What was Zard, and what was its primary focus?

Zard was a Japanese pop rock band that was active from 1991 to 2007. The group was centered around its lead vocalist, Izumi Sakai, who was the only constant member and the core creative force behind the band. Zard's music was sold under the record label B-Gram Records, Inc.

From which city did Zard originate?

Zard originated from Tokyo, Japan.

What musical genres are associated with Zard?

Zard primarily performed music within the rock and pop music genres, specifically categorized as Japanese pop rock.

What are some of Zard's most well-known and successful songs mentioned in the source?

Three of Zard's most popular and successful songs highlighted in the text are "Makenaide" (1993), "Yureru Omoi" (1993), and "My Friend" (1996).

What is Zard's overall record sales achievement?

As of 2023, Zard has sold over 38 million records, establishing them as one of the best-selling music artists in Japan.

What record labels were associated with Zard throughout their career?

Zard's releases were initially under Polydor Japan from 1991 to 1993. Subsequently, they moved to B-Gram RECORDS from 1993 to 1998 and again from 2000 to 2016. They also released music under Garage Indies Zapping Association in 1999.

How did the band Zard initially form?

Zard was formed when Daikō Nagato, the former CEO of Being Corporation, recruited Sachiko Kamachi, a 24-year-old model. Kamachi adopted the name Izumi Sakai and subsequently created the group Zard.

Who was the central figure and constant member of Zard?

Izumi Sakai was the sole constant member and the core figure of Zard throughout its existence. Her presence was so dominant that the name "Zard" often became synonymous with her as a solo artist.

What was Zard's debut single, and what was its initial success?

Zard's debut single was titled "Good-bye My Loneliness" and was released on February 10, 1991. The song achieved considerable success, reaching the No. 9 position on the Oricon charts. It was also featured as a theme song for the Fuji TV drama "Ideals and Reality of Marriage."

How did Zard's fourth single, "Nemurenai Yoru wo Daite," differ from their earlier work?

Zard's fourth single, "Nemurenai Yoru wo Daite," marked a slight shift in approach. While retaining a rock style, the band's image evolved towards a brighter presentation in their music videos, contrasting with the song's seemingly darker theme. This single sold 440,000 copies and led to increased television appearances.

What event marked Zard's major breakthrough in terms of commercial success?

Zard's major breakthrough occurred in 1993 with the release of their sixth single, "Makenaide." This song topped the Oricon charts and sold over 1.8 million copies, significantly boosting the band's popularity.

What was the significance of the "Being Boom" era in the early 1990s?

The "Being Boom" was a period in the early 1990s when the management company Being Corporation, and specifically Zard, experienced immense commercial success. In 1993, Zard sold more CDs than any other artist in Japan during that year.

Which album, released in 1993, achieved Zard's first million-selling milestone for an album?

The album "Yureru Omoi," released in 1993, achieved Zard's first million-selling milestone for an album. This album featured both "Makenaide" and the title track "Yureru Omoi" and sold two million copies.

What was Zard's million-selling hit single in 1996?

In 1996, Zard had another million-selling hit single titled "My Friend."

Describe the unique concert Zard held on August 31, 1999.

On August 31, 1999, Zard held their first concert aboard the cruise ship Pacific Venus. This event was highly exclusive, with only six hundred attendees selected randomly from one million applicants. The DVD of this concert, released later, had a limited production run of 300,000 copies.

What was Izumi Sakai's significant contribution to Zard's work and beyond?

Izumi Sakai was a highly prolific lyricist, writing approximately 150 songs during her 17-year career. She penned nearly all of Zard's songs, with only two exceptions from their debut album. Additionally, she wrote lyrics for numerous other artists and released several books of poetry.

For which J-pop groups and artists did Izumi Sakai write lyrics?

Izumi Sakai wrote lyrics for several J-pop groups managed by her company, including Field of View, Wands, and Deen. She also wrote for the late Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng.

Which popular anime series featured songs with lyrics written by Izumi Sakai?

