We’re 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. They liberally have four periods, so we’ll compare three of them except the latest one that started this year.
early years
In 2001, Exile came into being. Atsushi and Shun joined it as new vocals. Hiro, Matsu, Usa and Makidai had already set up a dance group. The name of their first single CD is “Your eyes only ~曖昧なぼくの輪郭~”. 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 “道”. 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 “太陽の国.” 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/いつかきっと…” 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 〜こんな世界を愛するため〜” 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.
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