Rumania Montevideo is a
Japanese
Japanese may refer to:
* Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia
* Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan
* Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture
** Japanese diaspor ...
pop band under the
Giza Studio
is a Japanese record label.
The Giza Studio started as an indie label in the late 1990s under the name Garage Indies Zapping Association, but soon Being Inc. bought it as their sister label company. Giza Studio is located in Osaka, Japan and ...
label. They were active from 1998 to 2002 and reformed in 2019. The band name comes from the combination of the Latin spelling of
Romania
Romania ( ; ro, România ) is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Moldova to the east, and ...
and
Montevideo, the capital of
Uruguay
Uruguay (; ), officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay ( es, República Oriental del Uruguay), is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast; while bordering ...
.
Members
*Mami Miyoshi (三好真美): vocalist, drummer, lyricist (1998–2002, 2019–)
*
Makoto Miyoshi
is a Japanese musical composer and arranger under Giza Studio label from 1998 till 2007. In 2019, through social network he announced resume of music activities.
Biography
*He started playing on guitar during his high school days. He worked on ...
(三好誠): guitarist, composer, arranger (1998–2002, 2019–)
*Akiko Matsuda (松田明子): saxophonist, keyboardist (1998–2002)
*Satomi Makoshi (麻越さとみ): bassist (1998–2002)
*Kazunobu Mashima (間島和伸): guitarist (1998–2002)
Supporting members
*Naoya Shima: drummer (2019–)
*Tom: bass (2019–)
*Rerere: guitar (2019–)
*Cherry: keyboard and backing vocals (2019–)
History
1998: Band formation and first demo tapes
In the autumn of 1998, the Miyoshi siblings, Mami and Makoto, sent a demo tape to
Giza Studio
is a Japanese record label.
The Giza Studio started as an indie label in the late 1990s under the name Garage Indies Zapping Association, but soon Being Inc. bought it as their sister label company. Giza Studio is located in Osaka, Japan and ...
and formed their own band, with members Akiko Matsuda, Satomi Makoshi and Kazunobu Mashima joining in later. During that time, they started recording their first mini album ''Jet Plane''.
In December they released limited two-cassette tapes ''Half Moon'' and ''Picnic,'' sold at the store Time Bomb in
Shinsaibashi
is a district in the Chūō-ku ward of Osaka, Japan and the city's main shopping area. At its center is , a covered shopping street, that is north of Dōtonbori and Sōemonchō, and parallel and east of Mido-suji street. Associated with Shin ...
for one week.
1999: Success of debut single "Still for your love"
On 25 January 1999, the on-air version of their debut single, "Still for your love", aired as an ending theme for the anime television series ''
Detective Conan
''Case Closed'', also known as , is a Japanese detective manga series written and illustrated by Gosho Aoyama. It has been serialized in Shogakukan's ''shōnen'' manga magazine ''Weekly Shōnen Sunday'' since January 1994, with its cha ...
''.
In February, the Miyoshi siblings participated in the recording of the album ''
Eien'' by the Japanese group
Zard
were a Japanese pop rock group, originally with five members, with lead vocalist Izumi Sakai as its only constant member. Zard's work was sold under the record label B-Gram Records, Inc. Their most popular and successful songs are , , and " M ...
. Mami provided backing vocals and Makoto composed the song "I Feel Fine, Yeah".
On 5 March 1999, they released two LP records, ''Half Moon'' and ''Picnic''. At the same time, the first mini album ''
Jet Plane
A jet aircraft (or simply jet) is an aircraft (nearly always a fixed-wing aircraft) propelled by jet engines.
Whereas the engines in propeller-powered aircraft generally achieve their maximum efficiency at much lower speeds and altitudes, jet ...
'' was released under indie label Garage Indies Zapping Association. On 29 March they released a second mini studio album .
On 14 April 1999, they made a major debut with the single "Still for your love". The single ranked #9 in its first week in the Oricon rankings. On 28 April, they released their third LP record ''Still for your love''. Side A contains the same music as the debut single and side B includes a demo tape of the song "Still for your love" and the solo song "Headphones" by
Makoto Miyoshi
is a Japanese musical composer and arranger under Giza Studio label from 1998 till 2007. In 2019, through social network he announced resume of music activities.
Biography
*He started playing on guitar during his high school days. He worked on ...
. The LP record ''Still for your love'' was released on April 24, including an original version of the song from the single and demo-tape version, with singing in
English
English usually refers to:
* English language
* English people
English may also refer to:
Peoples, culture, and language
* ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England
** English national ide ...
and guitar acoustic arrangement. The LP also includes Makoto's unreleased solo track "Headphones".
