100s

Even though each member had their own career prior to 100s, the band officially started when Nakamura Kazuyoshi joined the group. Before joining, Nakamura was an indie solo artist whose music often was classified as lo-fi, debuting back in 1997. He had released four albums and a range of singles before joining the other five members and officially forming 100s. The group had previously relied on support members for vocals but now Nakamura writes most of the lyrics for 100s' work and contributes the vocals.

The guitarist, Machida Machihiro, started playing as early as the eight grade. His interest in music rumored to be from a broken heart. Machida has been a support guitarist for several artists including THE STAND UP and THE BOOM, as well as making his own solo work. In mid-2007, he then released a mini-album, titled here,there that consisted of his own work.

The second guitarist, Ono Shinichi actually began as a pianist at the age of two, playing until fourteen. When he was fifteen, Ono started on bass and worked hard. Later in 2001, he debuted alongside fellow 100s members and officially started his career. During his time in 100s, Ono was also a member of tae and was also the vocalist and guitarist of the quartet Fishbasket back in 2001, the latter being an active group.

On bass is Yamaguchi Hirou who first stepped on stage aside his fellow band members at the ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL ‘01. As a child, he was encouraged by his parents to play the violin, as well as piano and drums, from as early as five years old. Yamaguchi has supported Surface and Kotani Misako in performances and on tours, as well as Koda Kumi, EXILE, BoA, Otsuka Ai.

The keyboardist, Ikeda Takafumi, is mostly known outside of 100s for his side-project, SUPER BUTTER DOG. Debuting through SUPER BUTTER DOG in 1997, Ikeda collaborated with fellow band members from 100s under different names. Ikeda has thrown himself out into the music world, working with artists such as suneohair, re-named as Seppuku, and Kotai Misako, re-named as Purple Shikibu, to name a few. Activities for SUPER BUTTER DOG were suspended in 2006; plans for any revival of said side-project are unknown. Ikeda had also performed solo acts under the name Ikechakka Hantou and is signed to Toshiba/EMI.

Devoted to drumming for 22 years, Tamada Yutaka started working as a professional in the field back in 1998. He joined 100s around the same time when Ikeda joined 100s. Outside of 100s, Tamada has supported bands such as Ikimonogakari, Kotani Kumiko and the ever popular Ayumi Hamasaki. Tamada is also part of the side-project, proxy records.

By the summer of 2001, Nakamura and the other five members, as well as tae from Fishbasket for support, came together and played at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL ‘01. Their appearance at the festival marked the beginning of 100s. In October 2003, Tamada and Ikeda joined odani misako and other members to form the group ta-ta, that spanned just long enough to release one cover album, feather.

By 2004, the original five had started activities and released the double A-side single A/ Yasashii Lion and a second double A-side, Honeycom.ware/B.O.K which was released almost three months later.

Success followed after the group went major, signing with Toshiba/EMI. They released their first album, OZ, on January 13, 2005. Still in 2005, 100s had the chance to perform after the opening act Leyona in the Orange Court at the Fuji Rock Festival ’05. After a label change, 100s’ second and third albums, ALL!!!!!! and Sekai no flower road, were released under FIVE D PLUS, a sub-label of Avex.

In 2009, Ikeda joined members outside of 100s in a new project named ARUYO and performed at the opening and closing ceremonies at the 3rd Old Town Taito International Comedy Film Festival. In late April, it was announced that Sorya Sou da would be used as the ending theme for upcoming film,Ultra Miracle Love Story, to be aired in theaters that June. The following month, 100s released a double A-side single, Monoai / Sui Akai, in two types. That summer in July the group performed at ROCK IN JAPAN FES 2009, a three day festival held in Ibaraki that showcases over 100 artists' talent.

From this point onward, Nakamura shifted his energy towards his solo work under his own name. Since 2010, he has released a number of solo works and performs live.

All in all, 100s is a group whose members are involved in projects outside the band that serve to benefit 100s, not detract from it. Fans should keep their eyes on what the band as a whole will bring them in the future, as well as look out for the individual members' side activities.