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==Members==
==Members==

*{{nihongo|Masaru Sakurai|桜井 賢|Sakurai Masaru}}: Born {{birth date and age|1955|1|20}} in [[Chichibu, Saitama]]. Vocals, bass, chorus, pedal synthesizer, double bass, and acoustic guitar.
==Sakurai Masaru==
*{{nihongo4|Kōnosuke Sakazaki|坂崎 幸之助|Sakazaki Kōnosuke}}: Born {{birth date and age|1954|4|15}} in [[Sumida, Tokyo]]. Vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, drums, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, sitar, lute, dobro, autoharp, bouzouki, tenor guitar, piano, and chorus.
Masaru Sakurai(桜井 賢,Sakurai Masaru) is the bassist and the vocalists of the Japanese rock band THE ALFEE.Bass, chorus, pedal synthesizer, double bass, and acoustic guitar.
*{{nihongo4|Toshihiko Takamizawa|高見沢 俊彦|Takamizawa Toshihiko}}: Born {{birth date and age|1954|4|17}} in [[Warabi, Saitama]]. Vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, chorus. The group's leader and producer. Also has a solo career as "Takamiy".

'''Profile'''
* Name: Sakurai Masaru (桜井賢)
* Birthday: January 20, 1955
* Birthplace: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 170 cm
* Instruments: Bass guitar
* Interests: F1, shogi, tennis

==Early Life - THE ALFEE==
Sakurai Masaru has loved singing since he was a child. While attending Meiji Gakuin Senior High School (the same school as Takamizawa Toshihiko), he formed the cover band Confidence with two fellow classmates.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-hmv-0</ref> They performed folk songs originally by Western groups, including Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. In 1972, Confidence participated in a folk contest sponsored by Victor Entertainment Inc. and won first place.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-hmv-0</ref> It was then that they met Sakazaki Kohnosuke. Later in the summer, Confidence and Sakazaki performed an original song together at another folk contest and won third place.[1] After graduating high school, Confidence parted ways and Sakurai enrolled in the Department of Jurisprudence at Meiji Gakuin University. Confidence was later reformed at the university with Sakurai, Sakazaki, Takamizawa, and Miyake Yasuo, now known as THE ALFEE.

==Appearance==
Since 1979, Sakurai has always appeared in public with sunglasses. In an interview in 1985, he said, "Sunglasses? I don't remove them in front of people... It's like taking off my pants."<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-1</ref> Nowadays, publications of old pictures that had his eyes uncovered are usually censored.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-2</ref>

==Works==
Radio

*[2005.04.07 - 2006.03.03] NEC Presents THE ALFEE Sakurai Masaru no STARTING OVER (桜井賢のSTARTING OVER)

==Kōnosuke Sakazaki==
Kōnosuke Sakazaki(坂崎 幸之助,Sakazaki Kōnosuke) is a Japanese folk singer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as a member of the rock band THE ALFEE.Acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, drums, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, sitar, lute, dobro, autoharp, bouzouki, tenor guitar, piano, and chorus.

'''Profile'''

*Stage Name: Sakazaki Kohnosuke (坂崎幸之助)
*Real Name: Sakazaki Kouji (坂崎幸二)<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-archive-0</ref>
*Birthday: April 15, 1954
*Birthplace: Sumida, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
*Blood Type: O
*Height: 165 cm
*Instruments: Guitar, percussion, harmonica, mandolin, bass guitar
*Interests: Photography, antique glass, pottery, amphibians, reptiles, tropical fish
*Bands:
*THE ALFEE (1974-)
*The Folk Crusaders (2002)
*Kazukoh (2007-2009)

==Early Life - THE ALFEE==
Sakazaki was introduced to The Beatles by his older brother in his fourth year of elementary school.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-archive-0</ref> Heavily influenced by them, he was inspired to buy his first acoustic guitar in middle school, a Yamaha FG-110. Later, Sakazaki developed a liking for Japanese folk acts such as The Folk Crusaders and Yoshida Takuro. He started covering songs and participated in folk contests. In the summer of 1972, he met Sakurai Masaru and his cover band Confidence. Together, they performed an original song and won third place.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-hmv-1</ref> Soon, he joined the band as lead guitar.

In 1973, Sakazaki and Sakurai were accepted to Meiji Gakuin University. There, they met Takamizawa Toshihiko who also joined the band. In 1974, Confidence signed to Victor Music Industries as ALFIE with Sakazaki as the leader. In 1982, he passed the title to Takamizawa as they switched genres to rock.

'''The Folk Crusaders'''

In 2002, the 1960s band The Folk Crusaders reunited for a limited time with Sakazaki, a big fan, joining as a special member. They held a concert on November 17th at NHK Hall and released a studio album, a live album, and a single.

'''Kazukoh'''

In March 2007, Sakazaki announced on his radio program K's TRANSMISSION that he would form a folk duo called Kazukoh with Kato Kazuhiko of The Folk Crusaders and Sadistic Mika Band. The group's name is a combination of the first kanji in both of their first names. Together, they released two albums before Kato's death in October 2009.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-2</ref>

==Discography==
'''Compilation Albums'''

* [1999.11.03] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no J-POP SCHOOL (坂崎幸之助のJ-POP SCHOOL)
* [2000.04.11] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no J-POP SCHOOL 2 (坂崎幸之助のJ-POP SCHOOL2)

'''Collaborations / Other'''

* [1978.12.21] Tokoro George - Narisagari -Daigaku Kurai wa Detakatta- (guitar)
* [1980.11.21] Tokoro George - Minna Furyou Shounen Datta (guitar)
* [1992.11.21] TOSHI - made in HEAVEN (guitar)
* [1996.09.01] Tokoro George - Boku no Inu (guitar)
* [1997.07.02] Tokoro George - 20th cAnniversamy (guitar)
* [1997.11.01] Yoshida Takuro & LOVE LOVE ALL STARS - Minna Daisuki (guitar)
* [1998.09.16] Tokoro George - Tonkachi (guitar, chorus)
* [1999.02.03] Tokoro George - Shiihaan (guitar)
* [1999.06.30] Riding - Konna Boku Demo (guitar)
* [2000.03.03] Imawano Kiyoshiro - RESPECT! (Disc One #4 2 Jikan 35 Fun)
* [2002.01.12] Tanimura Shinji - NAKAZORA (guitar)
* [2002.01.16] Figure 17 Tsubasa & Hikari Original Soundtrack (guitar)
* [2002.12.11] Ohguro Maki - PRESENTs (guitar)
* [2003.09.03] Segi Takamasa - Daichi no Lagoon (guitar)
* [2003.12.03] Murakami "PONTA" Shuichi - MY PLEASURE
* [2004.08.11] Aotaya 3gou (Sakazaki Kayoko)

==Works==
'''Television'''

* [1994 - present] Folk Song Taizen Shuu (フォークソング大全集)
* [1996.10.05 - 2001.03.31] LOVE LOVE Aishiteru (LOVE LOVEあいしてる)
* [1998.04.xx - 2000.03.xx] MUSIC HAMMER
* [2000.04.xx - 2001.03.xx] Music Museum
* [2002] Folk Daishuugou (フォーク大集合)
* Asa Made Utatsurube (朝まで歌つるべ)
* Asa Made Ikitsurube (朝まで生つるべ)
* Folk Days (フォーク・デイズ)
* Folk Guerrilla Sakazaki Kohnosuke Shouten (フォークゲリラ坂崎幸之助商店)
* Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Hitoyo Kagiri no Ongaku Live (坂崎幸之助の一夜限りの音楽ライブ)

'''Radio'''

* [1980.04.01 - 1981.09.29] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no All-Night Nippon (坂崎幸之助のオールナイトニッポン)
* [1981.04.xx - 1981.09.xx] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Hotondo Joudan! (坂崎幸之助のほとんど冗談!)
* [1982.04.06 - 1983.03.29] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no All-Night Nippon (坂崎幸之助のオールナイトニッポン)
* [1989.04.xx - 1994.03.xx] Super FM Magazine NORU SORU (スーパーFMマガジン)
* [1994.04.xx - 1995.03.xx] Super Friday Night Open G (スーパーフライデーナイト・オープンG)
* [1996.01.xx - 1996.03.xx] UPTOWN SQUARE
* [1996.04.05 - 1998.02.27] Midnight Rock City -Friday Special-
* [1996.04.05 - present] Sakazaki-san no Bangumi Toiu Bangumi (坂崎さんの番組という番組)
* [1998.04.xx - present] K's TRANSMISSION
* [2004.03.31 - 2004.09.22] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no All-Night Nippon (坂崎幸之助のオールナイトニッポン)
* [2009.11.30 - present] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to Yoshida Takuro no All-Night Nippon GOLD (坂崎幸之助と吉田拓郎のオールナイトニッポンGOLD)