On 27 May, they made an appearance on the music program ''
Music Station
is a Japanese music television program. Broadcasting live weekly on TV Asahi since October 24, 1986, it currently airs from 9PM-10PM on Fridays. The program is also colloquially known as , , and . The show is currently syndicated throughout th ...
'' as the first
Giza Studio
is a Japanese record label.
The Giza Studio started as an indie label in the late 1990s under the name Garage Indies Zapping Association, but soon Being Inc. bought it as their sister label company. Giza Studio is located in Osaka, Japan and ...
artist. During an interview with
Tamori
, known by his stage name (an anagram of his surname), is a Japanese television celebrity. Known for his trademark dark sunglasses, Tamori is one of the "big three" television comedians in Japan along with Takeshi Kitano (a.k.a. Beat Takeshi ...
, Makoto explained the meaning behind the name of the band.
On 16 June 1999, they released their studio album ''
Rumaniamania''. The album ranked #9 in its first week in the Oricon rankings.
On 24 July 1999, the on-air version of "Digital Music Power" aired as an ending theme for the anime television series
''Monster Rancher''. The original release schedule was planned sometime in August, but it was postponed due to production issues.
In September they released their second single "Digital Music Power". The lyrics were completely changed from the on-air version.
On 3 November 1999, they released their third single "Picnic". The song is performed in
Japanese
Japanese may refer to:
* Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia
* Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan
* Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture
** Japanese diaspor ...
, unlike the version of "Picnic" which was released as a cassette and the LP record ''Picnic'' which were originally performed in
English
English usually refers to:
* English language
* English people
English may also refer to:
Peoples, culture, and language
* ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England
** English national ide ...
. The on-air version of this single started broadcast three days after its release, on 6 November 1999. It aired as an opening theme for the anime television series ''
Monster Rancher
''Monster Rancher'', known in Japan as , is a Japanese media franchise and series of life simulation role-playing video games created by Tecmo (now Koei Tecmo). The series consists of fifteen games across numerous different video game platforms, a ...
''.
2000: Sales decline and first stage performances
On January 10, they released their fourth single "Koisuru Betty". It aired as a theme song for the
TBS television program ''Express''. On January 26, they released their second studio album ''
Girl, Girl, Boy, Girl, Boy''.
In July, the Miyoshi siblings, without the other members, held an acoustic live performance "UNDOWN vol.4" as part of the live session at
Shibuya Club Quattro. They performed four songs from indie albums and one song from ''
Rumaniamania''. This was their first and last live performance.
In August, they released their fifth single "Start All Over Again". It was aired as an ending theme for the
TV Asahi
JOEX-DTV (channel 5), branded as (also known as EX and and stylized as TV asahi), is a television station that is owned and operated by the subsidiary of certified broadcasting holding company , itself controlled by The Asahi Shimbun Comp ...
program ''Mokugeki Dokyun!'' It was their final single which ranked on Oricon Weekly charts.
On 18 November, three members of the band, Matsuda, Makoshi and Mashima, formed the new alternative band ''
Ramjet Pulley'' and released a major single "Hello...good bye".
2001–2002: Unannounced disband and hiatus
In April 2001, after more than half a year, they released their sixth single "Hard Rain". In the media it was promoted as an ending theme for the
Tokyo Broadcasting System Television
JORX-DTV, branded as is the flagship station of the Japan News Network (JNN), owned-and-operated by , a subsidiary of JNN's owner, TBS Holdings. It operates in the Kantō region and broadcasts its content nationally through TBS-JNN Network ...
program ''Kinniku Banzuke''. The single was included in the compilation album ''
Giza Studio Masterpiece Blend 2001''.
In December 2001, they released their final single "Tender Rain". In the media it was promoted as an ending theme for the
Tokyo Broadcasting System Television
JORX-DTV, branded as is the flagship station of the Japan News Network (JNN), owned-and-operated by , a subsidiary of JNN's owner, TBS Holdings. It operates in the Kantō region and broadcasts its content nationally through TBS-JNN Network ...
program ''CDTV''. Both of these singles failed to debut on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. In the same month, Mami Miyoshi and Matsuda participated in the
R&B cover album ''
Giza Studio R&B Respect Vol.1: Six Sisters Selection'' covering "
Killing Me Softly with His Song
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is a song composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Norman Gimbel. The lyrics were written in collaboration with Lori Lieberman after she was inspired by a Don McLean performance in late 1971. Denied writing credi ...
