*Info copied from JpopStopWiki (the biography at JpopStop was mostly written by myself)
Perfume is a Japanese technopop unit who is considered today to be one of the most popular acts in Japanese music.
In 2000, three young girls formed a group together in their hometown of Hiroshima. They were Nishiwaki Ayaka (A~chan), Kashino Yuka (Kashiyuka), and Kawashima Yuuka (Kawayuka). Because all three members had the Japanese character for fragrance in their names (香), they named the group Perfume. However, before the group could even debut, Kawashima decided to pull out of the project and pursue her studies.
Perfume decided to continue on as a duo but Nishiwaki's mother commented on the lack of power that a two-member group has. Nishiwaki set out to find a replacement, and Oomoto Ayano (Nocchi) joined as the third member. The three girls attended the Actors School in Hiroshima (as part of the inaugural class of 1999) so although it was awkward for Nocchi and Kashiyuka at first (they had never met before being introduced by A~chan), they soon became a tight-knit group.
In 2001, Perfume debuted in Hiroshima with the single "OMAJINAI★Perori". They followed up the release with "Kareshi Boshuuchuu". Both singles were only sold in Hiroshima under Momiji Label. Around this time they also met Mikiko, a choreographer who would go on to coordinate all of the group's dances from this point forward.
In 2003, following their graduation from the Actors School in Hiroshima, the trio moved to Tokyo. There, they became a part of BEE-HIVE (an idol group similar to Hello! Project) and signed with the management office Amuse Inc.. As a part of BEE-HIVE, the trio experienced the harsh reality of life away from home as well as dormitory life. However, they also made friends and learned valuable lessons.
In Tokyo, they also met someone who would become a crucial aspect of their success, capsule's Nakata Yasutaka who would become their main producer. Between the years of 2003 and 2004, they released "Sweet Donuts", "Monochrome Effect", and "Vitamin Drop" under the indies label BEE-HIVE RECORDS. It was also during this time that they had their first 3 live performances. Because the girls were so energetic, fans acquired an appreciation for them. Still, none of their releases became a hit. Not very many people showed up to Perfume's lives and they struggled to build a fanbase. Although the members became distressed by their lack of success, they carried on. Though they were in danger of being dropped, their management office made the choice to give Perfume a major debut.
On September 21, 2005, Perfume made its major label debut under the label, Tokuma Japan Communications. They released Linear Motor Girl, which managed to chart on the Oricon charts at #99.
Two singles, "Computer City" and "Electro World" followed in 2006. Around this time, more people began to notice Perfume through rumors on the internet as well as through YouTube videos. Nakata's unique style led to Perfume being crowned as a "near future technopop unit". However, none of the three releases was a solid hit.
On August 2, 2006, Perfume released Perfume ~Complete Best~ along with a new track, Perfect Star, Perfect Style (パーフェクトスター・パーフェクトスタイル). They promoted the album at small events in stores and on streets, even handing out leaflets to passing strangers. The album reached #33 on the Oricon charts (later climibing up as high as #25 with the release of Perfume's 2nd album GAME). The release of this compilation caused fans to worry that the group's disbandment was near as usually, groups who release best-of albums before they have a major hit are disbanded soon after.
On December 20, 2006, Perfume released a download exclusive song, Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow. The song later appeared on their single, Fan Service [sweet].
On December 21, 2006, Perfume had a live concert held at Harajuku Astro Hall which was later recorded and released as Fan Service [bitter].
While almost all of the other BEE-HIVE members began to get dropped by Amuse Inc., Perfume was given the opportunity to release another single. In February 2007, they released "Fan Service [sweet]" featuring the fun dance track "Chocolate Disco". This was a turning point for Perfume in which their luck began to change. Although the sales for "Fan Service [sweet]" were not stellar, "Chocolate Disco" did catch the attention of an already well-established artist in the J-pop industry, Kimura Kaela. Kimura then played Perfume's music on her radio show consistently. While listening to Kimura's radio show, a commercial director named Akira Tomotsugi noticed Perfume and decided to use the three girls in an upcoming TV ad.
