Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai - [Perfume] Our electro queens are poised for ►GLOBAL DOMINATION◄ in the 10th thread

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*Info copied from Generasia (the biography at Generasia 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 in celebration of their 10th anniversary together as a group. Perfume was the first female group to have a concert at the dome since SPEED in 1998 and the 2nd female group overall. Perfume performed in front of 50,000 fans for that show.

On November 28, 2010, Perfume attended the Korean awards show Mnet! Asian Music Awards in Macau to receive the "Best Asia Pop Artist Award". It was Perfume's first overseas performance and the first time that a Japanese artist had attended the awards in person (AKB48 appeared the previous year on the show through a satellite broadcast).

On February 9, 2011, Perfume released their 5th concert DVD, titled Kessei 10 Shunen, Major Debut 5 Shunen Kinen! Perfume LIVE at Tokyo Dome 「1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11」 . It was filmed at their November 3, 2010 Tokyo Dome concert. The DVD debuted at #1 on the Oricon Weekly DVD charts and Perfume became the first female group to have four consecutive #1 debuts on the DVD chart.

On May 18, 2011, Perfume released their 18th single, "Laser Beam / Kasuka na Kaori". The single reached #2 on the Oricon Weekly single charts. It sold over 90,000 copies in the first week, marking the group's best first week sales for a single.

In September they finally announced the release of their 4th Album JPN. JPN was released on November 30th and immediately went to #1 on the Oricon Daily Chart. The album took the #1 spot in the Oricon Weekly Chart of its release making Perfume the first girl group to have 3 consecutive #1 album releases since SPEED.

At the end of February 2012, Perfume announced that they have changed record labels to Universal Music Japan with an intent to enter the global market. They then officially kicked off overseas activities by releasing JPN in 50 countries on the iTunes Store, launching an official global website, and opening an official YouTube channel.

Following the label change, Perfume announced their 20th single titled "Spring of Life". The song was used in a CM for Kirin, which was shot in Los Angeles, California. It was the first time that Perfume had shot a video overseas. The B-Side called Communication is the tie-in for the candy "KANRO Puré Gummy".

On 5th June the official site revealed the release date for the JPN Tour DVD. It will hit stores on August 1st.
In March they also released a tie-in from Kirin with a new song called POINT. The song was used again in may to promote for Kirin. On June 6th another new CM was released including the brand new song Hurly Burly.

Finally on 23th June, after hosting the VMAJ, Perfume announced on their offical site the release of their new single Spending all my time for August 15th. The single will have POINT as well as Hurly Burly as B-Sides.

On July 23, 2012, Perfume announced simultaneously the release of their first global album titled Perfume Global Compilation "LOVE THE WORLD" as well as their first Asia tour, during which the group will make stops in Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

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*Numbers reflect peak positions on the Oricon Weekly Album/Singles Charts. Info provided by Generasia.

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