Supercar (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Miki Furukawa |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Japan |
| Products | Music albums, singles, DVDs |
was a Japanese rock ensemble active between 1995 and 2005, making their commercial debut in 1997. The group comprised composer and lead singer Kōji Nakamura (Nakamura Kōji), lyricist and guitarist Junji Ishiwatari (Ishiwatari Junji), bassist Miki Furukawa (Furukawa Miki), and drummer Kōdai Tazawa (Tazawa Kōdai). Supercar is acclaimed for its fusion of alternative rock with electronic music, establishing a foundational influence on Japan’s indie rock scene in the 21st century. Their international recognition stems from soundtrack contributions to the film Ping Pong and music featured in the anime series Eureka Seven.
History
Supercar originated in Aomori Prefecture in 1995 after bassist Miki Furukawa placed an advertisement seeking band members. Responding to this, Junji Ishiwatari enlisted his childhood friend Kōji Nakamura, and together they added drummer Kōdai Tazawa. The band began releasing singles such as DRIVE and (Am I) confusing you? while still attending high school.
Following the creation of demo tapes, they secured a recording contract in 1995. Their early releases included the 1997 singles cream soda and Lucky, which preceded their influential debut album, Three Out Change (1998). Music critic Ian Martin described it as an "epic indie rock/shoegaze album" and one of Japan’s most significant rock debuts. That same year, they embarked on their inaugural nationwide tour.
After relocating to Tokyo, Supercar released their sophomore album, Jump Up, in 1999. That year also saw the release of OOKeah!! and OOYeah!!. The 2000 album Futurama marked a transition toward electronic experimentation, which became a defining characteristic of their subsequent work. In 2001, they appeared at major events including the Fuji Rock Festival and Rock in Japan Festival. Their 2002 release, Highvision, intensified this electronic direction; notably, the track Strobolights excluded guitar entirely.
Their final studio effort, Answer (2004), merged rock and electronica while incorporating experimental sounds. That year also featured their third performance at Fuji Rock Festival.
In February 2005, Supercar officially disbanded following a farewell concert documented on the DVD Last Live. Later that year, their song "Storywriter" was featured in the anime series Eureka Seven. Subsequent to the breakup, both Furukawa and Nakamura pursued successful individual careers.
Despite disbanding, Supercar issued two remix albums—RE:SUPERCAR 1 and RE:SUPERCAR 2—in 2011. These collections included reimagined tracks alongside previously unreleased recordings; limited editions offered unique packaging and bonus demo material.
Also in 2011, Miki Furukawa and Koji Nakamura formed the band LAMA, debuting with the single "Spell," which served as the opening theme for the anime No.6. They additionally performed "Fantasy," used as the ending theme for the anime UN-GO.
Members
- Kōji Nakamura – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, synthesizer; primary composer
- After pursuing solo projects under NYANTORA and iLL, he co-founded LAMA with Furukawa.
- Junji Ishiwatari – lead guitar, synthesizer; lyricist
- Following Supercar’s dissolution, he has contributed lyrics and production work for various artists.
- Miki Furukawa – bass guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals
- After solo endeavors as Miki Furukawa, she partnered with Nakamura to create LAMA.
- Kōdai Tazawa – drums
- Post-breakup, he established aM™[aem], noted for tracks featured in Gran Turismo 5 and 6.
Studio albums
| Title | Album information | JPN |
|---|---|---|
| Three Out Change |
|
20 |
| Jump Up |
|
12 |
| Futurama |
|
21 |
| Highvision |
|
11 |
| Answer |
|
18 |
Compilation albums
| Title | Album details | JPN |
|---|---|---|
| OOKeah!! |
|
— |
| OOYeah!! |
|
— |
| 16/50 1997〜1999 |
|
— |
| A |
|
— |
| B |
|
— |
| Re: Supercar 1 |
|
34 |
| Re: Supercar 2 |
|
34 |
| PERMAFROST |
|
Singles
- "Cream Soda" (September 21, 1997)
- "Planet" (December 1, 1997)
- "Lucky" (March 1, 1998)
- "Drive" (May 21, 1998)
- "Sunday People" (September 21, 1998)
- "My Girl" (February 3, 1999)
- "Love Forever" (May 21, 1999)
- "Fairway" (February 2, 2000)
- "White Surf Style 5" (October 12, 2000)
- "Strobolights" (May 23, 2001)
- "Yumegiwa Last Boy" (November 21, 2001)
- "Aoharu Youth" (February 6, 2002)
- "Recreation" (February 14, 2003)
- "BGM" (November 19, 2003)
- "Last Scene" (January 28, 2004)
- "Wonder Word EP" (April 28, 2004)
DVDs
- High Booster + U.N. VJ Works (Released November 19, 2002)
- P.V.D. and P.V.D. 2 (Released November 20, 2002)
- Last Live Kanzen-ban (Complete Edition) (June 29, 2005)
- P.V.D. Complete 10th Anniversary Edition (April 4, 2007)
External links
- Official website - Sony Japan branch
- Remix Album Special Site
- Lyrics - English language translations