MAX (band)
Encyclopedia
MAX whose name is an acronym for "Musical Active eXperience" is an Okinawan vocal group popular in Japan. The original members of MAX made their musical debut as members of the Super Monkey's
along with lead vocalist, Namie Amuro
. They branched out on their own in 1995, becoming stars in their own right with several million selling albums and a string of consecutive top 20 singles from 1996 to 2000. Their lead singer, Mina left the group in 2002 due to pregnancy and was replaced by Aki Maeda who assumed the stage name, Aki. Aki left the group in August 2008 to pursue a solo career. Original member, Mina, returned to the group on October 28, 2008 ushering in the group's comeback after a two-year hiatus.
Since their debut MAX has sold over 10 million records. They are behind only Morning Musume
for female group with the most consecutive top 10 singles, tying with Wink at 15. As a group, MAX established a new style for female idol groups, straying away from the traditional cute and innocent idol mold instead focusing on high impact choreography and a sexier more adult image.
All members of the group hail from Okinawa prefecture including their latest member.
under the name, Super Monkey's
, until the group officially disbanded in the summer of that year. Even though the Super Monkey's
were over, MAX performed as dancers for Namie Amuro throughout the early stages of her solo career until March 1996. The foursome's dual identity as SuperMonkeys and MAX is captured in the video, Amuro Namie First Anniversary Live in Marine Stadium where they performed as Namie's backup singers and dancers, then Namie announces and congratulates them as MAX.
That month, the girls released their first movie, Ladie's MAX and their third single, "Tora Tora Tora," which debuted at #19 giving them their first hit. Their days as glorified backup dancers were finally over.
" which brought the girls their first top 10 hit. In December 1996, they released their debut album Maximum
. The album debuted at #1 and went on to sell over one million copies. Following the success of their album, MAX went back to the big screen in the sequel to their first movie, Ladie's MAX. The theme song to the movie entitled Give me a Shake was the first original song they performed. Before this song, all of MAX's hits were covers of Italian dance music. When the eponymous theme song "Give me a Shake
" was released as a single it debuted at #1 garnering the group their first and only #1 hit.
In the fall of 1997, MAX went on their first national tour dubbed J-Pop Gig Tour. Spanning only two months, the group played sold-out halls including the Nippon Budokan
. They released their second album, Maximum II
on Christmas Day. That album also went on to sell over a million copies. MAX appearing for the first time on Kouhaku Utagassen at the end of 1997 and continued their reign at the top of the music scene throughout 1998. In 1999, MAX released their first greatest hits collection entitled Maximum Collection which also topped the charts. The girls scored a major hit at the end of the year with their first ballad single entitled, "Issho ni." Although the single had charted in the lower half of the top 10, it stayed on the charts for four months selling over 300,000 copies. It would be their second best selling single.
", an R&B influence pop number debuted at #8 on the charts. However, the single fell short of sales of 100,000 copies. Since 1999, the group's sales were gradually declining but this was the first time since their third single that any of their singles did not surpass the hundred thousand mark. Their next self-produced effort, "Magic
" would debut at #10 but sold less than the previous single. The next few years were more of the same.
The group came to a dramatic standstill when in January 2002, the group's lead singer, Mina, announced her quickie marriage and pregnancy in a press conference at their record label, Avex Trax's main office. At the press conference, the group also announced that Mina would take a hiatus from the group to have her baby. They released their second ballad single, "Spring Rain
" the following month to disastrous results. The single charted a lowly #28 breaking their string of 19 consecutive top 20 singles. An original album, their fifth, due for release in March was shelved and instead a second greatest hits collection was released in its place. MAX went into hiatus.
Soon after came the news of an official fanclub meeting in July. On the day of the meeting, a three member MAX came out to a crowded club performing their #1 smash, "Give me a Shake." Shortly following the performance, MAX confirmed rumors by introducing their new member, Aki Maeda. Aki's position in the band was initially uncertain, rumors were that she was either just a temporary member until Mina's return or upon Mina's return MAX would become a five member group.
The media was abound and everything seemed to be turning around. A new single and album were scheduled for release the next month along with TV appearances on some of the biggest music shows in the country. However, the single would be cancelled. The album, Maxiumum Trance containing trance remixes of old material would be released as scheduled. Their new television appearances were cancelled as well.
In November, MAX finally made their comeback with the bossa nova
influenced single, "Eternal White
." The single debuted at #20 and quickly fell off the charts. Subsequent releases continued to come with larger distances in time. The group released two singles in 2003 both failing to reach the top 30. In 2004, the group released a cover of Atomic Kitten
's "Be with You
." The single debuted at #34 after a promising but ultimately disappointing promotional push. In August, the group performed in the United States
for the first time at Texas
' AnimeFest held at the Hyatt
Hotel in Dallas. Following the event, MAX took time out to participate in solo activities including modeling and acting.