Songs with lyrics by Izumi Sakai were used as theme songs for several popular anime series, including "Slam Dunk," "Dragon Ball GT," and "Detective Conan." Notably, she wrote the lyrics for "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" by Field of View, the opening theme for "Dragon Ball GT."

How was Zard's hit song "Makenaide" utilized in Japanese television?

"Makenaide" was used as a theme song for Nippon Television's annual "24-hour TV" program, an event where a celebrity host remains on screen continuously for a full day. Izumi Sakai expressed honor at the song's selection and noted its widespread public appreciation.

What factors contributed to Izumi Sakai's reputation for being mysterious?

Izumi Sakai cultivated a mysterious image partly because her record label, Being Corporation, was known for releasing minimal personal information about its artists. Furthermore, Sakai herself made very few public appearances and rarely performed on live television music programs, which were common promotional tools in Japan.

When did Izumi Sakai undertake her first and only concert tour, and what was its name?

Izumi Sakai's first and only concert tour, titled "What A Beautiful Moment Tour," took place in 2004, thirteen years after her debut. The tour consisted of 10 concerts held over four months, concluding at the Nippon Budokan.

How did Zard's chart performance compare to other artists in Japan?

Zard achieved significant chart success, with 12 singles reaching the No. 1 spot on the Oricon Singles Charts and 9 albums reaching No. 1 on the Oricon Album Charts. A total of 43 singles reached the top 10. Izumi Sakai previously held the female record for most single sales in Japan until surpassed by Ayumi Hamasaki.

What was the significance of Zard's album "Oh My Love"?

Released in 1994, Zard's album "Oh My Love" reached the No. 1 position for the 500th edition of the Oricon Rankings, a chart that began in 1970. This marked a notable milestone in the album's chart history.

What was the "Zard Request Best: Beautiful Memory" album?

Released on January 23, 2008, "Zard Request Best: Beautiful Memory" was an album compiled based on fan requests submitted to Being Corporation. Over 500,000 entries were received, with songs like "Ano Hohoemi o Wasurenaide," "Shoujo no Koro ni Modotta Mitai ni," and "Kakegae no Naimono" receiving the most votes.

How did the "Beautiful Memory" album perform on the Oricon charts, and what record did it match?

Upon reaching number one on the Oricon charts, the "Beautiful Memory" album marked the eleventh time Zard or Izumi Sakai had achieved this feat. This matched the record previously held by Dreams Come True for the most number-one albums by female vocal groups.

When and under what circumstances did Izumi Sakai pass away?

Izumi Sakai died on May 27, 2007, at the age of 40 in Keio University Hospital. Her death followed complications from cervical cancer, which had spread to her lungs. She had been hospitalized since June 2006.

What accidental event preceded Izumi Sakai's death?

The day before her death, on May 26, 2007, Izumi Sakai accidentally fell down the hospital stairs during her morning walk. She was discovered unresponsive and taken to the ICU, where she passed away the following afternoon without regaining consciousness.

What were Izumi Sakai's plans for new music and performances prior to her death?

Prior to her passing, Izumi Sakai had been planning to release a new album in the fall and embark on her first live tour in three years. These plans were intended to demonstrate her strong fight against her illnesses.

How was Izumi Sakai remembered by fans and the music community after her death?

Following Izumi Sakai's death, a memorial service for fans was held in Tokyo, attended by prominent figures like Maki Ohguro and Tetsuro Oda. Tributes were also made by musicians such as Tak Matsumoto, Koshi Inaba, and Mai Kuraki. Additionally, two tribute concerts were organized, and a compilation album featuring fan-selected songs was planned.

What was the significance of the single "Glorious Mind" released posthumously?

"Glorious Mind" was the first single released after Izumi Sakai's death. She had recorded it before her hospitalization, and it served as the opening theme song for the anime series "Case Closed." Although incomplete at the time of her death, the chorus was finished, and additional vocal parts from an unreleased song were incorporated.

Who was listed as the principal member of Zard?

Izumi Sakai was listed as the principal member of Zard, serving as the lead vocals from 1991 until her death in 2007.

Who were the other members of Zard during its initial phase?

