🇯🇵 Reacting to ONE OK ROCK - 'Wasted Nights'

ONE OK ROCK is a Japanese rock band formed in Tokyo, Japan, in 2005. The band consists of four members:

Takahiro "Taka" Moriuchi (vocals)
Toru Yamashita (guitar)
Ryota Kohama (bass)
Tomoya Kanki (drums)

Formation and Early Years:
ONE OK ROCK was formed by Toru Yamashita, who initially started the band with high school friends, including Ryota Kohama. They recruited Taka, who was formerly a pop idol, as the lead vocalist after being impressed by his vocal ability. Tomoya Kanki joined as the drummer later.

The band’s name, ONE OK ROCK, is a play on the phrase "one o'clock," which was the time they used to practice on weekends. The pronunciation in Japanese sounds similar to "one o’clock," and they stylized it as ONE OK ROCK.

Musical Style:
ONE OK ROCK's musical style is a mix of alternative rock, post-hardcore, and pop-punk. They have been heavily influenced by Western rock bands like Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, and Good Charlotte.

Their sound is characterized by powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and a blend of hard-hitting rock with melodic elements. Over the years, their music has evolved, incorporating more English lyrics and mainstream rock elements, especially as they have expanded their reach internationally.

Albums and Major Works:
Zeitakubyō (2007) – Their debut album, which helped them gain a strong following in Japan.
Niche Syndrome (2010) – Marked a significant step in their rise to fame, featuring hit singles like "Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer."
Zankyo Reference (2011) – Solidified their status in the Japanese rock scene.
Jinsei×Boku= (2013) – A breakthrough album that expanded their popularity, featuring tracks like "The Beginning," which was used as a theme song for the live-action movie "Rurouni Kenshin."
35xxxv (2015) – Their first album recorded in the United States, reflecting a more polished, international sound.
Ambitions (2017) – A globally oriented album with more English lyrics, featuring collaborations with international artists like 5 Seconds of Summer.
Eye of the Storm (2019) – Continued their global expansion with a mix of rock anthems and pop-influenced tracks.

International Success:
ONE OK ROCK has achieved significant success outside of Japan, particularly in the United States, Europe, and other parts of Asia. They have performed at major music festivals like Warped Tour and have toured extensively across the globe.

They signed with the American record label Fueled by Ramen, which has further facilitated their reach into Western markets.

Collaborations and Influence:
The band has collaborated with various international artists, including Avril Lavigne, Ed Sheeran, and All Time Low. Their ability to seamlessly blend English and Japanese in their lyrics has contributed to their appeal across different cultures.

Personal and Band Trivia:
Taka Moriuchi is the son of famous Japanese singers Masako Mori and Shinichi Mori. He was previously part of the boy band NEWS before joining ONE OK ROCK.
The band’s members share a close friendship, and their chemistry on stage is a significant part of their appeal.
Toru and Ryota were previously part of a hip-hop dance group called HEADS before forming ONE OK ROCK.

Awards and Recognition:
ONE OK ROCK has received numerous awards in Japan, including the MTV Video Music Awards Japan and the Japan Gold Disc Award. They are widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential Japanese rock bands of their generation.

Recent Activities:
The band continues to release new music and tour internationally. Their most recent album, "Luxury Disease," was released in 2022, showcasing their continued evolution as a band.

Conclusion:
ONE OK ROCK has built a substantial international fan base due to their energetic performances, cross-cultural appeal, and dedication to evolving their sound. They remain one of Japan's most prominent and globally recognized rock bands.