." Another single entitled "Splash Gold (Natsu no Kiseki)/Prism of Eyes," the group's first double a-side single was released in August of that year. It became the group's final release with new member, Aki.
." A new remix album, New Edition: Maximum Hits was released on December 12 and included a new song, "Are You Ready?"
MAX returned to the concert stage with a one-night only show at C.C. Lemon Hall in Shibuya
, Tokyo
, on January 31, 2009. Demand for the concert was so great, Nana announced during the encore that they would go on a full-fledged tour. The MAX Live Contact 2009 -New Edition- tour will have six shows and began on April 25. On the first night of the tour, MAX surprised fans again with the announcement of a new single, "Rough Cut Diamond
." It will be used as the theme song to the TV Tokyo
drama series, Kariyushi Sensei Chibaru airing in June. It will be released on July 22, 2009.
On May 21, 2011, it was announced on the Vision Factory site that Reina married May 16, 2011 and was five months pregnant. The statement also affirmed that MAX activities would continue.
Super Monkey's
was an Okinawan pop-singing and dancing group that spawned the careers of Namie Amuro and some members of the girl group, MAX. The group went through several member and name changes before coming into prominence in 1995 with the release of their fifth single, Try Me ~Watashi o Shinjite~.- Pre-debut...
along with lead vocalist, Namie Amuro
Namie Amuro
is a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's...
. They branched out on their own in 1995, becoming stars in their own right with several million selling albums and a string of consecutive top 20 singles from 1996 to 2000. Their lead singer, Mina left the group in 2002 due to pregnancy and was replaced by Aki Maeda who assumed the stage name, Aki. Aki left the group in August 2008 to pursue a solo career. Original member, Mina, returned to the group on October 28, 2008 ushering in the group's comeback after a two-year hiatus.
Since their debut MAX has sold over 10 million records. They are behind only Morning Musume
Morning Musume
, sometimes referred to as is a Japanese idol girl group, whose act generally revolves around singing and dancing to upbeat melodies. They are the lead group of Hello! Project, which is managed and produced by Tsunku, who composes nearly all the lyrics and melodies of their songs...
for female group with the most consecutive top 10 singles, tying with Wink at 15. As a group, MAX established a new style for female idol groups, straying away from the traditional cute and innocent idol mold instead focusing on high impact choreography and a sexier more adult image.
Members
When the group debuted all members used their real names. Once they became popular they used stage names each possessing the suffix "na." Lina (Ritsuko) used to go by "Rina". However, because of the similarity to "Reina" and the fact that her nickname more closely matched "Lina" anyway, this became her name around the time of their first CD. During informal footage such as backstage of their concerts, Mina and Nana are referred to by their full names, Minako and Nanako. The only member not to take on a stage name with the suffix is former member, Aki.All members of the group hail from Okinawa prefecture including their latest member.
Current members
, known as Mina (b. 29 December 1977), known as Nana (b. 25 March 1976), known as Reina (b. 6 January 1978), known as Lina (b. 26 February 1977)Former members
, known as AKI (b. 22 October 1980). Before joining MAX, she had made her professional music debut in the short lived group, Hipp's.The beginning
MAX started off as just a project that was never meant to take off. The group's concept was simple. They were presented as a sexy singing and dancing pop group who performed catchy dance music. In 1995, they released their first single to very little success. Their second single was released to the same fate. The group continued to perform with Namie AmuroNamie Amuro
is a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's...
under the name, Super Monkey's
Super Monkey's
was an Okinawan pop-singing and dancing group that spawned the careers of Namie Amuro and some members of the girl group, MAX. The group went through several member and name changes before coming into prominence in 1995 with the release of their fifth single, Try Me ~Watashi o Shinjite~.- Pre-debut...
, until the group officially disbanded in the summer of that year. Even though the Super Monkey's
Super Monkey's
was an Okinawan pop-singing and dancing group that spawned the careers of Namie Amuro and some members of the girl group, MAX. The group went through several member and name changes before coming into prominence in 1995 with the release of their fifth single, Try Me ~Watashi o Shinjite~.- Pre-debut...
were over, MAX performed as dancers for Namie Amuro throughout the early stages of her solo career until March 1996. The foursome's dual identity as SuperMonkeys and MAX is captured in the video, Amuro Namie First Anniversary Live in Marine Stadium where they performed as Namie's backup singers and dancers, then Namie announces and congratulates them as MAX.
