “Styles of Beyond” and
won the first place of album chart for the first time. “Song for you” was so
popular among those who loved Shun. In that year, they also appeared on Kohaku
Utagassen, a famous TV program broadcasted in every December 31 for the first
time and sang ‘Choo Choo Train’, cover of Zoo’s song. They tracked the song in
front of Statue of Liberty in New York. The dance in the intro is so famous
that many people should have copied it. The
next year, they
launched the 15th single CD called “real world” and at last won the first place
of single chart for the first time. The song was used on the TV show of professional baseball
league. In 2005, they released the best album, “Perfect Best” and it passed the
one million mark. It’s consisted in two CDs and a DVD; most single songs are
put in the first CD, other songs are put in the second one, and most promotion
videos are put in the DVD. Though they were going so strong, Shun regrettably
dropped out of the group because of his eye’s hurt and starting his solo work
in 2006. They appeared on Music Station and sang a new song, ‘YES!’ and their
first single song as the final stage.
Middle years
In 2006, Akira
of Rather Unique joined Exile. He is a dancer, and succeeds in dance club those
days. When Makidai and Matsu who are early member went to a club, they saw
Akira by chance and they an act of speaking to Akira. Then, Akira became a
member of Exile, and he flourish as an Exile’s dance performer. Also, this
year, “Exile Vocal Battle Audition ~Asian Dream~” was took place in Nippon
Budokan. This was an audition to decide an Exile’s main vocal. Ten thousand
people joined this audition. Of cause, Takahiro who is Exile’s present vocal
was joined it. The winner in this audition was Takahiro. His skill as a singer,
character, looks, and style was evaluated. This year became an important year
for Exile and a lot of fan. Then, middle years Exile started in 2006. In 2007,
they released 23rd single that name is “Michi”. This is a graduate song, and
very famous for students. It often uses a graduation ceremony in a lot of
school. In addition, this song became a song which ranked top of new song. Same
year, Exile took place a live which name is “Exile Evolution ~Summer Time
Love~”. This was a first live with seven members, so a lot of people came this
live. Okaxile was appearance this live for the first time. Takashi Okamura who
is a comedian and belong to ninety nine. Ninety nine is a name of comedian
group. He has a his own program which name is Mechaike. Mechaike is a famous
variety TV program. “Exile Evolution ~Summer Time Love~”and Mechaile
collaborate in this live, and made a Okaxile. Okaxile is continue from now on.
December in 2007, Exile released 6th album which name is “Exile Love”. Also,
this album got a top of ranking. In 2008, they hold a dome tour for the first
time. This live was named “Exile Perfect Live 2008” This live triggered that
Exile started a dome tour. In addition, this live was a last live with seven
members. In 2008, they released 28th single “Ti Amo”. This is a love song, and
became a famous song. “Ti Amo” got a the 50th record grand prix in Japan. This
was a first time for Exile to get a record prize. In 2009, Exile had a own TV
program which name was “Exile Generation”. This TV program was known among
their fans. Exile’s middle year became a very important year.
Late years
In 2009,
Kenchi, Keiji, Tetsuya, Nesmith, Shokichi, Naoto and Naoki joined to Exile from
Second J Seoul Brothers. In this year, Exile got the second Japan Record Award
for 30th single “Someday.” The same year, the Nation festival to celebrate His
Majesty the Emperor enthronement of twenty years was held and they celebrated
to offered the celebration music “Taiyou no Kuni.” In next year, they held the
first stadium tour “Fantasy” and it mobilized about 1.1 million people. They
got the third Japan Record Award for 35th single “I Wish For You” in this year.
In 2011, they released 37th single “Rising Sun / Itsuka Kitto…” as the 10th
anniversary memorial and reconstruction support song for Great East Japan
Earthquake. In 2012, they released the album “Exile Japan/Solo” and it won the
first of ranking. And this album made the first place consecutive for ten
years. This record was the first for male group artist. And it got a top of
ranking for three weeks straight, what’s more this record was also first for
them. In 2013, “Exile Pride ~Konna Sekai wo Aisurutame~” was released and it
recorded million sales for the first time for single. This song also got the
Japan Record Award. The announcement that recruiting of new performer was
published and the title was “Exile Performer Battle Audition.” They performed
on the NHK year-end grand song festival this year and this stage was last stage
for Hiro, the leader of Exile. He announced he had a plan to retire performer
of Exile by this year on April. And this third period ended as Hiro retied
performer.
They did five
tour, released fourteen singles, and released five live DVDs in this third
period. So fans have to earn much money to go to their concert and to buy their
CDs and DVDs. What’s more Exile has many derived groups and many fans of Exile
likes all the groups, so it’s very hard for fans to do all for them.
Reference
Exile Official
Site [website]. (2014) Retrieved from
Wikipedia
[webpage]. (2014.11.25) Retrieved from
[1109 words]
