Manish (band)
| Company type | Duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
| Owner | Being Inc. |
Manish (マニッシュ, Manisshu) was a Japanese power pop duo established in 1992 by vocalist Misuzu Takahashi and composer Mari Nishimoto. Their band name is derived from a combination of their last names. The group ceased activities in 1998.
Biography
At the beginning of 1992, Takahashi and Nishimoto were part of the idol ensemble DALI, which launched with the single "Moonlight Densetsu", the theme song for the anime Sailor Moon. Shortly thereafter, DALI disbanded.
By December 1992, they had formed Manish and released their debut single "Koibito to Yobenai Distance". Their follow-up single, "Koe ni Naranaihodo ni Itoshii"", penned by Uesugi Show of the rock band Wands, achieved early success and received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Uesugi later produced a self-cover version for Wands' album Little Bit.
The track Sugao no Mama ni Kiss Shiyou was composed by singer-songwriter Maki Ohguro, who also provided backing vocals on multiple songs. Sharing a similar power-pop approach and working with producer Masao Akashi, Manish was frequently likened to a "female counterpart" of the hard rock group B'z.
In 1995, their single Kirameku Toki ni Torawarete, featured as the third ending theme for the anime Slam Dunk, earned platinum status from RIAJ.
As one of the select artists under Being Inc., Manish appeared repeatedly on Music Station, boosting their visibility in the media.
Following the release of their compilation album Manish Best -Escalation- in 1998, the duo disbanded. In 2002, a comprehensive compilation titled "complete at the being studio" was issued, including two unreleased tracks recorded during sessions for their second studio album.
Several music videos were made available in 2012 on the two-disc DVD collection Legend of 90's J-Rock Best Live & Clips.
By 2003, it was reported that both members had exited the entertainment world to focus on personal pursuits.
Members
- Misuzu Takahashi (高橋美鈴) (Born: February 19, 1974) – lead vocalist and lyricist
- Mari Nishimoto (西本麻里) (Born: February 9, 1973) – keyboardist, composer, backing vocals
Discography
Their catalog includes three studio albums, one compilation album, and twelve singles.
Albums
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| JPN Oricon | ||
| Manish |
|
3 |
| Individual |
|
5 |
| Cheer! |
|
7 |
Compilation albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| JPN Oricon | ||
| Manish Best: Escalation |
|
7 |
| Complete "Manish" at the Being Studio |
|
91 |
| Best of Best 1000 Manish |
|
190 |
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak Chart Position (Japan) |
Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | "Koibito to Yobenai Distance" (恋人と呼べないDistance) | — | Zain |
| 1993 | "Koe ni Naranaihodo ni Itoshii" (声にならないほどに愛しい) | 28 | |
| "Sugao no Mama ni Kiss shiyou" (素顔のままKISSしよう) | 34 | ||
| "Kimi ga Hoshii Zenbu ga Hoshii" (君が欲しい 全部欲しい) | 14 | ||
| 1994 | "Nemuranai Machi ni Nagasarete" (眠らない街に流されて) | 18 | |
| "Dakedo Tomerarenai" (だけど 止められない) | 17 | ||
| "Mō Dare no Me wo Kinishinai" (もう誰の目も気にしない) | 5 | ||
| "Ashita no Story" (明日のStory) | 19 | ||
| "Hashiridase Lonely Night" (走り出せLonely Night) | 18 | ||
| 1995 | "Kirameku Toki ni Torawarete" (煌めく瞬間に捕われて) | 6 | |
| "Kono Isshun to iu Eien no Naka de" (この一瞬という永遠の中で) | 12 | ||
| 1996 | "Kimi no Sora ni Naritai" (君の空になりたい) | 23 |
RIAJ Certifications
- Koe ni Naranaihodo Itoshii: Certified Gold
- Manish (album): Certified Gold
- Mō Dare no Me wo Kinishinai: Certified Gold
- Individual: Certified Gold
- Kirameku Toki ni Torawarete: Certified Gold and Platinum
Magazine Features
Appearances in Music Freak Magazine include:
- Vol.03: February 1995
- Vol.15: February 1996
- Vol.21: August 1996
- Vol.28: March 1997
- Vol.47: October 1998