That month, the girls released their first movie, Ladie's MAX and their third single, "Tora Tora Tora," which debuted at #19 giving them their first hit. Their days as glorified backup dancers were finally over.
Stardom
MAX followed the success of "Tora Tora Tora" with "SeventiesSeventies (song)
"Seventies" is a song by Okinawan dance unit, MAX. It is a Japanese cover of Italo Disco artist Mega NRG Man's song of the same name. It was composed by Groove Surfers with Japanese lyrics written by Kazumi Suzuki...
" which brought the girls their first top 10 hit. In December 1996, they released their debut album Maximum
Maximum (MAX album)
Maximum is MAX's debut studio album released under Avex Trax. The album consists entirely of Japanese language covers of Eurobeat songs. The album sold more than 1.2 million copies becoming the group's most successful release. It spent 4 non-consecutive weeks at #1...
. The album debuted at #1 and went on to sell over one million copies. Following the success of their album, MAX went back to the big screen in the sequel to their first movie, Ladie's MAX. The theme song to the movie entitled Give me a Shake was the first original song they performed. Before this song, all of MAX's hits were covers of Italian dance music. When the eponymous theme song "Give me a Shake
Give Me a Shake
"Give Me A Shake" is MAX's 6th single released under Avex Trax. Until the release of this single, all of MAX's music was covers of Italian Eurobeat songs, "Give Me A Shake" is their first original Japanese language song. Upon its release the song debuted at #1 on Oricon weekly charts, becoming...
" was released as a single it debuted at #1 garnering the group their first and only #1 hit.
In the fall of 1997, MAX went on their first national tour dubbed J-Pop Gig Tour. Spanning only two months, the group played sold-out halls including the Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo, Japan.This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded...
. They released their second album, Maximum II
Maximum II
Maximum II is Okinawan dance unit, MAX's second album. It was released on December 25, 1997 by record label, avex trax. The album is a departure from their debut effort completely void of the Eurobeat sound that made the group popular instead filled with slick R&B influenced pop numbers and ballads...
on Christmas Day. That album also went on to sell over a million copies. MAX appearing for the first time on Kouhaku Utagassen at the end of 1997 and continued their reign at the top of the music scene throughout 1998. In 1999, MAX released their first greatest hits collection entitled Maximum Collection which also topped the charts. The girls scored a major hit at the end of the year with their first ballad single entitled, "Issho ni." Although the single had charted in the lower half of the top 10, it stayed on the charts for four months selling over 300,000 copies. It would be their second best selling single.
Turning Point
2000 proved to be a time of change for MAX. For their first single of the new millinneum, the girl's decided to take control of their music by writing and producing for the first time. Their result, "Never Gonna Stop ItNever Gonna Stop It
"Never Gonna Stop It" is a Hip Hop/R&B song by Okinawan dance unit, MAX. It is the first song that the group co-wrote to be released as a single. The main lyrics of the song were written by MAX, additional rap lyrics were written by Chino and Katsu and it was composed by Chino and Yasushi Sasamoto...
", an R&B influence pop number debuted at #8 on the charts. However, the single fell short of sales of 100,000 copies. Since 1999, the group's sales were gradually declining but this was the first time since their third single that any of their singles did not surpass the hundred thousand mark. Their next self-produced effort, "Magic
Magic (MAX song)
"Magic" is a song by Okinawan dance unit, MAX. It is the title track to their 17th single, the second of two self-produced singles. The song was written by Rie Matsumoto and was composed by Yasushi Sasamoto. It is the third single to be taken from their fourth studio album, Emotional History .-...
" would debut at #10 but sold less than the previous single. The next few years were more of the same.
The group came to a dramatic standstill when in January 2002, the group's lead singer, Mina, announced her quickie marriage and pregnancy in a press conference at their record label, Avex Trax's main office. At the press conference, the group also announced that Mina would take a hiatus from the group to have her baby. They released their second ballad single, "Spring Rain
Spring Rain
"Spring Rain" is MAX's 23rd single on the Avex Trax label and their second ballad single. It was released on February 20, 2002 after the announcement of lead singer Mina's pregnancy and marriage...
" the following month to disastrous results. The single charted a lowly #28 breaking their string of 19 consecutive top 20 singles. An original album, their fifth, due for release in March was shelved and instead a second greatest hits collection was released in its place. MAX went into hiatus.
