TM Network
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | August 22, 1983 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Music albums, singles, live performances |
| Website | avex |
TM Network is a Japanese band blending rock, new wave, and pop, comprised of keyboardist Tetsuya Komuro, vocalist Takashi Utsunomiya, and guitarist Naoto Kine. They rose to fame in Japan with their 1987 hit "Get Wild," which is celebrated for its innovative synthesizer-driven pop sound.
During the 1990s, Tetsuya Komuro emerged as a prominent producer specializing in dance-oriented J-pop, establishing TM Network as a foundational influence within the genre. Their 2000 release Major Turn-Round showcased elements drawn from progressive rock.
History
Initially, vocalist Takashi Utsunomiya and guitarist Naoto Kine performed together in the group Speedway. Keyboardist Tetsuya Komuro briefly joined this ensemble before embarking on a solo career; however, in 1983, he reunited with them to form TM Network, leading to the dissolution of Speedway. The band's name is frequently interpreted as "Time Machine Network," though it might also allude to Tama, the Tokyo area where they originated.
TM Network made their debut on August 22, 1983, at the Coca-Cola-sponsored "Fresh Sounds Contest," performing the track "1974," which secured their recording contract. Their debut single "Kin'yōbi no Lion (Take It to the Lucky)" along with the album Rainbow Rainbow were both released on April 21, 1984.
Their initial fan base grew in Hokkaido before expanding nationwide through popular singles such as "Self Control," "Get Wild," and "Beyond the Time." The track "Get Wild," used as the first ending theme for the anime City Hunter, sold more than 525,000 copies in Japan and has been extensively covered by other artists. Meanwhile, "Beyond the Time" served as a theme song for the 1988 anime film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack.
Live performances featured support from distinguished musicians including Tak Matsumoto of B'z and Daisuke Asakura from Access.
The band adopted the name TMN in 1990 but disbanded four years later in 1994. Komuro and Utsunomiya collaborated with Kine again on a compilation track in 1996 before reuniting fully as TM Network in 1999 with new single releases. They signed with independent label Rojam Entertainment and issued Major Turn-Round (2000) followed by Easy Listening (2004), reflecting Komuro’s exploration of trance music styles. After touring alongside globe, Komuro brought the group back together for the album SPEEDWAY (2007). However, activities were suspended due to fraud allegations involving Komuro.
Following Komuro’s return, TM Network signed with avex Entertainment, releasing Quit30 (2014) and touring until Komuro withdrew again in 2018 amid personal controversies, causing another pause in group endeavors.
In 2021, TM Network resumed activity through virtual concerts titled How Do You Crash It?, streaming three shows into early 2022. Avex issued live CDs and a compilation Blu-Ray capturing these performances along with the studio single "How Crash?" Sony Music Japan made their entire catalog available worldwide via digital platforms. Later, they introduced an NFT single called "Please Heal the World," distributed exclusively through Line’s messaging app.
Their 2022 tour named "Fanks Intelligence Days" marked Komuro’s first live performances following his controversies. Collaborative works include artists such as Julio Iglesias Jr., Sheila E., and Leehom Wang featured on their 1999 track "Happiness×3 Loneliness×3."
Members
- Tetsuya Komuro (小室哲哉 Komuro Tetsuya, born November 27, 1958, in Fuchū, Tokyo) – Handles keyboards, composition, arrangement, lyrics, production, and backing vocals.
- Takashi Utsunomiya (宇都宮隆 Utsunomiya Takashi, born October 25, 1957) – Lead vocalist and backing vocals; also active as a solo artist and actor notable for his role in the Japanese staging of the musical Rent.
- Naoto Kine (木根尚登 Kine Naoto, born September 26, 1957) – Guitarist who also contributes to composition, piano, harmonica, and backing vocals; maintains a career as a solo singer-songwriter and author.
Video game
- TM Network: Live in Power Bowl, launched in 1989 for the Famicom
External links
- Official site at Avex (Japanese)
- Official site at Sony Music (Japanese)
- TM Network profile on Discogs