On July 1, 2007, the commercial for NHK's national recycling campaigned aired, featuring Perfume and a new song, "Polyrhythm". The commercial gave Perfume exposure they could have only dreamed of before.
Subsequently, their next live show sold out, Perfume ~Complete Best~ reached #1 on the Amazon CD charts, and Perfume became the first idol group to perfume at the Summer Sonic music festival.
On September 12, 2007, Perfume released their 10th single "Polyrhythm". It reached #4 on the Oricon daily single charts and climbed as high as #7 on the weekly charts. This is noted as the beginning of Perfume's national fame.
In 2008, the group followed up the success of "Polyrhythm" with "Baby cruising Love / Macaroni". The single reached #3 on the Oricon weekly charts and sold 50,000 copies.
On April 16, 2008, Perfume released their first orignal album, GAME. GAME reached #1 on the Oricon charts upon its release, making Perfume the first technopop group to achieve this since Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1983. Amazingly, at the time of the album's release, Perfume ~Complete Best~, "Polyrhythm", and "Baby cruising Love / Macaroni" all re-entered the Oricon charts. The album went on to sell over 450,000 copies and is certified double platinum.
After the album's release, Perfume First Tour "GAME" was announced. The group toured 10 cities and sold out all tickets. On the final date of the tour, Perfume announced that they would be doing a 2-day show at the prestigous Nippon Budokan in November 2008 as well as the release date of their next single, "love the world".
"love the world" was released on July 9, 2008. It became the first technopop song to ever reach #1 on the Oricon charts.
In October 2008, the Perfume First Tour "GAME" DVD was announced. Upon its release, it beat out prominent artists like Koda Kumi and Namie Amuro for the #1 spot.
Perfume then performed at Budokan for 2 days, November 6th and 7th. On the second show, titled "BUDOUKaaaaaaaaaaN!!!!!", they announced a show at yet another famous venue, Yoyogi National Gymnasium titled "Disco!Disco!Disco!".
The year 2008 ended with the release of their 13th single, "Dream Fighter" which reached #2 on the charts.
They were also chosen to sing at NHK's 59th Kouhaku Uta Gassen , the prestigious end of the year live TV program (with A~chan fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams).
On March 25, 2009, Perfume released their 14th single, "One Room Disco". The single reached #1 on the charts.
In April 2009, Perfume began broadcast of a comedy sketch program titled Perfume's Chandelier House.
On July 8, 2009, the group released its 3rd album, ⊿. The album was another #1 hit for Perfume, selling over 300,000 copies. Perfume then went on their 2nd nationwide tour in order to promote the album.
In 2010, Perfume released "Fushizen na Girl / Natural ni Koishite", which reached #2 on the charts. They went on a fanclub-exclusive tour and titled P.T.A. Spring 2010 Tour.
Perfume took part in a commercial for a Pepsi NEX campaign in Japan. In that comercial, they covered a short segment of Lovefool by The Cardigans. Other famous participants in the Pepsi NEX campaign include Koda Kumi and Utada Hikaru.
On August 11, 2010, Perfume celebrated their 10th anniversary with the release of their 16th single, "VOICE".
On November 3, 2010, Perfume performed at the prestigious Tokyo Dome in a special live titled 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11.
Perfume's new DVD, Kessei 10 Shuunen, Major Debut 5 Shuunen Kinen! Perfume LIVE @ Tokyo Dome ｢1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11｣ reached #1 on the Weekly Oricon DVD charts selling 69,965 copies. This makes Perfume the first female group to ever have 4 consecutive #1 DVDs on the chart!
New CM tie-in song
EDIT!: The song's title is revealed to be レーザービーム (Laser Beam)!
A new Perfume song has been selected to be the CM song for Kirin's (popular Japanese beer brand) new campaign called ｢氷結｣ (Hyoketsu;freezing). The CM aired on Wed, Feb. 2, 2011.