'''Events'''

* [1996 - 2001] BEATLES College
* [2002 - present] Tomoe-chan Folk Jamboree Sakazaki Kohnosuke Shouten (ともえちゃんフォークジャンボリー 坂崎幸之助商店)
* [2003 - present] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Odaiba Folk Mura (坂崎幸之助のお台場フォーク村)
* [2003 - present] Dear BEATLES

'''Magazines'''

* [1998.10 - present] Go!Go! GUITAR

'''Books'''

* [2000.08.03] Voigtländer Street Snap 2000 (フォクトレンダー ストリートスナップ2000)
* [2001.03.xx] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no J-POP School (坂崎幸之助のJ‐POPスクール)
* [2001.03.28] Yoshida Takuro no Waihaa e Ikou!! - I am Happy... in Hawaii (吉田拓郎のワイハーへ行こう!!)
* [2001.07.05] Wa Glass ni Dakarete - Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Glass Collection (和ガラスに抱かれて―坂崎幸之助のガラス・コレクション)
* [2001.08.27] Nekology - Nora Neko Toi to Sono Nakamatachi no Monogatari (ネコロジー―ノラ猫トイとその仲間たちの物語)
* [2002.01.20] NEW YORK SNAP amazon.co.jp
* [2008.10.04] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to J-POP Friends 1 (坂崎幸之助とJ-POPフレンズ 1)
* [2008.11.19] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to J-POP Friends 2 (坂崎幸之助とJ-POPフレンズ 2)
* [2009.01.17] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to J-POP Friends 3 (坂崎幸之助とJ-POPフレンズ 3)

==Compositions==
* ALFEE - Gyakumodori Uwaki Kou (lyrics, music)
* ALFEE - Machikado no Hero (lyrics)
* ALFEE - Sailing (lyrics)
* ALFEE - Sakamichi (lyrics)
* INFIX - Seishun Gakudan (arrangement, production)
* Tokoro George - Boku no Inu (arrangement)
* Tokoro George - Sentaku Dassui (production)
* Tokoro George - LIVE Zetsumetsu no Kiki (production)

==Toshihiko Takamizawa==
Toshihiko Takamizawa(高見沢 俊彦,Takamizawa Toshihiko)Takamizawa Toshihiko (高見沢俊彦) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and the leader of the rock band THE ALFEE. He launched a solo career in 1991 and has also written and produced songs for many different artists. Additionally, Takamizawa hosts his own radio show and is a member of the DOMOTO BROS. BAND on Shin Domoto Kyoudai.

'''Profile'''
Name: Takamizawa Toshihiko (高見沢俊彦)
Nicknames: Takamiy (たかみー), Ouji (王子; Prince)
Birthday: April 17, 1954 (age 62)
Birthplace: Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Blood Type: A
Height: 175 cm
Instruments: Guitar, piano, mandolin
Interests: Basketball, Apple products

==Early Life–THE ALFEE==
In elementary school, Takamizawa was introduced to The Beatles by his older brother. Later in his third year of middle school, his parents reluctantly bought him his first electric guitar.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-hmv-0</ref> He also developed a liking for basketball and eventually became captain of the basketball team.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-mf-1</ref> Takamizawa attended Meiji Gakuin Senior High School like Sakurai Masaru, but unlike his future bandmate, Takamizawa liked rock music. He formed a cover band with some classmates and performed songs from Western rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. He didn't like folk music, but that changed when he discovered GARO.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-2</ref> After graduating high school, he enrolled in the Department of English Literature at Meiji Gakuin University and joined the band Confidence, presently known as THE ALFEE.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-hmv-0</ref> Sakazaki Kohnosuke was originally the leader, but passed the title to Takamizawa in 1982 after switching genres from folk to rock.

'''Solo Career'''

In 1991, Takamizawa released his debut solo album, Ism. For the album, he worked with Western producers, including Steve Hillage and Mike Vernon. The songs on the album have a common theme of romance. For promotion, he performed his first solo concert tour, "Ism" Solo Tour Live.

His next solo release would come fourteen years later. In 2005, Takamizawa released the mini-album Berlin Calling. The title track was used as the image song for the Masterpieces of the Museum Island, Berlin. The mini-album also includes an acoustic self-cover of THE ALFEE's song "Kabe no Mukou no Freedom", which was written in 1989 about the Berlin Wall.

Takamizawa's second full-on solo activity after Ism was in 2007. He released his first single, "Sennen Romance", followed by his second album, Kaléidoscope, two weeks later. He collaborated with many lyricists, including Tsunku and Ayanocozey Show. Takamizawa embarked on his second tour, Kaléidoscope ~Tenshi no Kyouen~, featuring support guitarists of LUKE TAKAMURA (CANTA, ex-SEIKIMA II), ANCHANG (SEX MACHINEGUNS), and KOJI (ALvino, ex-La'cryma Christi).

The following year in 2008, Takamizawa developed a more metal sound. His second single, "Tsukihime", employed four electric guitarists composed of himself and the three from last year's live concert tour. He continued with the same sound with his third single, "VAMPIRE ~Yuuwaku no Blood~ / Yatterman no Uta", in 2009. In October 2009, Takamizawa participated in the visual-kei festival V-ROCK FESTIVAL '09.

Takamizawa's third album, Fantasia, was released on August 25, 2010, which was also the date of THE ALFEE's 36th anniversary since their debut. The album features his previous two singles and more collaborations with lyricists and support musicians, which include Matsumoto Tak from B'z and fellow FANTA member Marty Friedman. Following the conclusion of his tour Takamiy Legend of Fantasia 2010, he released his fourth single, "Aozora wo Shinjiteiru ka?". The lyrics were penned by AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi.

'''Appearance'''

Takamizawa has been dying his hair since 1992. It was red from 1992 to late 1995, dark brown from late 1995 to 2000, then red again. He has worn blonde wigs in the 2000s as well. Takamizawa also has a wide range of costumes that he wears for performing. An exhibit called "PRINCE TAKAMIY'S DRESS ROOM" opened to the public for the month of August in 2008.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-3</ref>

'''Guitars'''

Takamizawa playing the ESP Trump 4 Neck (1994)

Takamizawa is known for his collection of custom ESP guitars, with shapes and designs ranging from angels to swords, and even cartoon characters. He has reportedly over 420 guitars.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-4</ref> He said the most disastrous guitar in his possession is the ESP Trump 4 Neck and it is not practical for playing.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-5</ref>

In June 2007, one of his ESP Angel Sword models was auctioned on eBay for US$4,500 and became popular among many English-language blogs and online guitar communities. The guitar was made to celebrate THE ALFEE's 20th anniversary in 1993. Another model sold for US$3,880 in March 2010.<ref>http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-6</ref>
==Discography==

'''Studio Albums'''
* [1991.06.12] Ism (主義-Ism:)
* [2005.05.25] Berlin Calling (mini-album)
* [2007.07.18] Kaléidoscope
* [2010.08.25] Fantasia (Takamiy)
* [2013.07.31] RAIZIN (雷神)

* '''Singles'''
* [2007.07.04] Sennen Romance (千年ロマンス; Thousand-Year Romance)
* [2008.07.30] Tsukihime (月姫; Moon Princess)
* [2009.08.12] VAMPIRE ~Yuuwaku no Blood~ / Yatterman no Uta (VAMPIRE ~誘惑のBlood~ / ヤッターマンの歌; Temptation of Blood / Yatterman Song)
* [2010.09.15] Aozora wo Shinjiteiru ka? (青空を信じているか?; Do You Believe in the Blue Sky?) (Takamiy)
* [2011.07.13] Ougon Ryuou (黄金龍王; Gold Dragon King) (Takamiy)
* [2012.07.04] ULTRA STEEL (Takamiy)
* [2015.07.15] Yuuwaku no Taiyou (誘惑の太陽)


==Single discography==
==Single discography==

Revision as of 06:26, 1 July 2016

The Alfee
Also known asAlfie
OriginTokyo, Japan
Genres
Years active1974 – present
LabelsEMI Records, Virgin Music
MembersToshihiko Takamizawa (voice, E.guitar)
Kōnosuke Sakazaki (voice, A.guitar, percussion)
Sakurai Masaru (voice, E.bass)
Past membersMiyake Yasuo (voice, A.guitar)

The Alfee is a Japanese folk rock band who debuted in 1974, and have been recording and touring since then, with 23 studio albums and 63 singles throughout their career. The band marked its 40th anniversary in 2014 with their 64th single.

