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The Alfee

The Alfee (formerly spelled Alfie) is a Japanese rock band formed in Tokyo in 1973. Originally a folk quartet, they became a trio of bassist Masaru Sakurai, acoustic guitarist Kohnosuke Sakazaki and electric guitarist Toshihiko Takamizawa in 1975. With all three performing vocal duties, they adopted a harder rock sound in the early 1980s. Beginning with their 16th single "Marie-Anne" in 1983, they have released 59 consecutive top 10 singles. The Alfee hold the record for most concerts performed by a Japanese band, with 2,972 as of August 2025. HMV Japan ranked them number 92 on their list of the top 100 Japanese pop acts.

History

After moving to Tokyo in 1970, Masaru Sakurai formed a three-piece band at Meiji Gakuin Senior High School called , which covered Western music acts such as Simon & Garfunkel. In 1972, they entered a folk music contest sponsored by Victor and won. There, Sakurai met Kohnosuke Sakazaki, who joined the group later that year. Sakurai and Sakazaki both enrolled in Meiji Gakuin University. There, they recruited Toshihiko Takamizawa, who was also a classmate of Sakurai's in high school. Confidence changed their name to Alfie in 1973, and released their first single "Natsu Shigure" on August 25, 1974. Their first album, Seishun no Kioku (re-titled Greenhorn on most re-issues), was released on July 25, 1975. Yasuo Miyake then left the group, leaving the lineup of Sakurai, Sakazaki and Takamizawa, which continues to this day. The song "Fuchutorimono Hikae" was set to be released as their third single on December 10, 1975, the day the statute of limitations expired for the 300 million yen robbery, which is parodied in the lyrics. However, Victor cancelled its release due to the connection, causing a rift between the band and their label. (The song would finally be released in 2014 as part of a re-release of Seishun no Kioku that coincided with the band's 40th anniversary.) Alfie produced no further music for Victor. Instead, they acted as the backing band for artists such as Hiroshi Kamayatsu. In 1979, they signed with Pony Canyon (then known as Canyon Records), changed the spelling of their name to Alfee, and released "Love Letter" as their third single on January 21.

In 1983, their song "Marie-Anne" became a massive hit. It earned them an appearance at the prestigious Kōhaku Uta Gassen event, where they performed the song. That year, Alfee performed at the Nippon Budokan for the first time. This began a 35-year tradition of them performing at the venue every year, until 2019, when renovations for the 2020 Summer Olympics ended the streak. The band added "The" in front of their name in 1986. That year, their August 3 concert Sweat & Tears Tokyo-Bay Area, which was held at Tokyo Bay Reclaimed Land No. 13 (now Odaiba), set a Japanese attendance record for the largest-ticketed concert ever held by a single act when it attracted 100,000 people. Additionally, the name "Tokyo Bay Area" coined by Takamizawa, became a common name by which the area is known.

With their 50th single, "Taiyō ha Shizumanai", released in August 2002, The Alfee set a Japanese record for 35 consecutive top 10 singles on the Oricon Singles Chart.

In March 2014, Sakurai, Sakazaki and Takamizawa were presented with honorary degrees from Meiji Gakuin University, their alma mater where they had formed The Alfee. In the 1970s, Takamizawa had dropped out of the school, while Sakurai and Sakazaki were expelled. At a December 2015 concert at the Nippon Budokan, The Alfee performed as an alterego band named The KanLeKeeZ. The idea was, with all three members having reached their 60s, they decided to pay tribute to group sounds bands of the 1960s. The KanLeKeeZ released the album G.S. meets The KanLeKeeZ on December 21, 2016. It won a Planning Award at the 59th Japan Record Awards in 2017.

Due to providing the theme song to Kansai TV's broadcast of the Osaka International Women's Marathon for 31 consecutive years from 1987 until 2018, when the broadcaster announced they would no longer use themes, The Alfee were certified with the Guinness World Record for "Most theme songs sung by the same artist for the same international sports event broadcast on TV" in December 2018.

With the release of "The 2nd Life -Daini no Sentaku-" in July 2021, The Alfee achieved 55 consecutive top 10 singles on the Oricon Singles Chart. This tied them with SMAP and AKB48 for second place, behind Arashi with 58. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, they performed at the Nippon Budokan on December 23 and 24, 2023. The former marked their 100th concert at the venue. The July 2024 double A-side "Ko.Da.Ma." / "Romance ga Maiorite Kita Yoru" was their 58 consecutive top 10 single, returning them to second place alongside Arashi, and behind AKB48 with 62. At the end of the year, The Alfee performed at the 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen. Taking place 41 years after their first Kōhaku Uta Gassen appearance, it marks the longest gap between appearances in the event's history. "Heart of Rainbow", released in July 2025, made them the male act with the most consecutive top 10 singles.