Besides Izumi Sakai, the other members of Zard during its initial phase (1991-1993) included Fumihito Machida on guitar, Hiroyasu Hoshi on bass, Kōsuke Michikura on drums, and Kimitaka Ikezawa on keyboards.

How many studio albums did Zard release according to the provided discography?

According to the provided discography, Zard released a total of eleven studio albums between 1991 and 2005.

What was the name and location of Zard's first concert?

Zard's first concert was titled "Zard Cruising & Live" and took place on August 31, 1999, aboard the cruise ship Pacific Venus, docked at Tokyo Harbor in Tokyo Metropolitan Prefecture.

Where did Zard's "What a Beautiful Moment Concert Tour" in 2004 conclude?

Zard's "What a Beautiful Moment Concert Tour" in 2004 concluded at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo Metropolitan Prefecture on July 23, 2004.

What were the "What a Beautiful Memory" tours, and when did they occur?

The "What a Beautiful Memory" tours were memorial concert tours held after Izumi Sakai's death. The "What a Beautiful Memory Concert Tour" spanned from 2007 to 2009, with subsequent tours including "What a Beautiful Memory ~Forever You~" in 2011 and "What a Beautiful Memory ~25th Anniversary~" in 2016.

Where can fans find the official website for Zard?

The official website for Zard can be found at www.wezard.net.

Besides Izumi Sakai, which other artists are mentioned in relation to Zard's management or collaborations?

Other artists mentioned in relation to Zard's management or collaborations include Field of View, Wands, Deen, Teresa Teng, Zyyg, Rev, and Tak Matsumoto. Mai Kuraki and Koshi Inaba of B'z also made announcements in remembrance of Izumi Sakai.

What is the YouTube channel associated with Zard, and what are its statistics?

The official YouTube channel associated with Zard is 'zardofficial'. As of January 15, 2024, the channel had 376 thousand subscribers and accumulated 211 million views.

What was the "Being Boom" phenomenon in the Japanese music industry?

The "Being Boom" refers to a period in the early 1990s when the music production company Being Corporation achieved significant commercial success, largely driven by artists like Zard. This era saw a surge in CD sales for artists associated with the company.

How did Zard's promotion strategy differ from typical music promotion at the time?

While many artists relied on live TV music programs for promotion, Zard, particularly Izumi Sakai, utilized late-night commercials to advertise their work. This, combined with Sakai's limited public appearances, contributed to her mysterious image.

What was the significance of Zard's chart performance on the Oricon charts?

Zard demonstrated remarkable chart success on the Oricon charts, achieving 12 number-one singles and 9 number-one albums. Furthermore, 43 of their singles reached the top 10, indicating consistent popularity and commercial appeal throughout their career.

What role did Izumi Sakai play in the lyrical content of Zard's songs?

Izumi Sakai was the primary lyricist for Zard, writing nearly all of the band's songs. Her lyrical contributions were a defining characteristic of Zard's music, and she also extended her writing talents to other artists and poetry.

What was the context of the single "Hateshinai Yume o"?

"Hateshinai Yume o" was a collaborative single featuring J-pop groups Zard, Zyyg, Rev, and Wands. It also included the famed Japanese baseball hero Shigeo Nagashima. Izumi Sakai wrote the lyrics and participated in this collaboration.

How did Zard's album sales compare to other artists in Japan during the early 1990s?

During the early 1990s, particularly in 1993, Zard was the top-selling music artist in Japan in terms of CD sales, surpassing all other artists during that period.

What was the "What a Beautiful Memory" concert tour in 2007-2009?

The "What a Beautiful Memory" concert tour was a series of memorial concerts held following the death of Izumi Sakai. The tour began in September 2007 and continued through May 2009, featuring performances at various venues across Japan, including Osaka Festival Hall and Nippon Budokan.

What is the "Zard discography" mentioned in the article?

The "Zard discography" refers to a comprehensive list of Zard's musical releases, including their studio albums, singles, and other related works. A dedicated page on Wikipedia, "Zard discography," provides detailed information about these releases.

What is the significance of the "Authority control databases" section for Zard?