CM:
New DVD! Kessei 10 Shuunen, Major Debut 5 Shuunen Kinen! Perfume LIVE @ Tokyo Dome ｢1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11｣
01. GISHIKI
02. Secret Secret (シークレットシークレット)
03. Fushizen na Girl (不自然なガール)
04. GAME
05. One Room Disco (ワンルーム・ディスコ)
06. Natural ni Koishite (ナチュラルに恋して)
07. love the world
08. I still love U
09. 575
10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11. Perfume no Okite (Perfumeの掟)
12. VOICE
13. Computer City (コンピューターシティ)
14. Electro World (エレクトロ・ワールド)
15. Perfect Star Perfect Style (パーフェクトスター・パーフェクトスタイル)
16. Dream Fighter
17. "P.T.A." Corner (「P.T.A.」のコーナー)
18. Jenny wa Gokigen Naname (ジェニーはご機嫌ななめ)
19. (Computer Driving Intro) ~ Perfume (（コンピューター・ドライビング Intro）〜Perfume)
20. Chocolate Disco (チョコレイト・ディスコ)
21. Puppy love
22. wonder2
23. Nee (ねぇ)
24. Polyrhythm (ポリリズム)
DVD2 Tracklist
01. Perfume no Okite -Multi-angle- (Perfumeの掟 -マルチアングル-)
02. Perfume -A~chan Ver.-
03. Perfume -Kashiyuka Ver.-
04. Perfume -Nocchi Ver.-
05. Nee -Multi-screen-
06. 575 -Tokyo Dome Special Video Clip-
07. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -Tokyo Dome Original Ver.-
08. Hato (Dual Audio) (鳩; Dove)
Perfume performed to 50,000 fans at Tokyo Dome
On Wednsday Nov. 3, Perfume performed for 50,000 fans at the world famous Tokyo Dome. They are the the first female group to perform at the lucrative venue since SPEED in 1998. They are also only the 2nd female group to play at the Dome. This is a far cry from the days when Perfume performed to audiences as small as 5 people (with most of the audience being made up of family and friends) at local stores. At the concert it was announced that Perfume will represent Japan in the Mnet! Asian Music Awards (a heavily Korean-biased award show). It will be Perfume's first performance outside of Japan.
Recochoku Poll: Female Idols Who You Think Are "God"
Recochoku conducted a poll asking voters 'Which female idol(s) do you think is "God" (the word Kami in Japanese can refer to God or things that great or wonderful)? Perfume ranks in at #2!
Tokyo Dome Concert sold out and airing on WOWOW!
Perfume sold out Tokyo Dome (an astonishing feat for female idol groups and any artist in general). WOWOW will air the concert on Nov. 23 at 9 PM JST.
Perfume to be featured in a new NATURAL BEAUTY BASIC campaign
Wow, new song already? They release stuff faster than some kind of thing that does stuff fast.:P
Bigtop
20th January 2011 06:20 AM
Already a new song!? They'd better get ready for an album soon! I don't want another single, and so do some of us here also!!!
AyuGAME
20th January 2011 07:38 AM
can't wait to hear new song...
prussian blue
20th January 2011 09:12 AM
Do you think perfume will survive in the next decade? I dont think so though, that's why I think they keep releasing stuff when they are in their peak
milky_way
20th January 2011 03:43 PM
^ I doubt it, honestly.
Polyrhythm
20th January 2011 04:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by prussian blue
(Post 2615054)
Do you think perfume will survive in the next decade? I dont think so though, that's why I think they keep releasing stuff when they are in their peak
You expect them to keep dancing like that in their late twenties? Yes, the disbandment is inevitable but I am just going to enjoy them while they are around :)
dreamland2.0
20th January 2011 04:19 PM
I hope the song is for an album!!