" by
Lori Lieberman
Lori Lieberman (born November 15, 1951) is an American singer-songwriter who accompanies herself on guitar and piano. She first came to public attention in the early 1970s with a series of albums on Capitol Records, the first of which featured ...
and "
Free" by
Deniece Williams
Deniece Williams (born June Deniece Chandler; June 3, 1951) is an American singer. She has been described as "one of the great soul voices" by the BBC. She is best known for the songs " Free", " Silly", "It's Gonna Take a Miracle" and two ''Bil ...
.
[orievol.1">]
In February 2002, after the release of the third studio album ''
Mo' Better Tracks'' their activities stopped. It is not known whether they disbanded or took a hiatus as no public announcement was published on their official website.
2003–2007: Separate activities
In May 2003, Mami Miyoshi appeared as a guest singer at Hills Pankojou at
Keiko Utoku
is a Japanese singer and songwriter under UK Sweet label.
Biography
Keiko made her debut with a chorus part in the band B.B.Queens then joined with J-pop female band Mi-Ke from 1991 to 1993, before starting a solo career. As a child, Utoku liste ...
's event "Oldies Night" performing a cover of Gazebo's "I Like Chopin". Later, she composed the album track "Ikitakuwanai Bokura" for Japanese singer
Azumi Uehara
is a former Japanese adult video (AV) actress and former Japanese pop singer.
Life and career
Uehara debuted in 2001 with the song which was featured on the anime ''Detective Conan'' as its 13th ending song. Both the song and the subsequent a ...
. She was active until 2006.
Makoto Miyoshi continued writing songs for various
Giza artists such as
The Tambourines
''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
, Uura Saeka,
Aiko Kitahara and
U-ka Saegusa. He officially left Giza Studio in 2007.
The alternative band Ramjet Pulley also unofficially disbanded and went into indefinite hiatus in autumn 2003.
Makoshi quit public activity in January 2003 after releasing the final album of Ramjet Pulley.
Mashima represented himself in production credits as both a former Rumania Montevideo and Ramjet Pulley member. He continued writing songs for various
Giza artists such as
Aiko Kitahara and
U-ka Saegusa in dB
was a Japanese pop rock band formed in Osaka in 2002. The band consists of lead vocalist U-ka Saegusa, lead guitarist Yūichirō Iwai, lead bassist Taku Ōyabu, and drummer Keisuke Kurumatani. Signed to Giza Studio, the band released four studio ...
as composer and arranger until 2007.
In June 2003, Matsuda appeared at Hill Pankoujou's Thursday Live: Acoustic Night as a guest singer. In August, she released a cover of
Yumi Arai
, nicknamed , is a Japanese singer, composer, lyricist and pianist. Generally the writer of both the lyrics and the music in her songs, she is renowned for her idiosyncratic voice and live performances, and is one of the most prominent figures ...
's "Ame no Machi wo", which was arranged and produced by
Tak Matsumoto
is a Japanese musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the guitarist and main composer of the Rock music, rock duo B'z, the List of best-selling music artists in Japan, best-selling music act in their native Japan. He also ...
, the song was included as a B-side of the cover of "Ihoujin" by
Zard
were a Japanese pop rock group, originally with five members, with lead vocalist Izumi Sakai as its only constant member. Zard's work was sold under the record label B-Gram Records, Inc. Their most popular and successful songs are , , and " M ...
. After September 2003, she quit public activity.
In 2006,
Rina Aiuchi
, professionally known by her stage name, and formerly known as R, is a Japanese singer, songwriter, businesswoman, fashion model, and YouTuber. Born in Higashiōsaka, Japan, she won the first season of the audition ''Super Starlight Contest'' ...
and Saegusa Yuuka covered "Still for your love", which appeared as a B-side to their single "100 Mono Tobira" with re-arrangement by
Takeshi Hayama
is a Japanese musical arranger and guitarist under Being Inc. records.
Biography
In 1978, he debuted with his own blues band under Trio Records. In 1990s he entered to Being recording agency. Takeshi becomes the main arranger of Japanese s ...
.
2019: Band reunion and Osaka Live
On 6 March 2019, Makoto Miyoshi launched an official Twitter account with the announcement of a return to band activities along with his sister Mami Miyoshi. Later Makototo announced that Mami would provide only vocals, not drums.
On 7 March, Makoto shared on his YouTube channel a demo tape of the unreleased song "anytime" with Makoto as lead vocalist and Mami doing background vocals. The original upload of a demo tape is from 2011.