Members

  • : Born in Chichibu, Saitama. Vocals, bass guitar
  • : Born in Sumida, Tokyo. Vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion, former bandleader
  • : Born in Warabi, Saitama. Vocals, electric guitar, main songwriter, bandleader since 1983. Also has a solo career as "Takamiy".

Former members

  • : Born . Vocals, guitar (1973–1975)

Discography

Studio albums

  • Time and Tide (August 21, 1979)
  • Almighty (October 21, 1981)
  • Doubt, (April 21, 1982)
  • Alfee (January 5, 1983)
  • Alfee's Law (September 5, 1983)
  • The Renaissance (July 5, 1984)
  • For Your Love (June 19, 1985)
  • Ages (November 25, 1986)
  • UK Breakfast (December 9, 1987)
  • DNA Communication (March 21, 1989)
  • Arcadia (October 17, 1990)
  • Journey (April 29, 1992)
  • Love (March 21, 1996)
  • Nouvelle Vague (March 25, 1998)
  • Ōrb (September 29, 1999)
  • Glint Beat (September 12, 2001)
  • Going My Way (October 1, 2003)
  • One -Venus of Rock- (November 22, 2006)
  • Battle Starship Alfee (June 26, 2019)

Compilation albums

  • Page One: 13 Pieces of Alfee (December 5, 1983)
  • Alfee Gold (September 5, 1984)
  • Alfee Silver (September 5, 1984)
  • Best Selection (December 5, 1984, re-titled Best Selection I on re-issues)
  • Alfee 4-Way Story (August 21, 1985, released on two separately-sold cassettes)
  • The Best Song (December 5, 1985)
  • Non-Stop (December 21, 1986)
  • Best Selection II (May 21, 1988)
  • The Alfee: The Best (December 4, 1991)
  • Promised Love -The Alfee Ballad Selection- (December 16, 1992)
  • Single History I: 1979–1982 (September 20, 1994)
  • Single History II: 1983–1986 (November 20, 1994)
  • Single History III: 1987–1990 (December 20, 1994)
  • Single History IV: 1991–1994 (February 20, 1995)
  • Emotional Love Songs (November 19, 1997)
  • Emotional Message Songs (November 19, 1997)
  • Pride (August 7, 1998)
  • The Best 1997–2002 ~Apres Nouvelle Vague~ (March 5, 2003)
  • The Alfee 30th Anniversary Hit Single Collection 37 (August 25, 2004)
  • Starting Over ~Best Hit of The Alfee~ (March 29, 2006)
  • Single History V: 1996–2001 (March 4, 2009)
  • Single History VI: 2002–2008 (March 4, 2009)
  • Alfee Gets Requests (July 25, 2012)
  • Alfee Gets Requests! 2 (June 18, 2014)
  • Single History VII: 2009–2012 (March 30, 2016)
  • Last Run! (December 19, 2018)
  • Single Connection & AGR -Metal & Acoustic- (December 20, 2023)
  • The Alfee 50 Songs 1974–1996 (August 16, 2024)

Other albums

  • One Night Dreams 1983–1987: Special Live Edition (September 17, 1987, live album)
  • The Alfee Classics with London Symphony Orchestra (March 21, 1990, remix album)
  • Confidence -The Alfee Acoustic Special Live- (July 21, 1993, live album)
  • Live in Progress (July 21, 1995, live album)
  • The Alfee Classics II: The Alfee with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (December 16, 1996, remix album)
  • The Alfee Classics III: The Alfee with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (November 16, 2001, remix album)

Singles

1970s

1980s

  • Theme song of the 1980 TV Tokyo drama Aitsu to Ore
  • Theme song of the 1980 Toei film Furyou Shounen
  • "Sunset Summer" (June 21, 1982)
  • Theme song of the 1984 TBS TV drama Mujaki na Kankei
  • Theme song of the 1984 film SF Shinseki Lensman
  • "Sweat & Tears" (July 5, 1986)
  • Theme song of the 1987 Toho film Touch 3
  • "My Truth" (October 28, 1987)
  • Theme song of the 1988 TBS drama Papa ha NenjÅ« Kurō-suru
  • "19 (Nineteen)" (July 27, 1988)
  • "Faith of Love" (December 21, 1988)
  • "Faith of Love" was the theme song of the 1989 Toei film Shogun's Shadow
  • Theme song of the 1989 NTV drama of the same name

