Kalafina
| Company type | Vocal ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Yuki Kajiura |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2019; reunited in 2024 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
Area served | Japan |
Key people | Yuki Kajiura (composer, producer) |
| Products | Music albums, theme songs for anime |
Number of employees | 3 (at time of disbandment) |
is a Japanese vocal ensemble established by composer Yuki Kajiura in 2007, originally created to perform theme songs for the anime The Garden of Sinners. The group later broadened their repertoire to include theme songs for additional anime series such as Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Black Butler, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, and Fate/stay night. Kalafina released five albums that all reached the top 10 on the Oricon charts. Although the group disbanded in 2019, they reunited on October 3, 2024.[1]
History
Kalafina made their debut in January 2008 with two original members from Yuki Kajiura's FictionJunction project, Wakana Ōtaki and Keiko Kubota, who were officially confirmed at the Dream Port 2008 concert on April 29, 2008. In May of the same year, Maya Toyoshima and Hikaru Masai joined the lineup. The group transitioned to Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s Sacra Music label in April 2017.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name After Toyoshima’s departure in 2009, Kalafina continued as a trio. Unlike FictionJunction, Kajiura took on the role of an off-stage producer and songwriter exclusively.[2]
Following Yuki Kajiura’s exit from her agency Space Craft Produce in 2018, Kalafina was expected to carry on without her.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Space Craft confirmed plans for ongoing concerts and a film commemorating the group's tenth anniversary.[3]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Despite speculation about disbandment, only one member was reported to leave early in 2018.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Keiko was identified as the member departing and officially announced this on April 13, 2018.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Later that year, Hikaru left the agency but did not confirm her status within the group. On March 13, 2019, Space Craft formally declared Kalafina's dissolution.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
On October 3, 2024, Keiko, Wakana, and Hikaru revealed their reunion plans, including a concert scheduled for January 15, 2025, at Tokyo Garden Theater, with production by Satoshi Takebe.[1] Yuki Kajiura stated she was not informed about this reunion and recognized Kalafina’s choice to proceed without her involvement.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Main vocalists
- : Initially part of Kajiura's FictionJunction project performing as FictionJunction KEIKO. She exited the group in April 2018. Hailing from Shibuya, Tokyo, she previously formed a rock vocal duo named Itokubo. Space Craft characterizes her voice as a "captivating bass." In 2020, she began working on a solo album under Avex Trax.
- : Also affiliated with FictionJunction, performing as FictionJunction WAKANA. She moved from Space Craft to Victor Entertainment in 2019 and has released two solo albums along with an EP.
- Maya Toyoshima (豊島摩耶 Toyoshima Maya): Selected through a Sony Music Japan audition process; she provided vocals on the single "Sprinter/Aria" before leaving in 2009.
- : Chosen alongside Maya via a Sony Music Japan audition. She left Space Craft in October 2018 after her contract ended. Originating from Toyama Prefecture, she has pursued a solo career under the name H-el-ical// since 2020.
Supporting
- Yuki Kajiura: The principal composer and arranger for Kalafina’s music; departed following her exit from Space Craft Produce.
- REMI (田中玲美 Tanaka Remi, born January 6, 1977): Provides background vocals.
- Yuriko Kaida (貝田由里子 Kaida Yuriko, born November 1): Background vocalist and former member of FictionJunction.
- Hanae Tomaru (戸丸華江, Tomaru Hanae): Background vocalist.
Studio albums
- 2009: Seventh Heaven
- 2010: Red Moon
- 2011: After Eden
- 2013: Consolation
- 2015: Far on the Water
Additional albums
- 2008: Re/oblivious (EP)
- 2013: Kalafina 5th Anniversary LIVE SELECTION 2009-2012 (live recording)
- 2014: The Best "Red" (compilation)
- 2014: The Best "Blue" (compilation)
- 2016: Kalafina 8th Anniversary Special The Live Album「Kalafina LIVE TOUR 2014」at TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM HALL A (live album)
- 2016: Winter Acoustic "Kalafina with Strings" (acoustic performance)
- 2018: Kalafina All Time Best 2008-2018
External links
- Musical groups established in 2007
- Musical groups disestablished in 2019
- Musical groups reestablished in 2024
- Sony Music Entertainment Japan artists
- Japanese girl groups
- Japanese pop music groups
- 2007 establishments in Japan
- Musical groups from Tokyo
- Anime musical groups
- Sacra Music artists
- Yuki Kajiura
- Japanese musical trios