The "Authority control databases" section provides links to various international and national databases (like VIAF, BNF data, Japan's National Diet Library, and MusicBrainz) that catalog information about Zard. This helps in identifying and organizing information about the band and its members across different systems.

Zard Wiki: Zard: Echoes of an Era

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Introduction

Japanese Pop-Rock Pioneers

Zard (ザード, Zādo) was a highly influential Japanese pop-rock group, active from 1991 to 2007. While originally comprising five members, lead vocalist Izumi Sakai remained the sole constant and core member, her artistic vision defining the band's identity. Operating under the B-Gram Records label, Zard achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of Japan's best-selling music artists with over 38 million records sold by 2023.

Signature Hits

The group is renowned for several iconic songs that resonated deeply with the public and topped the charts. Among their most celebrated and commercially successful tracks are "Makenaide" (1993), "Yureru Omoi" (1993), and "My Friend" (1996). These songs not only achieved massive sales but also became cultural touchstones in Japan.

Commercial Acclaim

Zard's consistent chart performance and extensive sales solidify their status as a major force in Japanese music history. Their ability to consistently produce hit singles and albums underscores their significant impact on the J-pop and rock landscape during their active years.

Career Trajectory

Genesis and Debut

The formation of Zard was orchestrated by Daikō Nagato, former CEO of Being Corporation. He recruited Sachiko Kamachi, a 24-year-old model, who adopted the stage name Izumi Sakai. Zard made their official debut on February 10, 1991, with the single "Good-bye My Loneliness." This track served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama "Ideals and Reality of Marriage" and quickly garnered success, reaching No. 9 on the Oricon rankings.

Breakthrough and "Being Boom"

Following a period of moderate success with subsequent singles, Zard experienced a significant breakthrough in 1993 with their sixth single, "Makenaide." This song became a No. 1 hit on the Oricon charts, selling over 1.8 million copies. The same year saw two more No. 1 singles, "Yureru Omoi" and "Kitto Wasurenai." Their album "Yureru Omoi," featuring these hits, achieved double-platinum status, selling two million copies. This era coincided with the peak of the "Being Boom" phenomenon, a period of immense commercial success for artists managed by Being Corporation, with Zard being a leading figure.

Sustained Success

In 1996, Zard released another million-selling hit, "My Friend." Throughout the remainder of the 1990s, their singles consistently achieved significant sales, with nine reaching No. 1 and six reaching No. 2 on the Oricon charts. The group continued to release successful albums and singles, maintaining a strong presence in the Japanese music industry.

The Artistry of Izumi Sakai

Prolific Lyricist

Beyond her role as the lead vocalist, Izumi Sakai was an exceptionally prolific lyricist. Over her 17-year career, she penned approximately 150 songs, contributing significantly to Zard's discography and also writing for other artists associated with her management company. Her lyrical contributions were central to Zard's identity, with only two songs from their debut album not being penned by her.

Collaborations and Influence

Sakai's lyrical talent extended to collaborations with other prominent J-pop groups such as Field of View, Wands, and Deen. She also wrote for the legendary Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng. Her work was frequently featured in popular anime series, including "Slam Dunk," "Dragon Ball GT," and "Detective Conan." The iconic "Dragon Ball GT" opening theme, "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" by Field of View, was penned by Sakai, and Zard later released their own cover version.

Strategic Public Relations

Zard maintained an air of mystery, with limited personal appearances and media exposure. This strategy, coupled with the use of late-night commercials for promotion, proved effective in building anticipation and interest in their music, particularly during a time when traditional music television programming was declining in Japan.