1990s

  • "Flower Revolution" (January 31, 1990)
  • "Promised Love" (February 5, 1992)
  • Theme song of the 1992 NTV drama Pole Position! Aishiki Hito he...
  • "Believe" (February 3, 1993)
  • Theme song of the 1992 TBS show Move
  • "Victory" (April 28, 1993)
  • Ending theme of the 1992 NTV drama Super TV: Jōhō Saizensen
  • Theme song of the 1994 Fuji TV video series Complex Blue
  • Theme song of the 1994 NHK anime series Montana Jones
  • Ending theme of the 1994 NHK anime series Montana Jones
  • "Love Never Dies" (January 29, 1996)
  • Theme song of the 1996 NTV drama Kiseki no Romance
  • "Brave Love: Galaxy Express 999" (February 25, 1998)
  • Theme song of the 1998 Toei anime film Galaxy Express 999: Eternal Fantasy
  • Theme song of the 1999 TBS film Salary Man Kintaro
  • "Wings of Freedom" (May 23, 1999)
  • Sold only at Yokohama Flügels matches
  • "Justice for True Love" (August 18, 1999)
  • Theme song of the 1999 anime film Kindaichi Shōnen no Jikenbo 2: Satsuriku no Deep Blue

2000s

  • "Never Fade" (December 6, 2000)
  • Ending theme of the TV Asahi program Tx2 Show
  • "Juliet" (August 22, 2001)
  • Theme song of the TV Asahi program Sushi Azarashi and the ending theme of the TV Asahi program Tx2 Show
  • Ending theme of the Fuji TV drama Shomuni Final
  • Ending theme of the TV Asahi anime Doraemon
  • Theme song of the TBS drama Salary Man Kintaro 4
  • Theme song of the TBS film Kochira Hon'ike Gamisho 5
  • "Innocent Love" (October 24, 2006)
  • Theme song of the drama Mikon Roku Shimai
  • "Dear My Life" (April 4, 2007)
  • "Lifetime Love" (March 19, 2008)
  • Theme song of the film Uchuu Senkan Yamato Fukkatsu-hen

2010s

  • "Let It Go" (May 3, 2011)
  • "Final Wars!" / (February 20, 2013)
  • "Glorious" (November 13, 2013)

2020s

  • / "Circle of Seasons" (October 5, 2022)
  • / "Never Say Die" (May 17, 2023)
  • "Ko.Da.Ma." /
  • "Heart of Rainbow" (July 30, 2025)