Hachimitsu6
20th January 2011 04:24 PM
I guess Perfume will release for a few more years, then 'graduate' with a best-of album.. I wonder if they could continue to perform in a different genre or go solo, since they're not really famous for their voices (I don't think I would recognize their natural voices at all).. It's a little sad.. So let's enjoy Perfume while we still can!
prussian blue
20th January 2011 04:45 PM
^I'm pretty sure a~chan voice is pretty memorable. She has the strongest voice from the 3 girls. But I'm not sure if her voice work for a solo singer. Well let's see then
dreamland2.0
20th January 2011 05:49 PM
Yah A-chan has a really nice voice!! I'm pretty sure they could continue until they are 25 because they look so young.
Beauty4123
20th January 2011 11:57 PM
i never thought of perfume disbanding in the near future, lol. i don't see it happening for awhile, though. even if they continue until their like...30, their still not old. :P i don't wanna think about that, so right now i'm interested in seeing this new kirin CM.
RyRyMini
21st January 2011 12:13 AM
I don't think we have to worry about that for a while. Their sales are only improving and I think they love what they're doing (Well, not so sure that A-chan is down with the electro stuff, but still).
Yum!Fruit_Salad!
21st January 2011 02:13 AM
Obviously Perfume isn't going to have a 40 year or so career, but they're together now; have a great thing going on and probably are continue for a little longer.
Polyrhythm
21st January 2011 03:35 AM
Kashi stans, you have my deepest condolences. Thank god Nocchi's my favorite.
dreamland2.0
21st January 2011 03:44 AM
ewwwewww that was so weird :laugh
won't change my mind though Kashi's still the best!
CoriKaru
21st January 2011 03:47 AM
^ Pressed play and stopped. I just cant . Too gross. He'll ruin it for us all.
And I say Perfume will have to get a complete make over eventually as they age to remain relevant and I think that's what they'll do. You guys are so depressing.
They must never stop.
Yum!Fruit_Salad!
21st January 2011 07:11 PM
Very interesting thing to see when you first wake up. I agree with dreamland, Kashi is still the best for me.
Hachimitsu6
21st January 2011 07:48 PM
I couldn't finish watching that.. is that guy for real?
milky_way
21st January 2011 09:45 PM
The screenshot creeps me out, so I won't be hitting play :laugh
RyRyMini
22nd January 2011 01:04 AM
This guy is amazing. I don't think he's serious. At least I hope not..but the music alone is lol worthy.
Kazeyomi
22nd January 2011 01:41 AM
Omg it's so.. I dunno, but I laughed so hard :roflmao I don't think he's serious neither. Well, I hope it O__o
AyumiAi
22nd January 2011 09:09 PM
I love kashi she's still my fav :3 can't wait for a new album
SPEAKERnight.
23rd January 2011 01:48 AM
Looks they're pulling a GAME with this, since they are following the same (or similar) schedule they did with that album.
Nice!! Sounds like an excellent song! Much better than Nee!!
Bring on a new album!!!!!!!
Zeke.
1st February 2011 08:32 PM
No way Nee was amazing! The vocal chopping alone makes it perfection. Can't wait for an album and Laser Beam sounds fun.
adantatu2
2nd February 2011 12:47 AM
I hope a better preview, but it sounds good
Fitst
2nd February 2011 01:48 AM
I could never get into their last album (despite loving the two before that when they came out). But I'm excited for this new one!
AyuGAME
2nd February 2011 02:23 AM
please...please...please...there will be overseas version of their dome tour...i want to buy it
the new song is so oriental sounded...i like it...can't wait for full version..i hope the PV will be amazing like they always give to us...
jiarongisme
2nd February 2011 04:03 AM
Laser Beam kinda sounds like a faster version of VOICE. Not bad, can't wait for the the full song! :yes
taskinillusion
5th February 2011 12:26 AM
I love it so far! Can't wait for new stuff from them!
Beauty4123
5th February 2011 12:32 AM
really loving the sound of "Laser Beam" from that kirin CM! :D i wonder if it'll be the next single or just an album track?
milky_way
5th February 2011 02:15 AM
^ I hope it's promo for an album :yes
Yum!Fruit_Salad!
5th February 2011 04:49 AM
I want their album to be announced soon :(
Polyrhythm
7th February 2011 04:07 AM
My LE copy of Dome DVD shipped today!!!
