Tomoko Kawase
Encyclopedia
Tomoko Kawase is a Japanese
female singer. Tomoko is the lead vocalist of the rock/pop group The Brilliant Green
, and as a solo artist she has released music under the alter-ego pseudonyms Tommy february6
and later as Tommy heavenly6
.
and guitarist Ryo Matsui heard her sing in an amateur talent contest, Kawase was asked to join The Brilliant Green
as the lead vocalist. The first two releases from The Brilliant Green were non-album singles "Bye Bye Mr. Mug
", and "Goodbye and Good Luck" which received moderate success. Their break came in 1998 when their third single, "There Will Be Love There" was chosen as the theme song for the popular Japanese Drama Love Again, and as a result went straight to the top of the charts. After another number one hit with "Tsumetai Hana
" they released their self-titled debut album
which sold over one million copies in just two days. On the back of this success their first national tour, titled "There Will Be Love There," sold out across Japan in only three minutes.
The Brilliant Green went on to release five singles, before releasing their second studio album, Terra 2001
on September 8, 1999. The band then toured for Terra 2001 before releasing two more single, followed by their third studio album, Los Angeles. In 2001, Time magazine chose The Brilliant Green as one of the top ten contemporary acts outside the U.S. for their "Los Angeles" album. After the release of three more singles and their fourth studio album, The Winter Album, in 2002, the band members moved on to solo projects, but the group never officially broke up.
(named from a combination of her nickname and birth date) with "Everyday at the Bus Stop
". Vastly different from the pop rock
sound of The Brilliant Green, Tommy february6's persona and sound are inspired by and derived from British and American 1980's synth pop, including a cover of Strawberry Switchblade
's "Since Yesterday". Kawase's original intention with Tommy february6 was to create a character who was far from innocent, though cute in both sound and appearance; Tommy february6 was designed to be someone who was true to her feelings despite the cutesy nature of her outward character, do as she wanted (and as such, Tommy february6 is seen repeatedly in music videos drinking alcohol from flasks, bars, etc.) Kawase's second single under the name was Kiss One More Time, and third single under the name was "Bloomin'!
" (a song that was also used in a commercial for cosmetic company, Shiseido). Finally, on her birthday, Kawase released her eponymous debut album: Tommy february6
.
In October 2002, Tommy february6
released a photo and journal book titled Tommy february6 + Hawaii. It is presented in a mock travel guide format, including features such as restaurant reviews, sightseeing hotspots and cultural information. In keeping with the character's outwardly cute personality, crude outline sketches of animals and fairies litter the pages (as seen on the cover) alongside thought bubbles gracing many of the pictures, which have the distinct appearance of doodles. One after the release of Tommy february6, Kawase released her fourth single under the name, titled "Je t'aime je t'aime
". At this point, the original concept started to disappoint her and Kawase began to feel that the character could no longer maintain it's purity. On the day she released her fifth single "Love Is Forever", she also released her debut single as Tommy heavenly6
"Wait Till I Can Dream
". Kawase would later explain that Tommy heavenly6 was born from a dream that Tommy february6 had, in which she embraces all the elements of her personality she had previously been repressing. Kawase claims that the invention of Tommy heavenly6 occurred due of her disappointment in Tommy february6's character, but far from being a replacement, Kawase chose to keep the two characters' careers separate.
On November 22, 2003 Kawase announced her marriage to fellow band mate, bassist Shunsaku Okuda
. Due to her marriage to Shunsaku, her legal name changed to Tomoko Okuda. However, she is still credited under Kawase Tomoko. Then, in December 2003, girl group was also debuted based on Tommy february6, named Tommy☆angels. Shortly after came the second studio album under the Tommy february6
name, titled: "Tommy Airline
". After "Tommy Airline" came the release of Tommy heavenly6
's second single "Hey My Friend
", and the release of Tommy february6
's single "Lovely: Yume Miru Lovely Boy", used as the ending song for the 7th Pokémon film
. In August 2005 (nearly two years after her first single), Tommy heavenly6 finally released her third single Ready?, which was shortly followed by her own long awaited eponymous debut album
. After the release of Tommy february6's "Lonely in Gorgeous
", Kawase decided to focus on the Tommy heavenly6 persona.
