Mihimaru GT
| Company type | Music duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Japan |
| Products | Urban and pop music |
| Parent | Universal Music Japan, Tearbridge Productions, Stardust Promotion, Avex |
Mihimaru GT was a duo specializing in urban and pop genres, affiliated with Universal Music Japan and overseen by Tearbridge Productions, which operates under the umbrellas of Stardust Promotion and Avex.
History
The duo Mihimaru GT was composed of Miyake, who contributed as a composer, lyricist, and vocalist, alongside Hiroko, who served as lyricist and vocalist. Their collaboration emerged through shared management during their individual solo pursuits, both having experienced modest success prior to joining forces.
Their name, Mihimaru GT, is derived by combining the initial two letters from each member’s given name with the Japanese term "maru," signifying "perfection," along with the initials from Miyake’s preferred video game, Gran Turismo. This name symbolized their mutual dedication to achieving excellence as a group.
Distinctively, Mihimaru GT frequently released tracks performed by a single member; however, both were actively involved in the creative process—Hiroko generally crafted the melodies while Miyake contributed rap verses. Their musical approach fused urban and pop elements and occasionally incorporated ballads. They were signed to one of the largest independent record labels globally.
Prior to 2006, their singles had not surpassed #16 on the Oricon charts. This changed with the release of "Kibun Jojo," which gained popularity through commercial partnerships with Dariya's "Palty," music.jp, and the variety program Sukibara. Their May 2006 feature on Music Station’s "Young Guns" segment helped push the single to reach #7 on Oricon.
Although subsequent sales varied, they achieved a high point at #3 with "Itsumademo Hibiku Kono Melody/Magical Speaker."
The song "H.P.S.J." was selected as an ending theme for the anime series Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. Meanwhile, "Kibun Jojo" was included in rhythm-based video games such as Taiko: Drum Master and Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2, along with dance games available on Nintendo Wii.
On November 7, Mihimaru GT released a hip-hop rendition of Kylie Minogue's "I Should Be So Lucky" as part of a double A-side single; this track served as the closing theme for the drama Abarenbou Mama featuring Aya Ueto.
Additional media appearances featured "Girigiri Hero" in the movie Shaoulin Shojou and "Switch" as the official theme for Japan’s 2009 World Table Tennis Championship. Their single Masterpiece was chosen as a principal theme for the television animation series Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal.
In April 2011, Mihimaru GT collaborated with Korean vocalist Park Jung Min at a UN Charity Concert held in Yokohama to support relief efforts for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
By 2013, Mihimaru GT entered an indefinite hiatus to concentrate on personal endeavors.
Singles
| # | Details | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Debut Single | Yakusoku (約束, Promise)
|
1,972 |
| Second Single | Kaerōka (帰ろう歌)
|
38,597 |
| Third Single | Negai (願 ～Negai～)
|
9,486 |
| Fourth Single | H.P.S.J.: Mihimaru Ball Mix/So Merry Christmas
|
4,707 |
| Fifth Single | Yurume no Lady (ユルメのレイデ)
|
6,686 |
| Sixth Single | Love is…
|
8,504 |
| Seventh Single | Koisuru Kimochi/Yes (恋する気持ち／Yes)
|
34,420 |
| Eighth Single | Sayonara no Uta (さよならのうた, Song of Goodbye)
|
6,187 |
| Ninth Single | Kibun Jōjō (気分上々↑↑)
|
130,631 |
| Tenth Single | Tsuyoku Tsuyoku (ツヨクツヨク)
|
16,760 |
| Eleventh Single | Itsumademo Hibiku kono Melody/Magical Speaker (いつまでも響くこのMelody／マジカルスピーカー)
|
58,018 |
| Twelfth Single | Kakegae no Nai Uta (かけがえのない詩)
|
57,934 |
| Thirteenth Single | Punkish☆ (パンキッシュ☆)
|
26,428 |
| Fourteenth Single | Gazen Yeah! (俄然Yeah！)
|
38,963 |
| Fifteenth Single | I Should Be So Lucky/Ai Kotoba (I Should Be So Lucky／愛コトバ)
|
44,000+ |
| Sixteenth Single | 'diverge'
|
20,450 |
| Seventeenth Single | Girigiri Hero (ギリギリ Hero)
|
32,269 |
| Eighteenth Single (collaboration with Soffett) | Nakinatsu (泣き夏)
|
15,574 |
| Nineteenth Single | Shiawase ni Narou (幸せになろう)
|
22,524 |
| Twentieth Single | 'Switch'
|
19,374 |
| Twenty-first Single | 'Torokechau Dandy' ('とろけちゃうダンディ〜')
|
11,771 |
| Twenty-second Single | 'Un Lock' ('アン♡ロック')
* Release Date Sept.23 ,09 ** Offered in three editions including Limited Edition * Oricon peak :#8 |
11 ,024 |
| Twenty-third Single | 'Love Letter'
* Release Date Feb.10 ,10 ** Two versions * Oricon peak:#14 |
8 ,146 |
| Twenty-fourth Single | 'Omedeto' ('オメデトウ')
* Release Date Apr.21 ,10 ** Two versions * Oricon peak:#18 |
6 ,620 |
| Twenty-fifth Single | 'Masterpiece' ('マスターピース')
* Release Date June8 ,11 ** Three editions including Limited Editions * Oricon peak:#20 |
5 ,428 |
| Twenty-sixth Single | 'Evo★Revolution' ('エボ ★ レボリューション')
* Release Date Aug.3 ,11 ** Three versions * Oricon peak:#36 |
2 ,998 |
Albums
| # | Details | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Debut | Mihimarhythm
|
46,054 |
| Second | Mihimalife
|
58,430 |
| Third | Mihimagic
|
279,892 |
| Compilation | Mihimania: Collection Album (Mihimania ～コレクション アルバム～)
|
49,249 |
| Best Of | The Best of Mihimaru GT
|
383,220 |
| Fourth | Mihimarise
|
133,344 |
| Second Compilation | MihimaniaII: Collection Album (MihimaniaII ～コレクション アルバム～)
|
13,291 |
| Second Best Of | The Best of Asia
|
15,782 |
| Fifth | Mihimalogy
|
28,090 |
| Third Best Of | Mihimaballads
|
26,931 |
| Sixth | Mihimalight
|
12,480 |