Rythem

Rythem

Company type	Music duo
Industry	Music
Founded	2003 (2003)
Defunct	2011 (2011)
Fate	Disbanded in 2011, reunited in 2021
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Music albums, singles
Parent	Sony Music Japan

is a Japanese pop duo affiliated with Sony Music Japan, comprising vocalist and pianist  alongside vocalist and guitarist . Initially active between 2003 and 2011, they declared their reunion in 2021 through their official YouTube channel.

History

Rythem made their debut in May 2003 with the single "Harmonia," which served as the second ending theme for the anime series Naruto. Following this, they released four additional singles and their first album, Utatane. Their 2005 release, "Hōki Gumo," was selected as the opening theme for the anime Yakitate!! Japan.

Their eighth single, "20 Tsubu no Kokoro," represented a heartfelt dedication shared between members Yui and Yuka. The ninth single, "Kokoro Bīdama," was used as the sixth and final ending theme for Yakitate!! Japan. The tenth single, "Negai," featured as the ending theme on Nippon TV’s program Sukkiri. Midway through 2006, they released their second album accompanied by a DVD; this collection included works created after Utatane and full-length versions of songs from their weekly radio broadcast.

In late 2006, Rythem organized "Acoustic Pop" live performances, followed by the early 2007 launch of the single "Sakura Uta," which was chosen as the first ending theme for the anime Deltora Quest. This release marked the onset of what they referred to as their "Third Stage" in their musical journey.

Originally slated for August 2006, their twelfth single "Hotarubi" was delayed and eventually released on July 18, 2007. Their album 23 was issued on October 1, 2008.

Both members have extended their talents to writing songs for other artists: Yuka composed "Moment" and "I my me" for Yui Horie and authored all lyrics for Rie Tanaka’s October 2010 album Kokoro. Yui contributed the composition "Frame" to Tanaka’s album, wrote "Milk" for Rina Sakamoto, and collaborated on a duet titled "Laundry" with Rie fu featured on at Rie sessions.

Breakup

On October 24, 2010, Rythem announced via live streaming that they would cease all group activities after February 27, 2011, following their concert entitled "Final Fantasy Live: The Best Rhythm in Rythem's History." Their final single, "A Flower," was released on November 10, 2010, while their last album, Rythem, came out on December 8, 2010.

A comprehensive box set named RYTHEM COMPLETE BOX ～Music of the people, by the people, for the people～ was planned for release on May 25, 2011. This collection features five Blu-spec CDs and five DVDs encompassing all 72 songs including a newly recorded track titled "Ai no Kotoba" (Words of Love). The DVDs offer music videos, footage from their concluding live performance, and documentaries covering seven years of interviews and promotional activities. The package also contains a booklet plus character figurines designed by Yui.

In their official statement, Yui and Yuka revealed intentions to pursue solo careers under their full names. Yui adopted the stage name Neat's, while Yuka began producing demo recordings and appeared as a guest at the charity event &SACHI vol.HOPE held on May 24, 2011.

Comeback

In the beginning of 2021, Rythem introduced new official profiles on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, where they started posting vintage photographs in anticipation of a livestream held on May 21. During this broadcast, they revealed plans to restart their group activities. Alongside this, they revamped their website and relaunched their fan community under the new name . Both artists continue to develop their individual careers while remaining active as a duo.

Discography

Studio albums

• Utatane
• Mugen Factory
• 23
• Rythem

Compilation albums

• Best Story
• RYTHEM COMPLETE BOX～Music of the people, by the people, for the people

Singles

1. Harmonia – Released: May 21, 2003
2. Tenkyu (New Summer Version) – Released: August 6, 2003
3. Blue Sky Blue – Released: November 9, 2003
4. Hitoritabi Shararuran – Released: April 21, 2004
5. Mangekyō Kirakira – Released: May 26, 2004
6. Houki Gumo – Released: January 26, 2005
7. Mikazuki Rhapsody – Released: August 24, 2005
8. 20 Tsubu no Kokoro – Released: January 1, 2006
9. Kokoro Bīdama – Released: March 1, 2006
10. Negai – Released: April 26, 2006
11. Sakura Uta – Released: February 28, 2007
12. Hotarubi – Released: July 18, 2007
13. WINNER – Released: October 10, 2007
14. Bitter & Sweet – Released: November 17, 2007
15. Kubisuji Line – Released: February 10, 2008
16. Love Call/Akari no Arika – Released: July 23, 2008
17. Gyuttoshite – Released: July 29, 2009
18. Tsunaide te – Released: November 11, 2009
19. Mudai – Released: July 7, 2010
20. A Flower – Released: November 10, 2010

External links

• Rythem's official YouTube channel