History

THE ALFEE is a three-piece Japanese band that is currently signed to EMI Music Japan. The trio is composed of Sakurai Masaru on bass guitar, Sakazaki Kohnosuke on acoustic guitar, and Takamizawa Toshihiko on electric guitar, with all three sharing the main vocals.They debuted in 1974 as a folk band, but soon progressed to rock. In 1983, nine years after their debut, the band finally had a hit with their sixteenth single, "Marie-Anne". Ever since, all of their singles have charted in the Oricon weekly top ten.[1]

In 2003, HMV's Japanese branch ranked them number 92 in their "Top 100 Japanese pops Artists" list.THE ALFEE is known for their numerous concerts; they have toured Japan every year since 1981 and have also held a large-scale (mostly outdoor) concert every summer from 1982 to 2006, with a final one in 2009.[2] As of June 27, 2010, they have performed 2,274 concerts.[3]

The Alfee claims American folk music as their primary inspiration, but they do also take from heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and Japan's "new music wave". The group also takes inspiration from King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Pink Floyd, as they use odd time signatures, while also taking the chorus harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the Eagles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Queen.

Early Days

In 1970, Sakurai Masaru formed the band Confidence (コンフィデンス) with two high school classmates.[4] Covering Western acts such as Simon & Garfunkel, they participated in many folk contests where they often met Sakazaki Kohnosuke. After they graduated high school in 1973, Confidence parted ways and Sakurai entered Meiji Gakuin University. Soon, he re-encountered Sakazaki, Takamizawa Toshihiko from high school, and Miyake Yasuo to revive the band. At the time, Sakazaki was the leader.

Debut

Confidence signed with Victor Music Industries in 1974 and changed their name to ALFIE (アルフィー) to avoid any confusion with Original Confidence. That August, they made their professional debut as a folk band with the single "Natsu Shigure". It did not fare well on the charts, and they released one more single and an album before Miyake withdrew from the band. ALFIE continued as a three-member band and prepared to release their third single on December 10, 1975, titled "Fuchuu Torimono Hikae", a parody of the 300 million yen robbery. Unfortunately, Victor canceled the single the day before its release and terminated the band's recording contract.[5]

ALFIE continued to perform at different live houses and as the backing band for Kamayatsu Hiroshi, Ken Naoko, and Saori Yuki until they were picked up again by Canyon Records in 1978. The following year, they re-debuted as ALFEE (アルフィー) with the single "Love Letter".


Transition to Rock

Takamizawa has always been fond of the electric guitar. In an interview, ALFEE was asked, "Your songs are only intended to be heard indoors, right?" to which Takamizawa was offended. Inoue Akira, the producer of the band's third album, Sanjuushi, suggested incorporating a solo in the song "Rakujitsu no Kaze". Soon, ALFEE adopted a rock sound and held their first summer event outdoors in 1982, entitled ROCK'N'ROLL FIGHTING NIGHT -Kanashimi wo Buttobase!!-. Around that time, Sakazaki stepped down as the leader of the band and passed the title to Takamizawa.

Later that year, the band released their fourteenth single, "Wakare no Rhythm". It was their first single to appear on the Oricon charts, peaking at #69. At the beginning of 1983, ALFEE announced a Nippon Budokan concert even though they had not had a hit song.[6] Applications for tickets were included in their fifteenth single, "Akatsuki no Paradise Road".

Success

ALFEE released their sixteenth single, "Marie-Anne", in June 1983. At first, it debuted outside the Oricon top ten, but soon became a hit and climbed to #7 after their performance at Nippon Budokan in August. Later that December, the band made their first appearance at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

After the success of 1983, ALFEE released their next single, "Hoshizora no Distance", in January 1984. It reached #2 on the Oricon weekly chart and would later become an ALFEE classic. Soon followed "Koibitotachi no Pavement", the band's first #1 single.

In July 1986, ALFEE changed their name once more to THE ALFEE with the release of their 23rd single, "SWEAT & TEARS". The following month, they performed their fifth summer live, TOKYO BAY-AREA, to an audience of approximately 100,000 people. THE ALFEE was the first Japanese act to hold a concert with an audience of that size.[7] At the show, the band premiered their new single, "ROCKDOM -Kaze ni Fukarete-". Rumors of the band's breakup surfaced because of the large nature of the concert and the lyrics, "Oretachi no jidai wo wasurenaide" (Don't forget this era of our lives), but they turned out to be false.[8] In 1997, THE ALFEE switched labels to Toshiba EMI.

35th Anniversary

THE ALFEE celebrated their 35th anniversary in 2009. Together with their current label and their former label Pony Canyon, they re-released forty of their albums as either SHM-CDs or HQCDs in a cardboard jacket and twenty of their DVDs in a long case with lower price on March 18th. Later on August 8th and 9th, the band returned to their summer lives that went on hiatus for two years to hold their 26th and final, THE ALFEE Legendary Summer 2009 YOKOHAMA PERFECT BURN.[9] 2009 was also the first year since 1999 that THE ALFEE released more than one single.

BE∀T BOYS

THE ALFEE celebrated their 35th anniversary in 2009. Together with their current label and their former label Pony Canyon, they re-released forty of their albums as either SHM-CDs or HQCDs in a cardboard jacket and twenty of their DVDs in a long case with lower price on March 18th. Later on August 8th and 9th, the band returned to their summer lives that went on hiatus for two years to hold their 26th and final, THE ALFEE Legendary Summer 2009 YOKOHAMA PERFECT BURN.[10] 2009 was also the first year since 1999 that THE ALFEE released more than one single.

Members

Sakurai Masaru

Masaru Sakurai(桜井 賢,Sakurai Masaru) is the bassist and the vocalists of the Japanese rock band THE ALFEE.Bass, chorus, pedal synthesizer, double bass, and acoustic guitar.

Profile

  • Name: Sakurai Masaru (桜井賢)
  • Birthday: January 20, 1955
  • Birthplace: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
  • Blood Type: A
  • Height: 170 cm
  • Instruments: Bass guitar
  • Interests: F1, shogi, tennis

Early Life - THE ALFEE

Sakurai Masaru has loved singing since he was a child. While attending Meiji Gakuin Senior High School (the same school as Takamizawa Toshihiko), he formed the cover band Confidence with two fellow classmates.[11] They performed folk songs originally by Western groups, including Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. In 1972, Confidence participated in a folk contest sponsored by Victor Entertainment Inc. and won first place.[12] It was then that they met Sakazaki Kohnosuke. Later in the summer, Confidence and Sakazaki performed an original song together at another folk contest and won third place.[1] After graduating high school, Confidence parted ways and Sakurai enrolled in the Department of Jurisprudence at Meiji Gakuin University. Confidence was later reformed at the university with Sakurai, Sakazaki, Takamizawa, and Miyake Yasuo, now known as THE ALFEE.

Appearance

Since 1979, Sakurai has always appeared in public with sunglasses. In an interview in 1985, he said, "Sunglasses? I don't remove them in front of people... It's like taking off my pants."[13] Nowadays, publications of old pictures that had his eyes uncovered are usually censored.[14]

Works

Radio

  • [2005.04.07 - 2006.03.03] NEC Presents THE ALFEE Sakurai Masaru no STARTING OVER (桜井賢のSTARTING OVER)

Kōnosuke Sakazaki

Kōnosuke Sakazaki(坂崎 幸之助,Sakazaki Kōnosuke) is a Japanese folk singer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as a member of the rock band THE ALFEE.Acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, drums, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, sitar, lute, dobro, autoharp, bouzouki, tenor guitar, piano, and chorus.

Profile

  • Stage Name: Sakazaki Kohnosuke (坂崎幸之助)
  • Real Name: Sakazaki Kouji (坂崎幸二)[15]
  • Birthday: April 15, 1954
  • Birthplace: Sumida, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
  • Blood Type: O
  • Height: 165 cm
  • Instruments: Guitar, percussion, harmonica, mandolin, bass guitar
  • Interests: Photography, antique glass, pottery, amphibians, reptiles, tropical fish
  • Bands:
  • THE ALFEE (1974-)
  • The Folk Crusaders (2002)
  • Kazukoh (2007-2009)

Early Life - THE ALFEE

Sakazaki was introduced to The Beatles by his older brother in his fourth year of elementary school.[16] Heavily influenced by them, he was inspired to buy his first acoustic guitar in middle school, a Yamaha FG-110. Later, Sakazaki developed a liking for Japanese folk acts such as The Folk Crusaders and Yoshida Takuro. He started covering songs and participated in folk contests. In the summer of 1972, he met Sakurai Masaru and his cover band Confidence. Together, they performed an original song and won third place.[17] Soon, he joined the band as lead guitar.

