Guide Note

Pizzicato Five was a Japanese pop group who specialized in shibuya-kei music, which is known as a jazzy version of electropop in America. The group was fronted by Maki Nomiya and Yasuharu Konishi, both of whom have continued to forge successful musical careers since the group has disbanded.

When the band originally formed it consisted of Konishi, Keitarō Takanami, Ryō Kamomiya, Mamiko Sasaki and Shigeo Miyata. Miyata left the group early on but they retained the name Pizzicato Five. Their first single was called "Audrey Hepburn Complex."

In 1987, they released their first all new studio album but it did so poorly that the record execs pressured the group to find a new lead singer. Kamomiya and Sasaki quit. Takao Tajima became the new lead vocalist of the group. A new lead vocalist did not help the band though. Their following two albums were commercial failures as well.

Maki Nomiya finally joined the band in 1990. In 1991, after signing with Japan Columbia, Takanami left the band as well. They then released three EP's showing Nomiya's vocals before releasing a brand new album. It wasn't until 1994, that they made their American debut. Their first US album, Made in the USA , was a compilation of tracks from their last three albums sold overseas. It went on to sell 200,000 copies throughout the world. In 2001, the band disbanded.

Fast Facts

1. Years Active: 1985 - 2001
2. Origin: Tokyo, Japan
3. Labels: Matador Records, Sony Music
4. The song "20th Century Girl" can be heard in the background of a Gilmore Girls episode
5. The Fifth Release From Matador was the last album released in America

• 1988: Bellissima!
• 1991: This Year's Girl
• 1992: Sweet Pizzicato Five
• 1993: Instant Replay
• 1994: Overdose
• 1995: Romantique 96
• 1997: Happy End of the World
• 2001: Çà et là du Japon