Muted Comeback
The next few months remained quiet for MAX, until late June when news started circulating around fan websites that flyers announcing a new MAX member were seen. The three remaining members (Nana, Lina and Reina) had previously announced that they would either: 1) continue as a three member group or 2) remain in hiatus until Mina returned. In either case, they were adamant that no one would replace Mina.Soon after came the news of an official fanclub meeting in July. On the day of the meeting, a three member MAX came out to a crowded club performing their #1 smash, "Give me a Shake." Shortly following the performance, MAX confirmed rumors by introducing their new member, Aki Maeda. Aki's position in the band was initially uncertain, rumors were that she was either just a temporary member until Mina's return or upon Mina's return MAX would become a five member group.
The media was abound and everything seemed to be turning around. A new single and album were scheduled for release the next month along with TV appearances on some of the biggest music shows in the country. However, the single would be cancelled. The album, Maxiumum Trance containing trance remixes of old material would be released as scheduled. Their new television appearances were cancelled as well.
In November, MAX finally made their comeback with the bossa nova
Bossa nova
Bossa nova is a style of Brazilian music. Bossa nova acquired a large following in the 1960s, initially consisting of young musicians and college students...
influenced single, "Eternal White
Eternal White
"Eternal White" is MAX's 24th single on the Avex Trax label. The single was their first after a brief hiatus following the departure of lead singer, Mina in March, 2002. It was also their first single with Aki who joined the group in July, 2002. The title track is a bossa nova influenced winter...
." The single debuted at #20 and quickly fell off the charts. Subsequent releases continued to come with larger distances in time. The group released two singles in 2003 both failing to reach the top 30. In 2004, the group released a cover of Atomic Kitten
Atomic Kitten
Atomic Kitten were an English girl group from Liverpool, first established in 1997. Created by Andy McCluskey, the final line-up, and most commercially successful, consisted of Natasha Hamilton, Liz McClarnon, and Jenny Frost...
's "Be with You
Be with You (Atomic Kitten song)
"Be with You" is a song from girl group Atomic Kitten's second studio album, Feels So Good. The song was a big hit in Australia, peaking at #10 and #15 in New Zealand. "Be With You" samples Electric Light Orchestra's song "Last Train to London", using both tune and the lyrics from the chorus, "I...
." The single debuted at #34 after a promising but ultimately disappointing promotional push. In August, the group performed in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for the first time at Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
' AnimeFest held at the Hyatt
Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation , is an international operator of hotels.Hyatt Center is the headquarters for Hyatt corporation...
Hotel in Dallas. Following the event, MAX took time out to participate in solo activities including modeling and acting.
10th Anniversary
In 2005, the group celebrated their 10th anniversary. Although the group had not released any new material after the release of "Be With You," they embarked on a hotel tour to commemorate the anniversary. The "MAX Love Trip 2005" spanned four shows in May. During the hotel tour, the group confirmed a new single entitled "Nirai Kanai" for release in July. The single would be a return to their roots incorporating Eurodance beats with traditional Okinawan elements. MAX also had a greater input in this single, not only picking the song but also writing the lyrics and even performing a bit of the instrumental. The group coined the term "Okinawan Euro" to describe the song. In an interview with "Barks.co.jp," the group explained that the long wait for the single was due to their search for the perfect song. They also stated that unlike in the past where they would release singles in a certain time span, that they would now concentrate on only releasing "good" music regardless of how long it takes. Upon release, the single was only able to capture a few thousand sales on the mainland. However, the song proved to be a runaway hit in Okinawa allowing the group to have several live events on the island. They followed up "Nirai Kanai" with another single in November and released their first album with new member, Aki in February 2006, entitled, "Jewel of JewelsJewel of Jewels
Jewel of Jewels is MAX's fifth original studio album released five years after their last album, Emotional History . It is their first and last album recorded with Aki who left the group in 2008...
." Another single entitled "Splash Gold (Natsu no Kiseki)/Prism of Eyes," the group's first double a-side single was released in August of that year. It became the group's final release with new member, Aki.
New Edition (2008–present)
On August 12, 2008, it was announced Aki would be leaving the group at the end of the month to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. The remaining members would continue activities as a group although in what capacity was not revealed. The group made their last public appearance with Aki at the Japanese premiere of the "Sex and the City" film. Beginning August 31, the group went on hiatus. Through their personal blogs, Lina and Reina told fans that they had been in meetings with their record label on October 3. They did not discuss the details of the meeting, telling fans that they had some secrets they would soon reveal. And on October 28, a press release through their management announced a comeback with original member, Mina. Two days after the announcement, they made their first public appearance with Mina on the television program, Tokudane, performing their signature song, "Give Me A ShakeGive Me a Shake
"Give Me A Shake" is MAX's 6th single released under Avex Trax. Until the release of this single, all of MAX's music was covers of Italian Eurobeat songs, "Give Me A Shake" is their first original Japanese language song. Upon its release the song debuted at #1 on Oricon weekly charts, becoming...