In 1973, Sakazaki and Sakurai were accepted to Meiji Gakuin University. There, they met Takamizawa Toshihiko who also joined the band. In 1974, Confidence signed to Victor Music Industries as ALFIE with Sakazaki as the leader. In 1982, he passed the title to Takamizawa as they switched genres to rock.

The Folk Crusaders

In 2002, the 1960s band The Folk Crusaders reunited for a limited time with Sakazaki, a big fan, joining as a special member. They held a concert on November 17th at NHK Hall and released a studio album, a live album, and a single.

Kazukoh

In March 2007, Sakazaki announced on his radio program K's TRANSMISSION that he would form a folk duo called Kazukoh with Kato Kazuhiko of The Folk Crusaders and Sadistic Mika Band. The group's name is a combination of the first kanji in both of their first names. Together, they released two albums before Kato's death in October 2009.[18]

Discography

Compilation Albums

  • [1999.11.03] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no J-POP SCHOOL (坂崎幸之助のJ-POP SCHOOL)
  • [2000.04.11] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no J-POP SCHOOL 2 (坂崎幸之助のJ-POP SCHOOL2)

Collaborations / Other

  • [1978.12.21] Tokoro George - Narisagari -Daigaku Kurai wa Detakatta- (guitar)
  • [1980.11.21] Tokoro George - Minna Furyou Shounen Datta (guitar)
  • [1992.11.21] TOSHI - made in HEAVEN (guitar)
  • [1996.09.01] Tokoro George - Boku no Inu (guitar)
  • [1997.07.02] Tokoro George - 20th cAnniversamy (guitar)
  • [1997.11.01] Yoshida Takuro & LOVE LOVE ALL STARS - Minna Daisuki (guitar)
  • [1998.09.16] Tokoro George - Tonkachi (guitar, chorus)
  • [1999.02.03] Tokoro George - Shiihaan (guitar)
  • [1999.06.30] Riding - Konna Boku Demo (guitar)
  • [2000.03.03] Imawano Kiyoshiro - RESPECT! (Disc One #4 2 Jikan 35 Fun)
  • [2002.01.12] Tanimura Shinji - NAKAZORA (guitar)
  • [2002.01.16] Figure 17 Tsubasa & Hikari Original Soundtrack (guitar)
  • [2002.12.11] Ohguro Maki - PRESENTs (guitar)
  • [2003.09.03] Segi Takamasa - Daichi no Lagoon (guitar)
  • [2003.12.03] Murakami "PONTA" Shuichi - MY PLEASURE
  • [2004.08.11] Aotaya 3gou (Sakazaki Kayoko)

Works

Television

  • [1994 - present] Folk Song Taizen Shuu (フォークソング大全集)
  • [1996.10.05 - 2001.03.31] LOVE LOVE Aishiteru (LOVE LOVEあいしてる)
  • [1998.04.xx - 2000.03.xx] MUSIC HAMMER
  • [2000.04.xx - 2001.03.xx] Music Museum
  • [2002] Folk Daishuugou (フォーク大集合)
  • Asa Made Utatsurube (朝まで歌つるべ)
  • Asa Made Ikitsurube (朝まで生つるべ)
  • Folk Days (フォーク・デイズ)
  • Folk Guerrilla Sakazaki Kohnosuke Shouten (フォークゲリラ坂崎幸之助商店)
  • Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Hitoyo Kagiri no Ongaku Live (坂崎幸之助の一夜限りの音楽ライブ)

Radio

  • [1980.04.01 - 1981.09.29] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no All-Night Nippon (坂崎幸之助のオールナイトニッポン)
  • [1981.04.xx - 1981.09.xx] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Hotondo Joudan! (坂崎幸之助のほとんど冗談!)
  • [1982.04.06 - 1983.03.29] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no All-Night Nippon (坂崎幸之助のオールナイトニッポン)
  • [1989.04.xx - 1994.03.xx] Super FM Magazine NORU SORU (スーパーFMマガジン)
  • [1994.04.xx - 1995.03.xx] Super Friday Night Open G (スーパーフライデーナイト・オープンG)
  • [1996.01.xx - 1996.03.xx] UPTOWN SQUARE
  • [1996.04.05 - 1998.02.27] Midnight Rock City -Friday Special-
  • [1996.04.05 - present] Sakazaki-san no Bangumi Toiu Bangumi (坂崎さんの番組という番組)
  • [1998.04.xx - present] K's TRANSMISSION
  • [2004.03.31 - 2004.09.22] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no All-Night Nippon (坂崎幸之助のオールナイトニッポン)
  • [2009.11.30 - present] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to Yoshida Takuro no All-Night Nippon GOLD (坂崎幸之助と吉田拓郎のオールナイトニッポンGOLD)

Events

  • [1996 - 2001] BEATLES College
  • [2002 - present] Tomoe-chan Folk Jamboree Sakazaki Kohnosuke Shouten (ともえちゃんフォークジャンボリー 坂崎幸之助商店)
  • [2003 - present] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Odaiba Folk Mura (坂崎幸之助のお台場フォーク村)
  • [2003 - present] Dear BEATLES

Magazines

  • [1998.10 - present] Go!Go! GUITAR

Books

  • [2000.08.03] Voigtländer Street Snap 2000 (フォクトレンダー ストリートスナップ2000)
  • [2001.03.xx] Sakazaki Kohnosuke no J-POP School (坂崎幸之助のJ‐POPスクール)
  • [2001.03.28] Yoshida Takuro no Waihaa e Ikou!! - I am Happy... in Hawaii (吉田拓郎のワイハーへ行こう!!)
  • [2001.07.05] Wa Glass ni Dakarete - Sakazaki Kohnosuke no Glass Collection (和ガラスに抱かれて―坂崎幸之助のガラス・コレクション)
  • [2001.08.27] Nekology - Nora Neko Toi to Sono Nakamatachi no Monogatari (ネコロジー―ノラ猫トイとその仲間たちの物語)
  • [2002.01.20] NEW YORK SNAP amazon.co.jp
  • [2008.10.04] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to J-POP Friends 1 (坂崎幸之助とJ-POPフレンズ 1)
  • [2008.11.19] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to J-POP Friends 2 (坂崎幸之助とJ-POPフレンズ 2)
  • [2009.01.17] Sakazaki Kohnosuke to J-POP Friends 3 (坂崎幸之助とJ-POPフレンズ 3)

Compositions

  • ALFEE - Gyakumodori Uwaki Kou (lyrics, music)
  • ALFEE - Machikado no Hero (lyrics)
  • ALFEE - Sailing (lyrics)
  • ALFEE - Sakamichi (lyrics)
  • INFIX - Seishun Gakudan (arrangement, production)
  • Tokoro George - Boku no Inu (arrangement)
  • Tokoro George - Sentaku Dassui (production)
  • Tokoro George - LIVE Zetsumetsu no Kiki (production)

Toshihiko Takamizawa

Toshihiko Takamizawa(高見沢 俊彦,Takamizawa Toshihiko)Takamizawa Toshihiko (高見沢俊彦) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and the leader of the rock band THE ALFEE. He launched a solo career in 1991 and has also written and produced songs for many different artists. Additionally, Takamizawa hosts his own radio show and is a member of the DOMOTO BROS. BAND on Shin Domoto Kyoudai.

Profile Name: Takamizawa Toshihiko (高見沢俊彦) Nicknames: Takamiy (たかみー), Ouji (王子; Prince) Birthday: April 17, 1954 (age 62) Birthplace: Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan Blood Type: A Height: 175 cm Instruments: Guitar, piano, mandolin Interests: Basketball, Apple products

Early Life–THE ALFEE

In elementary school, Takamizawa was introduced to The Beatles by his older brother. Later in his third year of middle school, his parents reluctantly bought him his first electric guitar.[19] He also developed a liking for basketball and eventually became captain of the basketball team.[20] Takamizawa attended Meiji Gakuin Senior High School like Sakurai Masaru, but unlike his future bandmate, Takamizawa liked rock music. He formed a cover band with some classmates and performed songs from Western rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. He didn't like folk music, but that changed when he discovered GARO.[21] After graduating high school, he enrolled in the Department of English Literature at Meiji Gakuin University and joined the band Confidence, presently known as THE ALFEE.[22] Sakazaki Kohnosuke was originally the leader, but passed the title to Takamizawa in 1982 after switching genres from folk to rock.

Solo Career

In 1991, Takamizawa released his debut solo album, Ism. For the album, he worked with Western producers, including Steve Hillage and Mike Vernon. The songs on the album have a common theme of romance. For promotion, he performed his first solo concert tour, "Ism" Solo Tour Live.

