Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi

Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi

Company type	Musical duo
Industry	Music
Founded	September 30, 1985 (1985-09-30)
Founder	Yukiko Iwai, Mamiko Takai
Defunct	April 5, 1987 (1987-04-05)
Headquarters	Tokyo , Japan
Products	Pop music, singles, albums

Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi was a Japanese female pop duo formed in 1985, composed of Yukiko Iwai and Mamiko Takai. Both artists were concurrently members of Onyanko Club, a well-known pop ensemble regarded as a forerunner to groups such as Morning Musume and AKB48. Onyanko Club provided backing vocals on certain tracks by Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi. The duo gained recognition primarily for performing multiple theme songs for the anime series High School! Kimengumi.

Their debut occurred on 30 September 1985. Throughout their short-lived existence, they released six singles, three albums, one promotional video, and two photo books, in addition to contributing to the Kimengumi soundtrack albums. The group dissolved after Takai graduated from Onyanko Club on 5 April 1987.

History

Originally called , the subgroup had already printed 30,000 record jackets before swiftly changing their name to Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, a decision made by Kazuji Kasai, chief director of Yūyake Nyan Nyan and supervisor of Onyanko Club. Kasai chose Takai and Iwai because their appearances resembled the heroines from the anime High School Kimengumi, although some suggest it was simply because the two often traveled home together.

The subgroup’s unique image was highlighted by the significant height difference between Takai (approximately 5'2" / 157.5 cm) and Iwai (around 4'11" / 150 cm), which created a visually striking contrast. Takai was regarded as one of the most popular and attractive members of Onyanko Club, while Iwai was perceived as a charming, anime-inspired figure. Their first single, carrying the subgroup’s name and released in October 1985, reached No. 5 on the Oricon chart; all five subsequent singles achieved No. 1 positions. They also created a full-length promotional video titled , which was filmed in Brazil.

Following Takai’s graduation from Onyanko Club in April 1987, Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi disbanded. Both members have described their experience in the subgroup as a fond memory. Contrary to public belief, it has been reported that Takai and Iwai did not maintain a close relationship. Kasai acknowledged their differences but minimized any claims of discord, while Iwai later confirmed on television that their relationship was strained.

Singles

All singles were released as EP formats.

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  (5 October 1985, 7A0525, Canyon)
• /
  (21 January 1986, 7A0550, Canyon)
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  (2 May 1986, 7A0577, Canyon)
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  (27 August 1986, 7A0628, Canyon)
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  (23 November 1986, 7A0666, Canyon)
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  (21 February 1987, 7A0686, Canyon)

Albums

• 
  (5 June 1986, C28A0495 (LP), 28P6545 (cassette), D32A0189 (CD), Canyon)
• 
  (15 December 1986, C28A0536 (LP), 28P6612 (cassette), D32A0248 (CD), Canyon)
• 
  (5 June 1986, C28A0555 (LP), ? (cassette), D32A0276 (CD), Canyon)

Compilation albums

• 
  (Released 5 December 2001, Pony Canyon)
• 
  (Issued 19 May 2004, PCCA-02036; includes CD and DVD of Magical Ushiroyubi Tour, Pony Canyon)

Kimengumi albums

The soundtrack collections for the High School! Kimengumi anime were collaboratively created alongside Onyanko Club, Musukko Club, and Ushirogami Hikaretai:

• 
  (21 February 1986, C25G0411 (LP), Canyon)
• 
  (21 July 1986, D30G-0034 (CD), Canyon)
• 
  (21 October 1987, D32G0067 (CD), Pony Canyon)
• 
  (17 March 1999, PCCG-00489 (CD), Pony Canyon)

Additional resources

References:

Voice roles

• High School! Kimengumi (episode 63, portraying themselves)