In 2006 and 2007 Tommy heavenly6 had a very busy period, releasing five new singles which led to her second album Heavy Starry Heavenly
. She finished this productive phase with the Heavy Starry Tour: four live performances as Tommy heavenly6 during March 2007. She incorporated most of her songs into this live format, which lasted for an hour and a half, complete with her now regular backing band, and even her band mates from The Brilliant Green
made guest appearances for some songs. Kawase still kept the Tommy february6 persona through cameos on Tommy heavenly6's music videos, like "Lollipop Candy Bad Girl
" and "I Love Xmas
".
," which began on July 3, 2007. The comeback began in earnest on August 22, 2007, and continued with a new single, "Enemy" released on December 12, 2007. The band has provided the opening theme to the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00
with the song "Ash Like Snow
", released on February 6, as well as "Papermoon
" for Soul Eater
as the second opening (however, she was debuted as Tommy Heavenly6 instead.)
The band has since moved to Warner Music Japan and released a fifth studio album titled Blackout
.
group
Tommy Angels, as well as making a protégé of current Hinoi Team
member, Asuka Hinoi
.
In October 2002, Tommy February6 released a photo and journal book titled Tommy February6 + Hawaii. It is presented in a mock travel guide format, including features such as restaurant reviews, sightseeing hotspots and cultural information. In keeping with the character's outwardly cute personality, crude outline sketches of animals and fairies litter the pages (as seen on the cover) alongside thought bubbles gracing many of the pictures, which have the distinct appearance of doodles.
Kawase has also made an appearance as the voice of Pikki in the anime series Piroppo, briefly modelled for Italian fashion house Fiorucci
and for a period of time hosted Break Down, an MTV
show. She also worked as a producer on the Takashi Fujii
single, entitled Oh My Juliet.
In October 2005, an exclusive Tommy February6 Blythe doll was released.
Japanese people
The are an ethnic group originating in the Japanese archipelago and are the predominant ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide, approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent; of these, approximately 127 million are residents of Japan. People of Japanese ancestry who live in other countries...
female singer. Tomoko is the lead vocalist of the rock/pop group The Brilliant Green
The brilliant green
The Brilliant Green is a Japanese pop rock band formed in 1997 who were signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan. On December 1, 2009, The Brilliant Green announced that they had signed with Warner Music Group Japan.-Overview:...
, and as a solo artist she has released music under the alter-ego pseudonyms Tommy february6
Tommy february6
Tommy february6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released nine singles, two albums, and one compilation album...
and later as Tommy heavenly6
Tommy heavenly6
Tommy heavenly6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released ten singles, three albums, and one compilation album...
.
1995-2002: The Brilliant Green
In 1995, after bassist Shunsaku OkudaShunsaku Okuda
is a Japanese musician and member of the rock/pop band, the brilliant green, where he plays bass guitar, rhythm guitar as well as composed the vast majority of the band's music...
and guitarist Ryo Matsui heard her sing in an amateur talent contest, Kawase was asked to join The Brilliant Green
The brilliant green
The Brilliant Green is a Japanese pop rock band formed in 1997 who were signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan. On December 1, 2009, The Brilliant Green announced that they had signed with Warner Music Group Japan.-Overview:...
as the lead vocalist. The first two releases from The Brilliant Green were non-album singles "Bye Bye Mr. Mug
Bye Bye Mr. Mug
Bye Bye Mr. Mug is the debut single released by The Brilliant Green on September 21, 1997.-Track listing:...