His next solo release would come fourteen years later. In 2005, Takamizawa released the mini-album Berlin Calling. The title track was used as the image song for the Masterpieces of the Museum Island, Berlin. The mini-album also includes an acoustic self-cover of THE ALFEE's song "Kabe no Mukou no Freedom", which was written in 1989 about the Berlin Wall.

Takamizawa's second full-on solo activity after Ism was in 2007. He released his first single, "Sennen Romance", followed by his second album, Kaléidoscope, two weeks later. He collaborated with many lyricists, including Tsunku and Ayanocozey Show. Takamizawa embarked on his second tour, Kaléidoscope ~Tenshi no Kyouen~, featuring support guitarists of LUKE TAKAMURA (CANTA, ex-SEIKIMA II), ANCHANG (SEX MACHINEGUNS), and KOJI (ALvino, ex-La'cryma Christi).

The following year in 2008, Takamizawa developed a more metal sound. His second single, "Tsukihime", employed four electric guitarists composed of himself and the three from last year's live concert tour. He continued with the same sound with his third single, "VAMPIRE ~Yuuwaku no Blood~ / Yatterman no Uta", in 2009. In October 2009, Takamizawa participated in the visual-kei festival V-ROCK FESTIVAL '09.

Takamizawa's third album, Fantasia, was released on August 25, 2010, which was also the date of THE ALFEE's 36th anniversary since their debut. The album features his previous two singles and more collaborations with lyricists and support musicians, which include Matsumoto Tak from B'z and fellow FANTA member Marty Friedman. Following the conclusion of his tour Takamiy Legend of Fantasia 2010, he released his fourth single, "Aozora wo Shinjiteiru ka?". The lyrics were penned by AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi.

Appearance

Takamizawa has been dying his hair since 1992. It was red from 1992 to late 1995, dark brown from late 1995 to 2000, then red again. He has worn blonde wigs in the 2000s as well. Takamizawa also has a wide range of costumes that he wears for performing. An exhibit called "PRINCE TAKAMIY'S DRESS ROOM" opened to the public for the month of August in 2008.[23]

Guitars

Takamizawa playing the ESP Trump 4 Neck (1994)

Takamizawa is known for his collection of custom ESP guitars, with shapes and designs ranging from angels to swords, and even cartoon characters. He has reportedly over 420 guitars.[24] He said the most disastrous guitar in his possession is the ESP Trump 4 Neck and it is not practical for playing.[25]

In June 2007, one of his ESP Angel Sword models was auctioned on eBay for US$4,500 and became popular among many English-language blogs and online guitar communities. The guitar was made to celebrate THE ALFEE's 20th anniversary in 1993. Another model sold for US$3,880 in March 2010.[26]

Discography

Studio Albums

  • [1991.06.12] Ism (主義-Ism:)
  • [2005.05.25] Berlin Calling (mini-album)
  • [2007.07.18] Kaléidoscope
  • [2010.08.25] Fantasia (Takamiy)
  • [2013.07.31] RAIZIN (雷神)
  • Singles
  • [2007.07.04] Sennen Romance (千年ロマンス; Thousand-Year Romance)
  • [2008.07.30] Tsukihime (月姫; Moon Princess)
  • [2009.08.12] VAMPIRE ~Yuuwaku no Blood~ / Yatterman no Uta (VAMPIRE ~誘惑のBlood~ / ヤッターマンの歌; Temptation of Blood / Yatterman Song)
  • [2010.09.15] Aozora wo Shinjiteiru ka? (青空を信じているか?; Do You Believe in the Blue Sky?) (Takamiy)
  • [2011.07.13] Ougon Ryuou (黄金龍王; Gold Dragon King) (Takamiy)
  • [2012.07.04] ULTRA STEEL (Takamiy)
  • [2015.07.15] Yuuwaku no Taiyou (誘惑の太陽)

Single discography

Titles are listed chronologically, oldest at the top. The titles are listed in their English translation first, followed by the original Japanese, (a rōmaji transliteration in parentheses) and the release date in parentheses. If all songs on a single are in English, the titles are shown only once.

1970s

  • "Summer Shower / Dangerous Apple"
    夏しぐれ/危険なリンゴ (Natsu Shigure / Kiken na Ringo) (August 25, 1974)
  • "Youthful Memories / Midsummer Dream"
    青春の記憶/真夏の夢 (Seishun no Kioku / Manatsu no Yume) (May 25, 1975)
  • "Love Letter / Long Lost Days"
    ラブレター/過ぎ去りし日々 (Rabu Reta- / Sugisarishi Hibi) (January 21, 1979)
    • "Love Letter" was the "image song" for the 1978 commercial "Shouwa Note."
  • "Like the Dancing Girl / The Goodbye Was Nonchalant"
    踊り子のように/さよならはさりげなく (Odoriko no you ni / Sayonara ha Sarigenaku) (April 21, 1979)
  • "In the Night of Falling Stars... / Street Corner Hero"
    星降る夜に…/街角のヒーロー (Hoshi Furu Yoru ni... / Machikado no Hi-ro-) (July 21, 1979)
  • "Jack Frost / The Farewell Bell"
    冬将軍/さよならの鐘 (Fuyu Shougun / Sayonara no Kane) (October 21, 1979)

1980s

  • "Pantomime / Toward the Reckless Tears of Tomorrow"
    無言劇/明日なき暴走の果てに (Mugongeki / Ashita naki Bousou no Hate ni) (March 21, 1980)
    • "Pantomime" was the theme song for the 1980 TV Tokyo drama "Aitsu to Ore."
  • "Beautiful Season / Feeling Love"
    美しいシーズン/Feeling Love (Utsukushii Shi-zun / Feeling Love) (June 21, 1980)
    • "Beautiful Season" was the theme song for the 1980 Toei Eiga release "Furyou Shounen."
  • "I Want to Be Your Lover / Check Out"
    恋人になりたい/CHECK OUT (Koibito ni Naritai / Check Out) (November 5, 1980)
  • "The Letter with No Forwarding Address / Northern Hotel"
    宛先のない手紙/北のHOTEL (Atesaki no Nai Tegami / Kita no Hotel) (May 21, 1981)
  • "Rain Shower / Weather That Can't Be Described in Words"
    通り雨/言葉にしたくない天気 (Toori Ame / Kotoba ni Shitakunai Tenki) (October 21, 1979)
  • "Don't Cry My Love / Last Kiss by Morning Call"
    泣かないでMY LOVE/モーニング・コールでラスト・キッス (Nakanai de My Love / Mo-ningu Ko-ru de Rasuto Kissu) (March 21, 1982)
  • "Sunset Summer / Suppressed Insanity! Jumping Groupie"
    SUNSET SUMMER/絶狂!ジャンピング・グルーピー (Sunset Summer / Zekkyou! Janpingu Guru-pi-) (June 21, 1982)
  • "Parting Rhythm / Elegy"
    別れの律動(リズム)/挽歌 (Wakare no Ritsudou (Rizumu) / Banka) (November 21, 1982)
  • "Daybreak Paradise Road / Prayer"
    暁のパラダイス・ロード/祈り (Akatsuki no Paradaisu Ro-do / Inori) (March 21, 1983)
  • "Marie-Anne / Radical Teenager"
    メリーアン/ラジカル・ティーンエイジャー (Meri-an / Rajikaru Ti-neija-) (June 21, 1983)
  • "Starry Sky Distance / Downtown Street"
    星空のディスタンス/DOWNTOWN STREET (Hoshizora no Disutansu / Downtown Street) (January 21, 1984)
    • "Starry Sky Distance" was the theme song for the 1984 TBS Network TV drama "Mujaki na Kankei."
  • "Starship: Seeking the Light / The Beat of Love"
    STARSHIP-光を求めて-/愛の鼓動 (Starship -Hikari wo Motomete / Ai no Kodou) (May 21, 1984)
  • "Pavement of Lovers / Rollover Yesterday"
    恋人達のペイヴメント/ロールオーバー・イエスタディ (Koibitotachi no Peivumento / Ro-ruo-ba- Iesutadi) (October 17, 1984)
    • "Pavement of Lovers" was the image song for the 1984 Glico "Almond Chocolate" commercial.
  • "Cinderella Isn't Sleepy / A Last Song"
    シンデレラは眠れない/A Last Song (Shinderera ha Nemurenai / A Last Song) (February 21, 1985)
  • "Foggy Sofia / Blue Age Revolution"
    霧のソフィア/BLUE AGE REVOLUTION (Kiri no Sofia / Blue Age Revolution) (October 16, 1985)
  • "Windy Day, with You / The Tale of the Worldy and Melancholy Man"
    風曜日、君をつれて/世にも悲しい男の物語 (Fūyōbi, Kimi wo Tsurete / Yo ni mo Kanashii Otoko no Monogatari) (March 5, 1986)
  • "Sweat & Tears / Explain the Wind"
    SWEAT & TEARS/風よ教えて (Sweat & Tears / Kaze yo Oshiete) (July 5, 1986)
  • "Rockdom: Blowing in the Wind / Days Gone By"
    ROCKDOM -風に吹かれて-/DAYS GONE BY (Rockdom: Kaze ni Fukarete / Days Gone By) (September 5, 1986)
  • "Sapphire Eyes / Embraced by the Wintry Wind"
    サファイアの瞳/木枯しに抱かれて… (Safaia no Hitomi / Kogarashi ni Idakarete) (March 11, 1987)
    • "Sapphire Eyes" was the 1987 image song for the Lion "Page One" commercial campaign.
  • "Don't Pass Me By / For the Brand-New Dream"
    君が通り過ぎたあとに -DON'T PASS ME BY-/FOR THE BRAND-NEW DREAM (Kimi ga Tōrisugita Ato ni -Don't Pass Me By- / For the Brand-New Dream) (March 11, 1987)
  • "A Hundred Nights / Long Way to Freedom"
    白夜-byaku-ya-/LONG WAY TO FREEDOM (Byaku-ya / Long Way to Freedom) (July 1, 1987)
    • "Long Way to Freedom" was the 1987 Alps Denki commercial campaign image song.
  • "My Truth / It's Alright" (October 28, 1987)
    • "It's Alright" was used by the 1988 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Don't Forget the January Rain / Girl"
    1月の雨を忘れない/Girl (1-gatsu no Ame wo Wasurenai / Girl) (January 21, 1988)
    • "It's Alright" was the 1988 Fuji network "Momoiro Gakuentoshi" theme song.
  • "Weekend Shuffle: Gorgeous Weekend / I Want to Gaze at You"
    WEEKEND SHUFFLE-華やかな週末-/見つめていたい (Weekend Shuffle - Hanayaka na Shūmatsu / Mitsumeteitai) (March 16, 1988)
    • "Weekend Shuffle: Gorgeous Weekend" was theme song for the 1988 TBS network drama "Papa ha Nenjū Kurō-suru".
    • "I Want to Gaze at You" was a song used in the 1988 TBS network drama "Papa ha Nenjū Kurō-suru".
  • "19 / Outlaw Blues"
    19(nineteen)/アウトロー・ブルース (19 / Autoro- Buru-su) (July 27, 1988)
  • "Faith of Love / You Get to Run" (December 21, 1988)
    • "Faith of Love" was the main theme for the 1988 Toho Eiga movie "Gekitotsu".
    • "You Get to Run" was the Fighting theme for the 1988 Toho Eiga movie "Gekitotsu".
  • "I Can Hear the Songs of My Lover / Alone: And the Road Goes On"
    恋人の歌がきこえる/Alone-それでも道はつづく- (Koibito no Uta ga Kikoeru / Alone -Sore demo Michi ha Tsuzuku) (October 25, 1989)
    • "I Can Hear the Songs of My Lover" was the theme song for the 1989 NTV drama "I Can Hear the Songs of My Lover".