Videography

  • Over Drive 1983 Alfee 8.24 Budokan (October 21, 1983)
  • Flying Away Alfee in Yokohama Stadium 1984.8.3 Fri (September 21, 1984)
  • Alfee 3 Days 1985.8/27/28/29 Yokohama Stadium (October 15, 1985)
  • The Alfee History I 1982–1985 (December 15, 1985)
  • The Alfee 1986 8.3 Sweat & Tears Tokyo Bay-Area (October 5, 1986)
  • 1986 12.24 Christmas Special All Night The Alfee (May 21, 1987)
  • Sunset – Sunrise 1987 Aug. 8–9 (September 30, 1987)
  • Meigaku Live 3 November 1987 (June 21, 1988)
  • All Over Japan 4 Access Area 1988 (October 5, 1988)
  • The Alfee with Jean Paul Gaultier (June 14, 1989)
  • U.S. Camp Drake ASC The Alfee 1989.8.13 Sun (October 4, 1989)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel I: Yokohama MM21 Reel I (October 3, 1990)
  • Bridge Across the Future Reel II: Yokohama MM21 Reel II (October 3, 1990)
  • Arcadia Included by Count Down 1999 (November 21, 1990)
  • Long Way to Freedom Revolution II & Smile Photo Collection (March 27, 1991)
  • The Alfee History II 1986–1991 (March 25, 1992)
  • Just Live! Promised Night August 9, 1992 (October 7, 1992)
  • Video Clips Victory (July 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Silver Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • Victory Stadium Gold Night Special (October 21, 1993)
  • King's Night Dream Western Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • King's Night Dream Eastern Conference Final (October 5, 1994)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks I (October 2, 1996)
  • Yokohama Red Bricks II (October 2, 1996)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion I (October 16, 1997)
  • Emotional Field Heat & Beat Emotion II (October 16, 1997)
  • The Alfee History III 1992–1997 (October 17, 1997)
  • Tokyo One Night Dream (October 16, 1998)
  • The Alfee in NY at Forest Hills Stadium 1st. July. 1998 (December 16, 1998)
  • Millennium Carnival I (October 14, 1999)
  • Millennium Carnival II (November 17, 1999)
  • The Alfee in Berlin at Brandenburg Tour 26th, September 1999 (December 22, 1999)
  • Millennium Final in Osaka － Live at Osakajyo-Hall "A.D. 1999" (March 16, 2000)
  • Tokyo Aube Stadium Alfee Classics Night (October 16, 2000)
  • Tokyo Aube Stadium Alfee Rockdom Night (October 16, 2000)
  • Emotion Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 22, 2000)
  • Nouvelle Vague Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 22, 2000)
  • Final Count Down A.D. 1999 Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 22, 2000)
  • Count Down 2001 Hello Good-bye (March 28, 2001)
  • Kingdom Chapter I: Grateful Birth (November 16, 2001)
  • Kingdom Chapter II: Never Ending Dream (November 16, 2001)
  • The Alfee History IV 1997–2001 (March 27, 2002)
  • Legend of The Stadium V Silver Legend (November 20, 2002)
  • Legend of The Stadium V Gold Legend (November 20, 2002)
  • Yokohama Swinging Generation: Generation Dynamite Day Aug. 16 (November 19, 2003)
  • Yokohama Swinging Generation: Swinging Generation Day Aug. 17 (November 19, 2003)
  • Aube 2000 Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 17, 2003)
  • Aube 2001 Glint Beat Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (January 21, 2004)
  • Aube 2002 Transformation Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 14, 2004)
  • 30th Anniversary Video Clips II (September 15, 2004)
  • The Alfee History I–III DVD Box Special Edition (September 15, 2004)
  • 30th Anniversary 2004 Travelin' Band Live at NHK Hall May 30 (October 14, 2004)
  • Love & Peace: A Day of Love Aug. 14 (November 7, 2004)
  • Love & Peace: A Day of Peace Aug. 15 (November 7, 2004)
  • 30th Anniversary Count Down 2005: Time and Tide (March 30, 2005)
  • Tokyo Bay-Station Terminal 1 (November 23, 2005)
  • Tokyo Bay-Station Terminal 2 (November 23, 2005)
  • 2000th Live Concert Starting Over (March 29, 2006)
  • 25th Summer 2006 Yokohama Star-ship Only One Night Aug. 12 (December 13, 2006)
  • 25th Summer 2006 Yokohama Star-ship Next One Night Aug. 13 (December 13, 2006)
  • Aube 2003 Going My Way Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 30, 2008)
  • 30th Anniversary 2004 Travelin' Band Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 30, 2008)
  • Aube 2005 Starting Over Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 30, 2008)
  • Aube 2006 One Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 30, 2008)
  • Aube 2008 Renaissance Live at NHK Hall (August 18, 2008)
  • Aube 2008 Renaissance Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 23, 2009)
  • Yokohama Perfect Burn 8.8 Burn Into Memory Night (February 14, 2010)
  • Yokohama Perfect Burn 8.9 Burn Into Perfect Night (February 14, 2010)
  • 35th anniversary 2009 My Truth Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 23, 2010)
  • Aube 2010 Neo Universe II Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 20, 2011)
  • The Alfee 2011 Special DVD "I Love You" (August 25, 2011)
  • Neo Universe 2011 Final Series I Love You, Always... Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (April 25, 2012)
  • One Night Dream 2012 We Get Requests! 2012.7.28 at Saitama Super Arena (December 23, 2012)
  • The Alfee 2013 Special DVD "Grateful Birth" (August 24, 2013)
  • Neo Universe 2012 Final Series Catch Your Earth Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (December 23, 2013)
  • 40th Anniversary 2014 Video Clips II+ (August 6, 2014)
  • Neo Universe 2013 Final Series Grateful Birth Final Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (October 25, 2014)
  • 40th Anniversary 2014 Genesis Final Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (November 25, 2015)
  • Best Hit Alfee 2015 One Night Circle (December 23, 2015)
  • Best Hit Alfee Final 2015 Live at Budokan Dec. 24 (November 30, 2016)
  • 2021 Summer Baby, Come Back! 31.July.2021 (December 10, 2022)
  • 2021 Summer Baby, Come Back! 1.August.2021 (December 10, 2022)

BE∀T BOYS Discography

Singles

  • [1981.08.05] Stars☆On 23 (スターズ☆オン23) (BEAT BOYS)
  • [1988.11.02] HE∀RTBRE∀K LONELY R∀IN
  • [1989.05.31] Dare Yori mo Lady Jane (誰よりもLady Jane; Lady Jane Over Anyone Else)
  • [1990.07.21] Futari Dake no Yoru (ふたりだけの夜; Night for Only Us)
  • [1996.04.03] Epicurean (エピキュリアン)
  • [1997.03.19] May Be

Albums

  • [1988.10.21] BE∀T BOYS TOJO!!
  • [1989.07.05] GO!GO! BE∀T BOYS!!

Videos

  • [1989.10.21] GRE∀T PROMOTION

References

External links