", and "Goodbye and Good Luck" which received moderate success. Their break came in 1998 when their third single, "There Will Be Love There" was chosen as the theme song for the popular Japanese Drama Love Again, and as a result went straight to the top of the charts. After another number one hit with "Tsumetai Hana
Tsumetai Hana
is The Brilliant Green's fourth single, released on August 26, 1998. It reached number 1 on the Oricon weekly single charts.-Track listing:...
" they released their self-titled debut album
The brilliant green (album)
The Brilliant Green is the self-titled first album by the band of the same name. It was originally released on September 19, 1998 and reissued in 2004.-Track listing:...
which sold over one million copies in just two days. On the back of this success their first national tour, titled "There Will Be Love There," sold out across Japan in only three minutes.
The Brilliant Green went on to release five singles, before releasing their second studio album, Terra 2001
TERRA 2001
Terra 2001 is the second album of The Brilliant Green released on September 8, 1999.-Track listing:...
on September 8, 1999. The band then toured for Terra 2001 before releasing two more single, followed by their third studio album, Los Angeles. In 2001, Time magazine chose The Brilliant Green as one of the top ten contemporary acts outside the U.S. for their "Los Angeles" album. After the release of three more singles and their fourth studio album, The Winter Album, in 2002, the band members moved on to solo projects, but the group never officially broke up.
2001-present: Solo career
In 2001, Tomoko Kawase launched her solo career under the character of Tommy february6Tommy february6
Tommy february6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released nine singles, two albums, and one compilation album...
(named from a combination of her nickname and birth date) with "Everyday at the Bus Stop
Everyday at the Bus Stop
"Everyday at the Bus Stop" is Tomoko Kawase's first single under Tommy February6, name that is associated with her birthday , and the first single that was done independent of The Brilliant Green. Some editions come with a promotional DVD...
". Vastly different from the pop rock
Pop rock
Pop rock is a music genre which mixes a catchy pop style and light lyrics in its guitar-based rock songs. There are varying definitions of the term, ranging from a slower and mellower form of rock music to a subgenre of pop music...
sound of The Brilliant Green, Tommy february6's persona and sound are inspired by and derived from British and American 1980's synth pop, including a cover of Strawberry Switchblade
Strawberry Switchblade
Strawberry Switchblade was a female pop rock band formed in Scotland in 1981 by Jill Bryson and Rose McDowall, best known for their song "Since Yesterday" in 1985.-Before being signed:...
's "Since Yesterday". Kawase's original intention with Tommy february6 was to create a character who was far from innocent, though cute in both sound and appearance; Tommy february6 was designed to be someone who was true to her feelings despite the cutesy nature of her outward character, do as she wanted (and as such, Tommy february6 is seen repeatedly in music videos drinking alcohol from flasks, bars, etc.) Kawase's second single under the name was Kiss One More Time, and third single under the name was "Bloomin'!
Bloomin'!
-Music video:The Bloomin'! video is largely based on Alice in Wonderland and features Tommy dressed in the signature blue dress following a white rabbit into the worm-hole. The video also features cheerleaders similar to those in the videos for the previous two singles: "Everyday at the Bus Stop"...
" (a song that was also used in a commercial for cosmetic company, Shiseido). Finally, on her birthday, Kawase released her eponymous debut album: Tommy february6
Tommy february6 (album)
-Musical personnel:*Tommy february6 - lead and backing vocals* Malibu Convertible - keyboards, guitar, drum programming, arrangements*Team Real Men - backing vocals -Technical personnel:...
.
In October 2002, Tommy february6
Tommy february6
Tommy february6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released nine singles, two albums, and one compilation album...
released a photo and journal book titled Tommy february6 + Hawaii. It is presented in a mock travel guide format, including features such as restaurant reviews, sightseeing hotspots and cultural information. In keeping with the character's outwardly cute personality, crude outline sketches of animals and fairies litter the pages (as seen on the cover) alongside thought bubbles gracing many of the pictures, which have the distinct appearance of doodles. One after the release of Tommy february6, Kawase released her fourth single under the name, titled "Je t'aime je t'aime
Je t'aime je t'aime
"Je t'aime je t'aime" is Tomoko Kawase's fourth single released as Tommy february6, and the first single for her second studio album, "Tommy Airline". The single was released February 6, 2003 and peaked at #5 in Japan and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks...