1990s

  • "Flower Revolution / Bad Girl" (January 31, 1990)
    • "Flower Revolution" was the image song for Expo '90 and the 1990 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Promised Love / Someday" (February 5, 1992)
    • "Promised Love" was the theme song for the 1992 NTV drama "Pole Position! Aishiki Hito he...".
    • "Someday" was the image song for the 1992 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Believe / Running Wild" (February 3, 1993)
    • "Believe" was the theme song for the 1992 TBS network show "Move".
    • "Running Wild" was the image song for the 1993 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Victory / Time Spirit" (April 28, 1993)
  • "I Want to Meet You Once Again / Chasing Down the Wind"
    もう一度君に逢いたい/風を追いかけて (Mou Ichidō Kimi ni Aitai / Kaze wo Oikakete) (December 1, 1993)
    • "I Want to Meet You Once Again" was the ending theme for the 1992 NTV drama "Super TV: Jōhō Saizensen".
    • "Chasing Down the Wind" was the image song for the 1994 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Haven't Yet Seen the Love Poem to You / Power for Love"
    まだ見ぬ君への愛の詩/愛こそ力 ~Power for Love~ (Mada Minu Kimi he no Ai no Shi / Ai koso Chikara ~Power for Love~) (May 14, 1994)
    • "Haven't Yet Seen the Love Poem to You" was the image song for the 1994 Mitsuya Cider commercial campaign.
    • "Power for Love" was the ending theme for the 1994 Fuji network show "Time Angle".
  • "Complex Blue: Except for the Love, I'm Too Sad / Theme of Romance / Theme of Solitude"
    COMPLEX BLUE -愛だけ哀しすぎて-/ THEME OF ROMANCE / THEME OF SOLITUDE (Complex Blue -Ai dake Kanashisugite / Theme of Romance / Theme of Solitude) (September 20, 1994)
    • "Complex Blue: Except for the Love, I'm Too Sad" was the theme song for the 1994 Fuji network video series "Complex Blue".
  • "The Adventurers / El Dorado"
    冒険者たち/El Dorado (Bōkensha-tachi / El Dorado) (October 20, 1994)
  • "El Dorado / The Adventure Begins"
    エルドラド/The Adventure Begins (Eru Dorado / The Adventure Begins) (October 20, 1994)
  • "Love Never Dies / Glory Days" (January 29, 1996)
    • "Love Never Dies" was the theme song for the 1996 NTV drama "Kiseki no Romance".
    • "Glory Days" was the image song for the 1996 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "The Shape of Love: Send My Heart / Everybody Needs Love Generation"
    倖せのかたち ~Send My Heart~/EVERYBODY NEEDS LOVE GENERATION-Live at YOKOHAMA RED BRICKS, 10 August 1996- (Shiawase no Katachi ~Send My Heart~ / Everybody Needs Love Generation) (October 16, 1996)
    • "The Shape of Love: Send My Heart" was the song for the 1996 Tōhō Seimei commercial campaign.
  • "Brave Love: Galaxy Express 999 / Beyond the Win" (February 25, 1998)
  • "The Bell of Hope as the Morning Breaks / Beginning of the Time"
    希望の鐘が鳴る朝に/Beginning of the Time (Kibō no Kane ga Naru Asa ni / Beginning of the Time) (February 3, 1999)
    • "The Bell of Hope as the Morning Breaks" was the theme song for the 1999 TBS network Toshiba Nichiyō Gekijō movie "Salaryman Kintarō".
    • "Beginning of the Time" was the image song for the 1999 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Justice for True Love / A.D. 1999" (August 18, 1999)

2000s

  • "Never Fade / Wake Up: Goodbye 20th Century Boy / In Order to Become Free"
    NEVER FADE/Wake Up ~Goodbye 20th century boy/自由になるために (Never Fade / Wake Up ~Goodbye 20th Century Boy~ / Jiyū ni Naru Tame ni) (December 6, 2000)
    • "Never Fade" was the ending theme for the TV Asahi program "T x 2Show".
    • "Wake Up: Goodby 20th Century Boy" was the ending theme for the Yomiuri TV/NTV program "Wake Up".
    • "In Order to Become Free" was the image song for the 2000 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Juliet / Change the Wind" (August 22, 2001)
    • "Juliet" was the theme song for the TV Asahi program "Sushi Azarashi" and the ending theme for the TV Asahi program "T x 2Show".
    • "Change the Wind" was the image song for the 2001 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "The Sun Won't Set / World of Chaos"
    太陽は沈まない/Chaosの世界 (Taiyō ha Shizumanai / Chaos no Sekai) (August 14, 2002)
    • "The Sun Won't Set" was the ending theme song for the Fuji network drama "Shomuni FINAL".
    • "World of Chaos" was the image song for the 2002 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Dandelion Verse / Swinging Generation 2003"
    タンポポの詩/SWINGING GENERATION 2003 (Tanpopo no Uta / Swinging Generation 2003) (August 13, 2003)
  • "Bridge of Hope / Eyeing the Morning Star / The Bell of Hope as the Morning Breaks: 2004 Mix Version"
    希望の橋/夜明けの星を目指して/希望の鐘が鳴る朝に ~2004 mix version~ (Kibō no Hashi / Yoake no Hoshi wo Mezashite / Kibō no Kane ga Naru Asa ni) (February 18, 2004)
    • "Bridge of Hope" was the theme song for the TBS network drama "Salaryman Kintarō 4".
    • "Eyeing the Morning Star" was the image song for the 2004 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "10 Billion Love Stories / Closer to ZeRo! / The Time of Vanishing Loneliness '05"
    100億のLove Story/ZeRoになれ!/悲しみが消える時'05 (100 Oku no Love Story / ZeRo ni Nare! / Kanashimi ga Kieru Toki '05) (2005-03-17)
    • "10 Billion Love Stories" was the theme song for the TBS network original movie "Kochira Hon'ike Gamisho 5."
    • "Closer to ZeRo!" was the image song for the 2005 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
  • "Innocent Love / One" (October 24, 2006)
    • "Innocent Love" was the theme to the drama "Mikon Roku Shimai."
  • "Dear My Life"
    (April 4, 2007)
    • The "Dear My Life" single was released in three different versions, each with a different bonus track.
    • "Type A" had "Dear My Life" Acoustic Guitar Instrumental as the bonus track.
    • "Type B" had "Yume Yo Isoge" (夢よ急げ) Acoustic Guitar Instrumental as the bonus track.
    • "Type C" had "Dear My Life' Instrumental with Electric Guitar Melody."
  • "Dedicate My Love" (2009)
  • "Kono Ai wo Sasagete" was the theme song of the anime movie Uchuu Senkan Yamato Fukkatsu-hen
    • The "Kono Ai wo Sasagete" single is released in three versions, each with a different bonus track.
      • "Type A" had "Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2009" Rock Version as the bonus track.
      • "Type B" had "Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2009 with Symphonic Orchestra" as the bonus track.
      • "Type C" had "Shining Run (Kagayaku Michi Ni Mukatte)" as the bonus track.

