TOKIO | de

They started as a band in 1994 with their debut single, "Love You Only". Since then, they have produced 14 albums and 41 singles including "Get Your Dream!" which was Japan's theme song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. "Ambitious Japan", released in 2003, was the theme song for the JR Nozomi bullet train. Masahiro Matsuoka has directed Tokio's music promotion videos since their December 2002 single "Ding-Dong".

Tokio also performed the song "19 O'Clock News", used as the first opening theme for the anime series Kodomo no Omocha. But due to licensing issues, the song does not appear in the North American release of the series. A theme from later in the series was substituted, the Japanese soundtrack on the DVD release was silenced whenever the song played (it was replaced with other music on the English soundtrack), and even a reference to the band in the show's first episode was removed.

Tokio's single "Sorafune" has sold over 400,000 copies, and was still charted in the Top 50 four and a half months after its release.

In addition to their activities as a band, Tokio also act in dramas and host variety programmes, both as a group and individually. Additionally, Tokio were the hosts of Johnny's Countdown 2005-2006.

Bandmembers:

* Tomoya Nagase (長瀬 智也 Nagase Tomoya) – vocal & guitar
* Masahiro Matsuoka (松岡 昌宏 Matsuoka Masahiro) – drums
* Taichi Kokubun (国分 太一 Kokubun Taichi) – keyboards
* Tatsuya Yamaguchi (山口 達也 Yamaguchi Tatsuya) – bass
* Shigeru Joshima (城島 茂 Jōshima Shigeru) – guitar (Leader of the band)
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