On the same day it was announced on Twitter that Naoya Shimai from indie band
Spaghetti Vabune! would support the group on drums.
On 15 March, "Tom" was announced on Twitter as the new bass player to the band.
On 1 April, a practice video of the song "Dare mo Shiranai Yoake" was uploaded on Makoto Miyoshi's Twitter account. The video footage shows two guitarists, one bassist, one drummer and vocalist Mami Miyoshi.
On 8 July a new keyboard and backing vocals support member, "Cherry", and a guitar support member, "Rerere", were announced through Twitter. The new band consisted of former members, the Miyoshi siblings and four new support members.
On 14 July, Mami Miyoshi launched a Twitter account.
On 1 December the band performed live in the Ohsaka venue Hills Pankoujou. Former members of the sub-band Ramjet Pulley arrived as audience guests as well.
2020: New demo-tapes and canceled first Tokyo Live
In January, Makoto published three interview videos on his YouTube channel with guitarist Shimal, who answered questions about Rumania Montevideo's past.
In February, Makoto started launching short demo tapes on his YouTube channel.
In March, a second reunion live performance was scheduled in Tokyo in the venue Daikanyama Unit. All supporting band members planned to reprise their roles., however on 9 March, the event was cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic situation of the coronavirus.
After the conclusion, Mami's activities has been decreased and Miyoshi continues release monthly new song or demo tapes on his YouTube channel.
On 20 August, Makoto has confessed his wish to collaborate once again in the band with his childhood friend and former member, Kazunobu Mashima.
Discography
During their career, the band released three studio albums, two indie albums, three LP records, two cassette tapes, and seven singles.
All lyrics were written by Mami Miyoshi, and all music was composed and arranged by Makoto Miyoshi.
Singles
Studio albums
Indie albums
Cassette tapes
LP records
Demo tapes
The titles come from the official YouTube channel of Makoto Miyoshi.
*Anytime (March 2011) - Makoto lead vocals, Mami back-vocals
*0208 (August 2019)
*Unknown (September 2019)
*Sunset (January 2020)
*Dance (February 2020)
*Smile Again (February 2020) - Mami lead vocals
*Opinion No.5 (26 April 2020)
*The Motion (15 May 2020)
*Uroncha(烏龍茶) (17 May 2020)
*Outer Space (28 August 2020)
*aquablue2020 (28 August 2020)
*electro harmonix (28 August 2020)
*Catch Up (28 August 2020) - Mami lead vocals
*Obrien (28 August 2020)
*Barcelona (28 August 2020)
*Fade Away (28 August 2020)
*Gravity (28 August 2020)
*Anybody Else (6 September 2020)
Television performances
*''
CDTV
The CDTV (from Commodore Dynamic Total Vision, later treated as a backronym for Compact Disc Television) is a home multimedia entertainment and video game console – convertible into a full-fledged personal computer by the addition of optional ...
''
**Still for your love (1999/04/10)
**Picnic (1999/11/06)
*''
Music Station
is a Japanese music television program. Broadcasting live weekly on TV Asahi since October 24, 1986, it currently airs from 9PM-10PM on Fridays. The program is also colloquially known as , , and . The show is currently syndicated throughout th ...
'' (1999/05/27)
**Still for your love
*''
NHK Seishun Message'' 2000 (2000/01/10)
**Still for your love, Koisuru Betty
*''
Pop-Jam''
**Koisuru Betty
(2000/01/15)
Live performances
*Shibuya Club Quattro: ''Undown Vol.4'' (14 July 2000) - stage appearance of Miyoshi siblings
*Hills Pan Koujou: ''GIZA studio R&B PARTY'' (15 December 2001) - only Mami and Akiko
*Hills Pan Koujou: ''Oldies Night'' (8 May 2003) - only Mami
*Hills Pan Koujou: ''Acoustic Night'' (12 June 2003) - only Akiko
*Hills Pan Koujou: ''Rumania Montevideo Live 2019: Boku wo Motsu Kimi he'' (1 December 2019) - Miyoshi siblings with four new support members
References
External links
*Official websit
*Official website by Being (in Japanese
*Official Giza USA profile (scroll down till Rumania Montevideo section
*Oricon profile (in Japanese
*Musing profile (in Japanese)
Authority
Musicbrainz.org pag
{{Authority control
Anime musicians
Being Inc. artists
Japanese pop music groups
Japanese pop rock music groups
Japanese rock music groups
Musical groups established in 1998