Album discography

Titles are listed chronologically, oldest at the top. The titles are listed in English translation first, followed by the original Japanese, (a rōmaji transliteration in parentheses) and the release date in parentheses (if known). If an album title is in English, the title will be shown only once.

  • Youthful Memories
    青春の記憶 (Seishun no Kioku) (July 25, 1975)
  • Time and Tide (August 21, 1979)
  • Sanjūshi
    讃集詩 (Sanjūshi) (May 21, 1980)
  • Almighty (October 21, 1981)
  • doubt, (April 21, 1982)
  • Alfee (January 5, 1983)
  • Alfee's Law (September 5, 1983)
  • Page One: 13 Pieces of Alfee (December 5, 1983)
  • The Renaissance (July 5, 1984)
  • Alfee Gold (September 5, 1984)
  • Alfee Silver (September 5, 1984)
  • Best Selection I (December 5, 1984)
  • Alfee A-Side Collection
    ALFEE A面 コレクション (Alfee A-men Korekushon) (May 21, 1985)
  • Alfee B-Side Collection
    ALFEE B面 コレクション (Alfee B-men Korekushon) (May 21, 1985)
  • For Your Love (June 19, 1985)
  • Alfee 4-Way Story (1) (August 21, 1985)
  • Alfee 4-Way Story (2) (August 21, 1985)
  • The Best Song (December 5, 1985)
  • Alfee A-Side Collection Special
    アルフィーA面コレクション スペシャル (Arufi- A-men Korekushon Supesharu) (April 21, 1986)
  • Alfee B-Side Collection Special
    アルフィーB面コレクション スペシャル (Arufi- B-men Korekushon Supesharu) (April 21, 1986)
  • Ages (November 25, 1986)
  • Non-Stop (December 21, 1986)
  • One Night Dreams 1983-1987: Special Live Edition (September 17, 1987)
  • UK Breakfast (December 9, 1987)
  • Best Selection II (May 21, 1988)
  • DNA Communication (March 21, 1989)
  • The Alfee Classics with London Symphony Orchestra (March 21, 1990)
  • Arcadia (October 17, 1990)
  • The Alfee: The Best (December 4, 1991)
  • Journey (April 29, 1992)
  • Promised Love: The Alfee Ballad Selection (December 16, 1992)
  • Confidence: The Alfee Acoustic Special Live (July 21, 1993)
  • Single History I: 1979-1982 (September 20, 1994)
  • Single History II: 1983-1986 (November 20, 1994)
  • Single History III: 1987-1990 (December 20, 1994)
  • To the End of the Dream
    夢幻の果てに (Mugen no Hate ni) (January 20, 1995)
  • Single History IV: 1991-1994 (February 20, 1995)
  • Live in Progress (July 21, 1995)
  • Love (March 21, 1996)
  • The Alfee Classics II: The Alfee with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (December 16, 1996)
  • Emotional Love Songs (November 19, 1997)
  • Emotional Message Songs (November 19, 1997)
  • Nouvelle Vague (March 25, 1998)
  • Pride (August 7, 1998)
  • ōrb (September 29, 1999)
  • Glint Beat (September 12, 2001)
    • Glint Beat included the songs "BOY" and "Fairy Dance", the opening and ending songs (respectively) of the SKY PerfecTV anime "Figure 17: Tsubasa & Hikaru".
  • The Alfee Classics III: The Alfee with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (November 16, 2001)
  • The Best 1997-2002: apres nouvelle vague (March 5, 2003)
  • Going My Way (October 1, 2003)
  • Racing to the Dream: The Osaka International Ladies Marathon Image Song Album
    夢よ急げ-大阪国際女子マラソンイメージソング・アルバム- (Yume yo Isoge - Ōsaka Kokusai Joshi Marason Ime-ji Songu Arubamu) (March 10, 2004)
  • The Alfee 30th Anniversary Hit Single Collection 37 (August 25, 2004)
  • Starting Over: Best Hit of The Alfee (March 29, 2006)
  • ONE -Venus of Rock- (November 22, 2006)
  • Alfee Gets Requests (July 25, 2012)

Video releases

Titles are listed chronologically, oldest at the top. The titles are listed in English translation first, followed by the original Japanese, (a rōmaji transliteration in parentheses) and the original release date of the video in parentheses (if known). If title is in English, the title will be shown only once.

VHS

  • Over Drive 1983 Alfee 8.24 Budokan (October 21, 1983)
  • Flying Away Alfee in Yokohama Stadium 1984.8.3 Fri (September 21, 1984)
  • Alfee 3 Days 1985.8/27/28/29 Yokohama Stadium (October 15, 1985)
  • The Alfee 1986 8.3 Sweat & Tears Tokyo Bay-Area (October 5, 1986)
  • 1986 12.24 Christmas Special All Night The Alfee (May 21, 1987)
  • Sunset-Sunrise 1987 Aug.8-9 (September 30, 1987)
  • Meigaku Live 3 November 1987 (June 21, 1988)
  • All Over Japan 4 Access Area 1988 (October 5, 1988)
  • The Alfee in Crash
    THE ALFEE in 激突 (The Alfee in Gekitotsu) (December 21, 1988)
  • The Alfee with Jean Paul Gaultier (June 14, 1989)
  • U.S. Camp Drake ASC The ALfee 1989.8.13 Sun (October 4, 1989)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel I (October 3, 1990)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel II (October 3, 1990)
  • The Alfee History I 1982~1985 (October 3, 1990)
  • Arcadia Included by Count Down 1999 (November 21, 1990)
  • Long Way to Freedom Revolution II & Smile Photo Collection (March 27, 1991)
  • 10th Summer: Since 1991
    10 回目の夏 -Since 1991- (10kaime no Natsu -Since 1991-) (October 2, 1991)
  • The Alfee History II 1986~1991 (March 25, 1992)
  • Just Live! (October 7, 1992)
  • Video Clips Victory (July 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Silver Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Gold Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • King's Night Dream Western Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • King's Night Dream Eastern Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • Phantom Night Festival: Red Phantom Eve
    幻夜祭 Red Phantom Eve (Gen'yosai Red Phantom Eve) (October 4, 1995)
  • Phantom Night Festival: Blue Phantom Eve
    幻夜祭 Blue Phantom Eve (Gen'yosai Blue Phantom Eve) (October 4, 1995)
  • 1982-1997 Osaka International Ladies Marathon Song by The Alfee
    1982-1994大阪国際女子マラソンSong by THE ALFEE (1982-1994 Osaka Kokusai Joshi Marason Song by The Alfee) (January 19, 1996)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks I (October 2, 1996)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks II (October 2, 1996)
  • The Alfee Classics: Fusion
    The Alfee Classics ~融合~ (The Alfee Classics ~Yūgō~) (March 19, 1997)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion I (October 16, 1997)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion II (October 16, 1997)
  • The Alfee History III 1992~1997 (October 17, 1997)
  • Tokyo One Night Dream (October 16, 1998)
  • The Alfee in NY at Forest Hills Stadium 1st. July.1998 (December 16, 1998)
  • Millennium Carnival I (October 14, 1999)
  • Millennium Carnival II (November 17, 1999)
  • The Alfee in Berlin at Brandenburg Tour 26th, September 1999 (December 22, 1999)
  • The Alfee Millennium Final in Osaka -Live at Osakajyo-Hall “A.D.1999” (March 16, 2000)
  • Tokyo Aube Stadium Alfee Classics Night (October 16, 2000)
  • Tokyo Aube Stadium Alfee Rockdom Night (October 16, 2000)
  • The Alfee: The Best Ten & "The Surprise on that Day!" Complete Edition 2000
    THE ALFEE ザ・ベストテン&「ある日ィ突然!」Complete edition 2000 (The ALfee Za Besuto Ten & "Aru Hii Totsuzen!" Complete Edition 2000) (December 22, 2000)
  • Count Down 2001 Hello Good-bye (March 28, 2001)
  • Kingdom Chapter I: Grateful Birth (November 16, 2001)
  • Kingdom Chapter II: Never Ending Dream (November 16, 2001)
  • The Alfee History IV 1997~2001 (March 27, 2002)
  • Legend of The Stadium V Gold Legend (November 20, 2002)
  • Legend of The Stadium V Silver Legend (November 20, 2002)
  • Yokohama Swinging Generation: Generation Dynamite Day Aug.16 (November 19, 2003)
  • Yokohama Swinging Generation: Swinging Generation Day Aug.17 (November 19, 2003)