Discography Highlights

Studio Albums

Zard released a substantial catalog of studio albums, charting their evolution and musical output over the years. Key releases include:

Good-Bye My Loneliness (1991)
Mou Sagasanai (1991)
Hold Me (1992)
Yureru Omoi (1993)
Oh My Love (1994)
Forever You (1995)
Today Is Another Day (1996)
Eien (1999)
Toki no Tsubasa (2001)
Tometta Tokei ga Ima Ugokidashita (2004)
Kimi to no Distance (2005)

Notable Singles

The group's singles frequently topped the charts and achieved significant sales milestones. Some of their most impactful singles include:

"Good-bye My Loneliness" (1991)
"Nemurenai Yoru wo Daite" (1992)
"Makenaide" (1993)
"Yureru Omoi" (1993)
"Kitto Wasurenai" (1993)
"My Friend" (1996)
"Eien" (1999)
"Glorious Mind" (2007)

Live Performances

Unique Beginnings

Zard's approach to live performances was as distinctive as their music. Their first concert was held in 1999 aboard the cruise ship Pacific Venus, an event for which 600 fans were selected from over a million applicants, highlighting the immense demand and the band's elusive nature.

Sold-Out Tours

Following their debut concert, Zard embarked on their first and only concert tour, "What a Beautiful Moment Tour," in 2004, thirteen years after their debut. This tour, spanning 10 concerts over four months, saw nearly every venue sell out, culminating in a performance at the prestigious Nippon Budokan. Post-Izumi Sakai's passing, memorial tours like "What a Beautiful Memory" (2007-2009) and subsequent anniversary events drew large audiences, demonstrating the lasting impact of their music.

Band Members

Principal Member

The undisputed core of Zard was its lead vocalist and primary creative force:

Izumi Sakai – Lead vocals (1991–2007; her death)

Other Contributors

While Sakai was the constant, other musicians contributed to Zard's sound during its initial phase:

Fumihito Machida – Guitar (1991–1993)
Hiroyasu Hoshi – Bass (1991–1992)
Kōsuke Michikura – Drums (1991–1993)
Kimitaka Ikezawa – Keyboards (1991–1993)

Enduring Legacy

Sales and Influence

Zard's commercial success is undeniable, ranking among Japan's top-selling artists. Izumi Sakai's lyrical prowess and the band's distinctive pop-rock sound left an indelible mark on the Japanese music scene. Her record for most No. 1 singles by a female artist was eventually surpassed, but her overall impact on the industry remains significant.

Posthumous Recognition

Following Izumi Sakai's tragic death in 2007, Zard's music continued to be celebrated. Fan-selected compilation albums and memorial concerts, such as the "What a Beautiful Memory" series, drew large audiences, underscoring the enduring connection fans felt with Sakai and her music. The release of posthumous singles, like "Glorious Mind," further demonstrated the lasting appeal of Zard's work.

Connections

Zard's influence extended through collaborations and shared management with other notable J-pop acts. Their music also found a place in popular culture through numerous anime tie-ins, introducing their sound to new generations of listeners.

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References

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional music industry advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official music archives, historical records, or seeking advice from music historians or industry professionals. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries regarding music history or artist careers.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Zard: Echoes of an Era

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 🌟

🇯🇵 Japanese Pop-Rock Pioneers

🎶 Signature Hits

🏆 Commercial Acclaim

Career Trajectory 🚀

💡 Genesis and Debut

📈 Breakthrough and "Being Boom"

🌟 Sustained Success

The Artistry of Izumi Sakai ✍️

🖋️ Prolific Lyricist

🤝 Collaborations and Influence

📺 Strategic Public Relations

Discography Highlights 💿

🎶 Studio Albums

🎵 Notable Singles

Live Performances 🎤

🚢 Unique Beginnings

🏟️ Sold-Out Tours

Band Members 👥

👑 Principal Member

🎸 Other Contributors

Enduring Legacy ⏳

📈 Sales and Influence

🕊️ Posthumous Recognition

🔗 Connections

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Japanese Pop-Rock Pioneers

Signature Hits

Commercial Acclaim

Career Trajectory

Genesis and Debut

Breakthrough and "Being Boom"

Sustained Success

The Artistry of Izumi Sakai

Prolific Lyricist

Collaborations and Influence

Strategic Public Relations

Discography Highlights

Studio Albums

Notable Singles

Live Performances

Unique Beginnings

Sold-Out Tours

Band Members

Principal Member

Other Contributors

Enduring Legacy

Sales and Influence

Posthumous Recognition

Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice