Wizard

Indie visual kei group Wizard began in 2004 as a trio with vocalist Kaito (ex. MA'riage), guitarist Mitsunori and bassist HIRO (ex. Mistic Drug). The group incorporated stories of a “wizard”—a conjurer— into Wizard’s music, especially those of imaginary worlds.

Wizard’s first live took place at Ikebukuro CYBER where thirty copies of their maxi-single Scarmiglione were distributed. Without the support of a label and with an incomplete line-up at the time, the three managed to get by. On May 24th, 2004 Wizard debuted with the maxi-single Fork to knife no trip theater while welcoming new bassist Saki (ex. Quarry). Though guitarist Mitsunori left the band not long afterwards, another ex-Quarry member, Masumi joined. In September 2005, Wizard finally gained a drummer: Shou.

Ookami Shoujo and Platonic Boy were both released on February 22nd, 2005 and were Wizard’s last independent releases as the group soon signed with the label SPEED DISK. As part of a promotional strategy to help boost Wizard’s popularity, SPEED DISK suggested that the five play a free concert at Ikebukuro CYBER in March, and two of Wizard’s songs, Trip★diner and Drenched girl, which were featured in previously live-distributed singles, appeared on the omnibus HYSTERIC MEDIA ZONE VI. A few weeks later, Wizard began their Okama Fiesta 2005 - Anta no machi ni okama tourai tour. All of this activity must have worn out newcomer Shou because after a live at HOLIDAY Shinjuku on June 17th, 2005, Shou left Wizard. His successor, Haruka, joined just nine days later.

In October 2005, Wizard released two singles, nude baby in September and cult baby, both of which ranked high on the Oricon Indie Charts at 13th and 17th place, respectively. Later that year, Wizard followed up with its first full-length album, Gemini. The album boasted fourteen tracks but its first pressing was limited to 2,000 copies. On December 18th, the group organized a three-man show to celebrate the release of that album Due to its popularity, Wizard ran a second pressing of the album, featuring different cover art.

Throughout much of 2006, Wizard’s live schedule was packed, playing with Pumpkin head and fellow label mates. Wizard’s first entirely sold-out one-man took place on February 5th at Takadanobaba AREA. The next month, the group released its fourth maxi-single, Whiteday, and participated in some dates of Shinrabanshou ~ kakuritsu hendou ~ TOUR'06, sponsored by SPEED DISK. Also in 2006, Wizard started an alter ego group, ♀♂Okama Hou Tsukai♀♂, with a very crazy, weird image. The members only released one self-titled release and held lives in 2006 but nothing beyond 2006. The only surviving memory of Okama Houtsukai was that kaito’s gay “okama” character resurfaced when he was featured throughout some of Wizard’s live performances and music in later years.

A few months later in May 2006, Wizard independently released its first DVD, Bribe of Love, and followed up with two maxi-singles in the following months. In September, the band started their first one-man tour that lasted for three months. The release of Wizard’s second full-length album, Aquarius, followed quickly. Wizard opened possibilities for the group and widening its fan base after releasing a European version of Aquarius in January 2007.

The year 2008 was a busy and potentially stressful year for the members. With the release of Wizard debuted majorly under Crown Diamond Records, a division Nippon CROWN RECORDS, and thereby gained more recognition. Kaito apparently “sealed away” his “okama” character from Wizard’s alter ego group, ♀♂Okama Hou Tsukai♀♂, and nothing more about it was mentioned. In October, Wizard followed up with another major single, Sadistrip, in two types.

While Wizard was under Nippon CROWN RECORDS, SPEED DISK released a best-of album in February 2009, that featured Wizard’s indie work when under SPEED DISK. Meanwhile, Wizard made preparations and self-produced another maxi-single, KIMI NO SEKAI. The title track was used as the theme throughout March for NTV show "Uta Suta!". In the summer of 2009, Wizard promoted new album Magic of Seed in two types, released July 22nd. The album showed a bright, pop-like image with a focus on striking colours in the cover art. Wizard’s short-lived major status had its downturn as the following year: the group moved over to Timely Record and its status was changed to indie. Wizard’s last major release was in fact Magic of Seed.

Unfortunately in August 2010, Wizard suffered a sudden departure of three members, as HIRO, Haruka and Saki decided to leave the group due to unknown reasons. At the time, Wizard shut down its fanclub, “with”, and began to refund money starting that October. The remaining two members decided it best for Wizard to go on hiatus.

It wasn’t until in mid-February 2012 that Wizard re-emerged with new members: guitarist Sin, bassist Atsushi and kimi on drums. Armed with a fresh line-up, Wizard performed a live at Shibuya O-Crest, marking the start of activities once again. Wizard released Metabolic Syndrome soon afterwards, under another label, MOVING FAVTORY.

Later that month, Wizard released SAKURA DIVER in six types, one for each member and a “group” type. Two additional sets were sold, featuring the six types that were grouped into two sets of three. The two sets included making of content and member comments. Interestingly enough, each set came with 3,000 worth of “kamacho”—a coupon that allowed fans to redeem limited items, such as cheki, birthday message DVDs and more. Naturally, fans would save up these coupons for the higher ranking items such as a handmade accessory by their favourite member, priced at 15,000 “kamacho”.

But even with the release of SAKURA DIVER, Wizard laid low for the remainder of 2012. Perhaps the many label changes had worn the members out. Unfortunate news came on February 2013: the members announced that Wizard would go on an indefinite hiatus on May 6th, 2013 after a final live, not End but And, at Ikebukuro Black Hole.

Over the years, Wizard has managed to survive member departures and the many moves between labels. Since departing from Wizard in early 2012, HIRO joined and continues to play in RUVISH. Haruka changed his name to Yuusuke and continues to drum but is not in a band. In terms of a revival, it’s unclear whether Wizard will re-emerge out of thin air.