." A new remix album, New Edition: Maximum Hits was released on December 12 and included a new song, "Are You Ready?"
MAX returned to the concert stage with a one-night only show at C.C. Lemon Hall in Shibuya
Shibuya, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 2008, it has an estimated population of 208,371 and a population density of 13,540 persons per km². The total area is 15.11 km²....
, Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, on January 31, 2009. Demand for the concert was so great, Nana announced during the encore that they would go on a full-fledged tour. The MAX Live Contact 2009 -New Edition- tour will have six shows and began on April 25. On the first night of the tour, MAX surprised fans again with the announcement of a new single, "Rough Cut Diamond
Rough Cut Diamond
" is MAX's 31st single under the Sonic Groove label. It was released on July 22, 2009 and was MAX's first single in three years. It was also the first single to be released since the departure of Aki and comeback of original lead singer, Mina...
." It will be used as the theme song to the TV Tokyo
TV Tokyo
is a television station headquartered in Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Also known as , a blend of "terebi" and "Tokyo", it is the key station of TX Network. It is one of the major Tokyo television stations, particularly specializing in anime...
drama series, Kariyushi Sensei Chibaru airing in June. It will be released on July 22, 2009.
On May 21, 2011, it was announced on the Vision Factory site that Reina married May 16, 2011 and was five months pregnant. The statement also affirmed that MAX activities would continue.
Studio albums
- 1996: MaximumMaximum (MAX album)Maximum is MAX's debut studio album released under Avex Trax. The album consists entirely of Japanese language covers of Eurobeat songs. The album sold more than 1.2 million copies becoming the group's most successful release. It spent 4 non-consecutive weeks at #1...
- 1997: Maximum IIMaximum IIMaximum II is Okinawan dance unit, MAX's second album. It was released on December 25, 1997 by record label, avex trax. The album is a departure from their debut effort completely void of the Eurobeat sound that made the group popular instead filled with slick R&B influenced pop numbers and ballads...
- 1998: Maximum GrooveMaximum GrooveMaximum Groove is the third studio album by Okinawan dance unit, MAX. It was released on December 2, 1998 by record label, avex trax. It is their second album to peak at the #1 position on the Oricon Weekly Album Charts and has since been certified a million seller by the Recording Industry...
- 2001: Emotional HistoryEmotional HistoryEmotional History is MAX's fourth original studio album on original label, Avex Trax. The album comes three years after the release of their last studio album, Maximum Groove in 1999. It is their first album to contain songs written by the group themselves. The first track of the album, "But My...
- 2006: Jewel of JewelsJewel of JewelsJewel of Jewels is MAX's fifth original studio album released five years after their last album, Emotional History . It is their first and last album recorded with Aki who left the group in 2008...
Other albums
- 1999: Maximum Collection
- 2000: Super Eurobeat presents Hyper Euro Max
- 2002: Precious Collection 1995–2002Precious Collection 1995–2002Precious Collection 1995–2002 is a singles collection released by Japanese dance unit, MAX. It was released on March 20, 2002 on the avex trax label. The album compiled all of the group's then current singles on a two disc set. Due to lead vocalist Mina's pending hiatus because of pregnancy, the...
- 2002: Maximum Trance
- 2008: New Edition: Maximum Hits
Tours
- August 17, 1997 - September 22, 1997:J-Pop Gig Tour '97 (12 Shows)
- March 24, 1998 - May 31, 1998: MAX Live Contact 1998 ~MAX Up Your Life~ (30 Shows)
- March 6, 1999 - August 19, 1999: MAX Live Contact 1999 ~Sunny Holiday~ (54 Shows)
- May 1, 2000 - July 2, 2000: MAX Live Contact 2000 ~No Boundly~ (17 Shows)
- July 7, 2001 - September 2, 2001: MAX Live Contact 2001 ~Bitter 4 Sweet~ (17 Shows)
- January 31, 2009; April 25, 2009 - May 30, 2009: MAX Live Contact 2009 -New Edition- (7 Shows)
Filmography
- 1995 Yoru mo Hippare (TV Series)
- 1996 Ladie's MAX
- 1997 Ladie's MAX: Give me a Shake
- 1998 Sweet Devil (TV Series)
- 2005 Starlight (TV Series)
- 2006 Churusan 3 (TV Series)
- 2009 Omoikirri Don! (TV Series)
- 2009 Kariyushi Sensei Chibaru (TV Series)