". At this point, the original concept started to disappoint her and Kawase began to feel that the character could no longer maintain it's purity. On the day she released her fifth single "Love Is Forever", she also released her debut single as Tommy heavenly6
Tommy heavenly6
Tommy heavenly6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released ten singles, three albums, and one compilation album...
"Wait Till I Can Dream
Wait till I Can Dream
"Wait Till I Can Dream" is a song by Tomoko Kawase, released as the first single under Tommy Heavenly6. It was released at the same time as Tommy February6's single, "Love is Forever"...
". Kawase would later explain that Tommy heavenly6 was born from a dream that Tommy february6 had, in which she embraces all the elements of her personality she had previously been repressing. Kawase claims that the invention of Tommy heavenly6 occurred due of her disappointment in Tommy february6's character, but far from being a replacement, Kawase chose to keep the two characters' careers separate.
On November 22, 2003 Kawase announced her marriage to fellow band mate, bassist Shunsaku Okuda
Shunsaku Okuda
is a Japanese musician and member of the rock/pop band, the brilliant green, where he plays bass guitar, rhythm guitar as well as composed the vast majority of the band's music...
. Due to her marriage to Shunsaku, her legal name changed to Tomoko Okuda. However, she is still credited under Kawase Tomoko. Then, in December 2003, girl group was also debuted based on Tommy february6, named Tommy☆angels. Shortly after came the second studio album under the Tommy february6
Tommy february6
Tommy february6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released nine singles, two albums, and one compilation album...
name, titled: "Tommy Airline
Tommy airline
Tommy Airline is the second solo album released by vocalist Tomoko Kawase under the alter-ego Tommy february6. The album heavily features 80's inspired dance themes. The album was also released as a limited edition CD and DVD package, including music videos and karaoke videos...
". After "Tommy Airline" came the release of Tommy heavenly6
Tommy heavenly6
Tommy heavenly6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released ten singles, three albums, and one compilation album...
's second single "Hey My Friend
Hey My Friend
"Hey My Friend" is Tomoko Kawase's second single under Tommy Heavenly6, and the eight overall single from her solo career. Hey My Friend and Roller Coaster Ride were both themes for the movie Shimotsuma Monogatari. The song peaked at #20 in Japan and stayed on the charts for 9 weeks. The Hey My...
", and the release of Tommy february6
Tommy february6
Tommy february6 is an alter-ego pseudonym created by Tomoko Kawase. Under the name she has released nine singles, two albums, and one compilation album...
's single "Lovely: Yume Miru Lovely Boy", used as the ending song for the 7th Pokémon film
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys, originally released in Japan as is the seventh film in the Pokémon series, complementing the seventh season . It is the second film released under Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation in Japan. The original Japanese version was released in theaters on July 17, 2004...
. In August 2005 (nearly two years after her first single), Tommy heavenly6 finally released her third single Ready?, which was shortly followed by her own long awaited eponymous debut album
Tommy heavenly6 (album)
Notes* The acronym "LCDD" stands for "Like a Candy Day-Dream"....
. After the release of Tommy february6's "Lonely in Gorgeous
Lonely in Gorgeous
-Music video:- External links :*...
", Kawase decided to focus on the Tommy heavenly6 persona.
In 2006 and 2007 Tommy heavenly6 had a very busy period, releasing five new singles which led to her second album Heavy Starry Heavenly
Heavy Starry Heavenly
-Heavy Starry Tour '07:After the release of the album, Kawase started on her "Tommy heavenly6 Heavy Starry Tour '07" in order to promote the album. The tour consisted of four live shows in four different cities around Japan, taking place in March 2007. The shows took place in Fukuoka, Aichi, Osaka...