LD

  • Over Drive 1983 Alfee 8.24 Budokan (October 21, 1983)
  • Flying Away Alfee in Yokohama Stadium 1984.8.3 Fri (September 21, 1984)
  • Alfee 3 Days 1985.8/27/28/29 Yokohama Stadium (October 15, 1985)
  • The Alfee 1986 8.3 Sweat & Tears Tokyo Bay-Area (October 5, 1986)
  • Sunset-Sunrise 1987 Aug.8-9 (September 30, 1987)
  • Meigaku Live 3 November 1987 (June 21, 1988)
  • All Over Japan 4 Access Area 1988 (October 5, 1988)
  • U.S. Camp Drake ASC The ALfee 1989.8.13 Sun (October 4, 1989)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel I (October 3, 1990)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel II (October 3, 1990)
  • The Alfee History I 1982~1985 (October 3, 1990)
  • Long Way to Freedom Revolution II & Smile Photo Collection (March 27, 1991)
  • 10th Summer: Since 1991
    10 回目の夏 -Since 1991- (10kaime no Natsu -Since 1991-) (October 2, 1991)
  • The Alfee History II 1986~1991 (March 25, 1992)
  • Just Live! (October 7, 1992)
  • Video Clips Victory (July 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Silver Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Gold Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • King's Night Dream Western Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • King's Night Dream Eastern Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • Phantom Night Festival: Red Phantom Eve
    幻夜祭 Red Phantom Eve (Gen'yosai Red Phantom Eve) (October 4, 1995)
  • Phantom Night Festival: Blue Phantom Eve
    幻夜祭 Blue Phantom Eve (Gen'yosai Blue Phantom Eve) (October 4, 1995)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks I (October 2, 1996)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks II (October 2, 1996)
  • The Alfee Classics: Fusion
    The Alfee Classics ~融合~ (The Alfee Classics ~Yūgō~) (March 19, 1997)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion I (October 16, 1997)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion II (October 16, 1997)
  • The Alfee History III 1992~1997 (October 17, 1997)
  • Tokyo One Night Dream (October 16, 1998)
  • The Alfee in NY at Forest Hills Stadium 1st. July.1998 (December 16, 1998)
  • Millennium Carnival I (October 14, 1999)
  • Millennium Carnival II (November 17, 1999)
  • The Alfee in Berlin at Brandenburg Tour 26th, September 1999 (December 22, 1999)

DVD

  • Over Drive 1983 Alfee 8.24 Budokan (October 21, 1983)
  • Flying Away Alfee in Yokohama Stadium 1984.8.3 Fri (September 21, 1984)
  • Alfee 3 Days 1985.8/27/28/29 Yokohama Stadium (October 15, 1985)
  • The Alfee 1986 8.3 Sweat & Tears Tokyo Bay-Area (October 5, 1986)
  • Sunset-Sunrise 1987 Aug.8-9 (September 30, 1987)
  • All Over Japan 4 Access Area 1988 (October 5, 1988)
  • U.S. Camp Drake ASC The ALfee 1989.8.13 Sun (October 4, 1989)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel I (October 3, 1990)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel II (October 3, 1990)
  • 10th Summer: Since 1991
    10 回目の夏 -Since 1991- (10kaime no Natsu -Since 1991-) (October 2, 1991)
  • The Alfee History II 1986~1991 (March 25, 1992)
  • Just Live! (October 7, 1992)
  • Victory Stadium Silver Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Gold Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • King's Night Dream Western Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • King's Night Dream Eastern Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • Phantom Night Festival: Red Phantom Eve
    幻夜祭 Red Phantom Eve (Gen'yosai Red Phantom Eve) (October 4, 1995)
  • Phantom Night Festival: Blue Phantom Eve
    幻夜祭 Blue Phantom Eve (Gen'yosai Blue Phantom Eve) (October 4, 1995)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks I (October 2, 1996)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks II (October 2, 1996)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion I (October 16, 1997)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion II (October 16, 1997)
  • Tokyo One Night Dream (October 16, 1998)
  • The Alfee in NY at Forest Hills Stadium 1st. July.1998 (December 16, 1998)
  • Millennium Carnival I (October 14, 1999)
  • Millennium Carnival II (November 17, 1999)
  • The Alfee in Berlin at Brandenburg Tour 26th, September 1999 (December 22, 1999)
  • Tokyo Aube Stadium Alfee Classics Night (October 16, 2000)
  • Tokyo Aube Stadium Alfee Rockdom Night (October 16, 2000)
  • The Alfee: The Best Ten & "The Surprise on that Day!" Complete Edition 2000
    THE ALFEE ザ・ベストテン&「ある日ィ突然!」Complete edition 2000 (The ALfee Za Besuto Ten & "Aru Hii Totsuzen!" Complete Edition 2000) (December 22, 2000)
  • Count Down 1997 Emotion Live at Budokan Dec.24 (December 22, 2000)
  • Count Down 1998 Nouvelle Vague Live at Budokan Dec.24 (December 22, 2000)
  • Final Count Down A.D.1999 Live at Budokan Dec.24 (December 22, 2000)
  • Count Down 2001 Hello Good-bye (March 28, 2001)
  • Kingdom Chapter I: Grateful Birth (November 16, 2001)
  • Kingdom Chapter II: Never Ending Dream (November 16, 2001)
  • The Alfee History IV 1997~2001 (March 27, 2002)
  • Legend of The Stadium V Gold Legend (November 20, 2002)
  • Legend of The Stadium V Silver Legend (November 20, 2002)
  • Yokohama Swinging Generation Generation Dynamite Day Aug.16 (November 19, 2003)
  • Yokohama Swinging Generation: Swinging Generation Day Aug.17 (November 19, 2003)
  • Aube 2000 Live at Budokan Dec.24 (December 17, 2003)
  • Aube 2001 Glint Beat Live at Budokan Dec.24 (January 21, 2004)
  • Aube 2002 Transformation Live at Budokan Dec.24 (April 14, 2004)
  • The Alfee 30th Anniversary Video Clips II (September 15, 2004)
  • The Alfee History I-III DVD Box Special Edition (September 15, 2004)
  • The Alfee 30th Anniversary Travelin' Band Live at NHK Hall May 30 (October 14, 2004)
  • Love & Peace: A Day of Love Aug.14 (November 7, 2004)
  • Love & Peace: A Day of Peace Aug.15 (November 7, 2004)
  • 30th Anniversary Count Down: Time and Tide (March 30, 2005)

External links

  1. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-0
  2. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-26summer-1
  3. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-2
  4. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-hmv-3
  5. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-4
  6. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-5
  7. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-6
  8. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-7
  9. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-26summer-1
  10. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/THE_ALFEE#cite_note-26summer-1
  11. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-hmv-0
  12. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-hmv-0
  13. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-1
  14. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakurai_Masaru#cite_note-2
  15. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-archive-0
  16. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-archive-0
  17. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-hmv-1
  18. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Sakazaki_Kohnosuke#cite_note-2
  19. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-hmv-0
  20. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-mf-1
  21. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-2
  22. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-hmv-0
  23. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-3
  24. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-4
  25. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-5
  26. ^ http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Takamizawa_Toshihiko#cite_note-6