DOHATSUTEN started up in Sapporo in 1984 and the current lineup was formed in 1988. Following a break they got back together in 1999. After having toured and released albums intensively DOHATSUTEN finally had a major break through with the album "Shoken to Kantsubaki" in Nov 2004. After a year of silence they released the album "LIFE BOWL" in Nov 2007, after which they went on a nation wide tour of Japan.
Their first DVD "for beautiful Fuwaku in LIFE" that contains the one-man tour final at Shibuya AX has just been released on Apr 23rd 2008. This year is the 20th anniversary for the current lineup, and next year the 25th of the band. With their original sound "JAPANESE R&E" they are pursuing their music full throttle, set to perform at several major festivals this year, including ARABAKI Rock Fes2008.
"We're the 'latest' rock band to perform at Nippon Budokan," said Naozumi Masuko, a 46-year-old vocalist for Dohatsuten.
A concert by Dohatsuten was scheduled for Jan. 12, 2014, at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan hall, but the path to the mecca of Japanese rock bands was anything but easy.
The four-member band came to Tokyo from Hokkaido and made their debut in 1991. However, by then, the rock band explosion had already fizzled out. "It was the worst timing for getting people to go and see a rock band at a live concert venue," Masuko said.
The members continued performing while working regular jobs, but for a while had to suspend their musical activities.
However, recently the band has grown in popularity, with lyrics that laugh away the bitterness of the past and melodies that tap into a wide range of music, including traditional enka songs.
In its own way, Flower Companyz also is staging a return. The four members of the band, which formed in 1989, all hail from Nagoya and are 43 years old. Although its contract with a major recording label was cancelled, the group made a comeback to the big stage in 2008.
The group's single "Beautiful Dreamer," which was released in January through Sony Music Associated Records Inc., was used as a theme song for a TV drama.
Both Dohatsuten and Flower Companyz have endured years of struggle, with the same members through it all. The reason for their popularity may be that they sing about the hardships of life, and their members have reached an age when these lyrics resonate with listeners.
Dohatsuten recently released a new CD, Dream Vikings, from Teichiku Entertainment, Inc. It includes a song based on its members' experience with other types of work--"Sagyogi de Rock, Sebiro de Roll" (Rock in working clothes, roll in business suits)--and another depicting the sorrow of a company employee with younger workers as his or her superiors.
"Rock 'n' roll has become rooted in the lives of adults. Now at age 46, I can express reality through singing rock 'n' roll," Masuko said.
The lyrics of Flower Companyz's songs, which describe the ups and downs of life, have struck a chord with people of the same generation, who find it natural to identify with such sentiments.
Rock 'n' roll festivals have been effective in helping these two bands have a crack at the big time. Almost every year they perform at the Arabaki Rock Festival in Miyagi Prefecture.
There is no schedule or ticket right now.
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町４−７ トウセン宇田川ビル Map
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