. She finished this productive phase with the Heavy Starry Tour: four live performances as Tommy heavenly6 during March 2007. She incorporated most of her songs into this live format, which lasted for an hour and a half, complete with her now regular backing band, and even her band mates from The Brilliant Green
The brilliant green
The Brilliant Green is a Japanese pop rock band formed in 1997 who were signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan. On December 1, 2009, The Brilliant Green announced that they had signed with Warner Music Group Japan.-Overview:...
made guest appearances for some songs. Kawase still kept the Tommy february6 persona through cameos on Tommy heavenly6's music videos, like "Lollipop Candy Bad Girl
Lollipop Candy BAD girl
"Lollipop Candy Bad Girl" is Tomoko Kawase's sixth single under Tommy heavenly6, and the fourteenth overall single from her solo career. It was released October 11, 2006 in celebration of Halloween, and peaked at #12 on the Oricon singles chart....
" and "I Love Xmas
I LOVE XMAS
"I Love Xmas" is the 7th single released from Tomoko Kawase's alter-ego, Tommy heavenly6, and the 15th overall single from her solo career. It was released on December 6, 2006, and peaked at No. 29 on the Oricon singles chart...
".
2007-present: Return to The Brilliant Green
On June 1, 2007, it was announced that after 5 years of inactivity, The Brilliant Green would be returning with a new single to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The song, titled "Stand By Me" is the ending theme for the new series of TV drama, "Tantei Gakuen QDetective School Q
is a manga series, written by Tadashi Agi and illustrated by Fumiya Satō, originally serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine between 2001 and 2005, spanning 22-tankōbon volumes...
," which began on July 3, 2007. The comeback began in earnest on August 22, 2007, and continued with a new single, "Enemy" released on December 12, 2007. The band has provided the opening theme to the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00
Mobile Suit Gundam 00
is an anime TV series, the eleventh incarnation of Sunrise's long-running Gundam franchise consisting of two seasons. It is directed by Seiji Mizushima and written by Yōsuke Kuroda, and features character designs by Yun Kōga. The twenty-five episode season was officially announced by Sunrise...
with the song "Ash Like Snow
Ash Like Snow
"Ash Like Snow" is the 17th single from the Japanese rock band, The Brilliant Green.This song serves as the second opening theme for the Japanese anime, Mobile Suit Gundam 00. The first press contains a Gundam 00 sticker, which differs between limited edition and regular edition, along with...
", released on February 6, as well as "Papermoon
Papermoon
"Papermoon" is Tommy heavenly6's 9th single and Tomoko Kawase's 16th single overall, which was released on December 10, 2008. Since The Brilliant Green made their comeback, Kawase had been very inactive as a solo singer. Since "Papermoon" has been released, it marks her first solo single in over a...
" for Soul Eater
Soul Eater (manga)
is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Atsushi Ōkubo. Set at the "Death Weapon Meister Academy," the series revolves around three teams consisting of a weapon meister and human weapon...
as the second opening (however, she was debuted as Tommy Heavenly6 instead.)
The band has since moved to Warner Music Japan and released a fifth studio album titled Blackout
Blackout (The Brilliant Green album)
Blackout is an album released by The Brilliant Green on September 9, 2010. The album is the band's fifth studio album and their first studio album released under Warner Music Japan.-Track listing:...
.
With The Brilliant Green
- The Brilliant GreenThe brilliant green (album)The Brilliant Green is the self-titled first album by the band of the same name. It was originally released on September 19, 1998 and reissued in 2004.-Track listing:...
(1998) - Terra 2001TERRA 2001Terra 2001 is the second album of The Brilliant Green released on September 8, 1999.-Track listing:...