AyusakiFan
7th February 2011 02:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Polyrhythm
(Post 2628131)
My LE copy of Dome DVD shipped today!!!
My LE copy shipped last night as well, I'm SOOO excited! I've been checking to see when it would ship for the past couple of days, lol. I'm probably going to squeal when it gets here!
milky_way
7th February 2011 04:49 PM
Mine won't ship until the end of the month because Kumi's DVD got pushed back :/
NintendoHTF1242
7th February 2011 10:39 PM
Does anybody have a 128kps rip of GAME? I can't seem to find one at all...And if nobody can find one but has a copy of GAME, would they not mind ripping a 128kps version for me? ;D Thx to anyone who finds me a link...I'm bad at searching.
dreamland2.0
7th February 2011 11:38 PM
I can rip a 128 one for you though just wait a minute~~
Sorry for double-posting, but I'm kind of wondering: I thought there were individual images of Perfume in relation to this picture. I'm quite interested in them (Nocchi, Kashiyuka and A-chan in relation to another person wearing just about the same or similar clothes to what they are wearing below), and where can I find them?
^Nocchi (left), A-chan (middle), Kashiyuka (right) (I believe that's the right order, though I could be wrong! :laugh)
Bigtop
12th February 2011 07:27 AM
Well, you're right, but that's not the point I'm focusing on. I'm looking for related pictures which are related to this one (the individual shots and a comparison).
Perfume is now the first girl group to have 4 consecutive #1 DVDs on the Oricon charts!!!!
AyuGAME
16th February 2011 04:55 AM
^great sales...YAY!
Bigtop
16th February 2011 05:01 AM
That's really great sales - four consecutive, I've heard!
Ranma Matsuri
16th February 2011 09:33 PM
Yay!
I won't get my DVD though until the end of March. I have to watch my spending nowadays so I'm going to be doing a lot of combined and bulk orders to save on shipping. ;__; I don't think I'll be able to the same for the next album though. That's just... TOO much torture.
dreamland2.0
16th February 2011 11:31 PM
I watched part of the concert last night! I couldn't finish it I started falling asleep xD They do some really neat stuff in this concert!! I was a bit disappointed by the 575 clip because the green screen effect was bad but the girl's looked so gorgeous!! And my favourite part was Kashi's dance break :luv2 she's so gorgeous and amazing!!
omfg. The single will probably be called Lazer Beam....and we probably won't get an album....soon. :grumpy
w/e. Gotta order it. Its an obligation.
Zeke.
3rd March 2011 04:59 AM
Come on with the damn album already. Geez.
Bigtop
3rd March 2011 06:51 AM
Another new single! Yay - or WE WANT AN ALBUM ALREADY!!! It's been like two years since we've got a new album!!! Maybe this could be the lead-up to the new album...
AyuGAME
3rd March 2011 08:22 AM
yay new single!!!
after that..we are ready for album...
RyRyMini
3rd March 2011 08:36 AM
Uggh. I never expected another single to be released. I guess it's better than nothing though~
AyusakiFan
3rd March 2011 01:47 PM
The preorder link for the single is now available at CDJ:
I already preordered the limited edition of course! While I was hoping their next release would have been an album, I'm excited about this new single! :)
adantatu2
4th March 2011 02:05 AM
the pre-order is sold out O_O
dreamland2.0
4th March 2011 03:12 AM
I think that's the fastest~~
There's a few more in stock now... too bad I don't have any money ;___;
AyusakiFan
4th March 2011 03:15 PM
I preordered the single 2 minutes after I received the email stating that it was available. 4 hours later, it was sold out. It is now available on CDJ again but on a one per customer basis. HMV website states the same limitation. It is also available for preorder on YesAsia as well. Do you think this single is more limited than previously released singles or are more people buying their music than usual?
Beauty4123
4th March 2011 06:53 PM
maybe if this single was limited, that would meam an album would come shortly after...? :shrug that happens with some artists.