(1999) - Los Angeles (2001)
- The Winter Album (2002)
- BlackoutBlackout (The Brilliant Green album)Blackout is an album released by The Brilliant Green on September 9, 2010. The album is the band's fifth studio album and their first studio album released under Warner Music Japan.-Track listing:...
(2010)
As Tommy february6
- Tommy february6Tommy february6 (album)-Musical personnel:*Tommy february6 - lead and backing vocals* Malibu Convertible - keyboards, guitar, drum programming, arrangements*Team Real Men - backing vocals -Technical personnel:...
(2002) - Tommy AirlineTommy airlineTommy Airline is the second solo album released by vocalist Tomoko Kawase under the alter-ego Tommy february6. The album heavily features 80's inspired dance themes. The album was also released as a limited edition CD and DVD package, including music videos and karaoke videos...
(2004)
As Tommy heavenly6
- Tommy heavenly6Tommy heavenly6 (album)Notes* The acronym "LCDD" stands for "Like a Candy Day-Dream"....
(2005) - Heavy Starry HeavenlyHeavy Starry Heavenly-Heavy Starry Tour '07:After the release of the album, Kawase started on her "Tommy heavenly6 Heavy Starry Tour '07" in order to promote the album. The tour consisted of four live shows in four different cities around Japan, taking place in March 2007. The shows took place in Fukuoka, Aichi, Osaka...
(2007) - I Kill My HeartI Kill My HeartI Kill My Heart is the third studio album by Tommy heavenly6. It was released on April 29, 2009, and was Kawase's final album with DefSTAR Records...
(2009)
Other activities
In addition to her own solo singing career, Kawase has produced and written songs for the idolJapanese idol
In Japanese culture, are media personalities in their teens and early twenties who are considered particularly attractive or cute and who will, for a period ranging from several months to a few years, regularly appear in the mass media, e.g...
group
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
Tommy Angels, as well as making a protégé of current Hinoi Team
Hinoi Team
was a Japanese female pop group formed around Asuka Hinoi with supporting members Keika Matsuoka, Hikaru Koyama, and Rina Takenaka. Most of their releases are covers of Eurobeat songs.- Ike Ike :...
member, Asuka Hinoi
Asuka Hinoi
is a Japanese singer and leader of the J-pop group Hinoi Team.- Biography :Asuka's musical career began in 2002 when she was chosen with two other girls, Hikaru Koyama and Miho Hiroshige to form the group LOVE & PEACE. Their song, Drifter became the theme for the movie Dodge Go! Go! and the three...
.
In October 2002, Tommy February6 released a photo and journal book titled Tommy February6 + Hawaii. It is presented in a mock travel guide format, including features such as restaurant reviews, sightseeing hotspots and cultural information. In keeping with the character's outwardly cute personality, crude outline sketches of animals and fairies litter the pages (as seen on the cover) alongside thought bubbles gracing many of the pictures, which have the distinct appearance of doodles.
Kawase has also made an appearance as the voice of Pikki in the anime series Piroppo, briefly modelled for Italian fashion house Fiorucci
Fiorucci
Fiorucci is an Italian fashion label founded by Elio Fiorucci in 1967. The first shop exposed Milan to the styles of Swinging London and American classics such as the T-shirt and jeans. By the late 1970s and early 1980s this would be reversed, and the New York store would become famous for the...
and for a period of time hosted Break Down, an MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
show. She also worked as a producer on the Takashi Fujii
Takashi Fujii
, born March 10, 1972 in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese comedian and singer who belongs to the Japanese entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo and is the popular host of Matthew's Best Hit TV , born March 10, 1972 in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese comedian and singer who belongs...
single, entitled Oh My Juliet.
In October 2005, an exclusive Tommy February6 Blythe doll was released.
External links
- Tommy heavenly6 (Warner JP)
- Tommy february6 (Warner JP)
- Discography (Sony JP)
- Archive of an interview with Tommy February6 from 2001
- Scans from Ready CD Single(English)