Tashiro
4th March 2011 07:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beauty4123
(Post 2645104)
maybe if this single was limited, that would meam an album would come shortly after...? :shrug that happens with some artists.
Not really, no. All Perfume singles that were CD+DVD has always been limited. There isn't a single one that is not. So it's not a sign that an album is coming, but I don't think they'll release another single, this may be the last one before the album release.
taskinillusion
7th March 2011 11:20 PM
I am completely excited for a new single. I mean, FINALLY it's something at least. I'm pretty sure the album will soon follow, at least by summer... I hope.
Polyrhythm
24th March 2011 09:35 PM
Perfume voice acting
dreamland2.0
24th March 2011 11:08 PM
Aww cute! That's pretty old right? Cause it had AkihabaLove or whatever that songs called xD
Yum!Fruit_Salad!
27th March 2011 09:54 AM
Love that song so much. Hoping someday they'll have another collab where the vocoder is MIA.
Polyrhythm
1st April 2011 05:40 AM
Perfume's 18th single will be titled Laser Beam / Kasuka na Kaori (レーザービーム/ 微かなカオリ)
Cool! Can't wait to hear them! hmm they are releasing the same day as DiVA!
Bigtop
1st April 2011 06:57 AM
Okay, so now the date's set...wait a minute...DiVA!? (That's some of those AKB48!) No, not only that - KAT-TUN's even releasing on that same day!
Aww, those management just set up on days that Johnny's artists are releasing on that same day also... They might not get #1 after all again, all because of boyband interference...
But I can't really wait how Perfume and DiVA will compete for 2nd! This fight for the secondary spot could come really close!
Polyrhythm
1st April 2011 07:55 AM
Not really worried about DiVA. No real front girls there...but I DO worry about Itano Tomomi. She doesn't have a date set yet.
Oh and they're donating a part of the profits to help the victims of the earthquake. Bless their souls.
Yum!Fruit_Salad!
1st April 2011 08:05 AM
Finally there's news about Laser Beam. I'm excited.
Beauty4123
1st April 2011 08:03 PM
finally some news! i'm so happy! :D although i didn't think they'd have another double a-side, since an album should be released soon. but i like the other a-side title. :)
but there better be a full version of the PV, lol. i don't want to see a short version. :weep
edit: i just now realize it's being released in may, lol. oh well. :P i can wait!
AyusakiFan
1st April 2011 09:56 PM
I'm so excited that the content of the single has finally been released! I can't wait to see the covers! I'm also proud that Perfume has decided to donate some of the proceeds of their single to aid those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. It really makes you feel proud to be their fan. While I was looking forward to the release being this month, I am glad that they decided to postpone it in respect of what's happened. The most important thing right now is Japan's recovery so I certainly don't mind the postponement.
adantatu2
2nd April 2011 02:39 AM
yay!!! i can't wait for a HQ preview
and i don't care the peak of them, they are always selling good, and that's what is most important for me
Ranma Matsuri
2nd April 2011 07:15 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Polyrhythm
(Post 2661569)
Not really worried about DiVA. No real front girls there...but I DO worry about Itano Tomomi. She doesn't have a date set yet.
Off/T Rant: IKR?!!!! AND IT'S PISSING ME OFF SO MUCH FUUUU ANNOUNCE IT ALREADY! :eviltongu
On/T: KAT-TUN hasn't really been doing that well since that one guy left and their sales have been declining (or so I've heard from fans) while Perfume's sales have been steadily rising with each release. That may not be enough to beat to them for weekly but the daily rankings should be very interesting to see.
Polyrhythm
3rd April 2011 03:42 AM
:heart
dreamland2.0
3rd April 2011 03:58 AM
Beautiful! And so many of my favourite artists! AKB, Nana-chan, Kana, Perfume!! :love
ストロボ・EdGE
3rd April 2011 07:21 PM
In case anyone was wondering, the second a-side (kasuka na kaori) means something like "faint fragrance" or aroma, scent, etc.
dreamland2.0
3rd April 2011 09:53 PM
^Thanks! I tried to google translate it but it made no sense :laugh
