Hanaregumi, with a deeply warm voice and exceptional vocal talent, has captivated countless fans over more than a quarter-century of musical activity.
Started performing acoustic guitar and singing since his second year in high school.
In 1997, he made his major debut with SUPER BUTTER DOG.
From the summer of 2002, alongside his activities with SUPER BUTTER DOG, he began his solo career under the name Hanae Gumi. In October of the same year, he released his 1st single “Kazoku no Fukei” (Family Scenery) and in November, his 1st album “Oto Time”. He toured the country performing solo in live houses with just his guitar.
In 2004, he released his 2nd album “Hibi no Awa” (Bubbles of Days). All performances of the nationwide tour, including NHK Hall, sold out.
In 2005, he released his 3rd album “Kaette Kara, Utaitakunatte mo Iiyo ni to Omotta no Da”, recorded entirely at home. In the summer, the film “Sayonara COLOR”, directed by Naoto Takenaka, was released, featuring Hanae Gumi’s song as its title and a duet with Kiiyoshi Ikemoto (Imai Kiyoshi) for the ending theme. He also contributed to the movie’s soundtrack. In September, he released his first best-of album. Just 10 days later, on September 24, he held his first free solo concert “hana-uta fes.” at Koganei Park, which drew an unexpected 20,000 people despite concerns due to a typhoon and heavy rain. The event was a huge success.
In 2009, he released the single “Hikari to Kage” (Light and Shadow) and the album “Ai no Wa” (Circle of Love). His national tour, which was his first in 4 and a half years, culminated in a performance at Nippon Budokan, where he captivated approximately 10,000 people.
In March 2010, the live DVD “TOUR Ai no Wa ‘Takashi ni wa Sono Uke wa Nai n’ Janai ka Shir… to Haha wa Itta no Datta” was released, followed by a nationwide Zepp tour in October.
In 2011, he performed at major festivals such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL’11 (Green Stage), RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2011 in EZO (as the final act), and ARABAKI ROCK FEST.11, where he showcased a session with various guest artists. In September, he released his 5th album “Oasis”.
From January 2012, he held a nationwide tour “TOUR Oasis”, and his cover of “Whiskey ga, Osuki desho” was featured in the CM for Suntory’s “Kaku Highball”.
In May 2013, he released his long-awaited first cover album “Dareso Kareso”, featuring 12 timeless songs recorded with various guest musicians.
In January 2014, Hanae Gumi collaborated with the band So Many Tears, formed by Shinichi Motegi (Skapara/Fishmans), Takashi Kato (Skapara/Losalios), and Yutaka Kashiwabara (Fishmans/Polaris/OTOUTA), releasing the live album “Doko Made Iku no Jikyu Rokuon 145-fun”, after their legendary tour, which included intense 180-minute performances across Japan.
On August 19, 2015, after four years, he released his long-awaited 6th album “What Are You Looking For”, which featured songs co-written with Yojiro Noda (RADWIMPS), YO-KING (Magokoro Brothers), Takashi Ikeda (REKISHI), Eriko Omoya, Gohbun Tsujimura (Kicell), and Yasuaki Horigome (ex-Kirinji). The album includes 13 tracks, including “360°”, which was a fan favorite performed live and written with original Japanese lyrics by Hanae Gumi. He also held a successful solo acoustic tour “Hikiga Tabibattabi” in September.
In January 2016, he kicked off the “Hanae Gumi Tour What Are You Looking For” with 10 performances across 9 cities. In May, his new song “Shinkokyuu” (Deep Breaths) was selected as the theme song for Hirokazu Kore-eda’s film “Umi Yori Mo Mada Fukaku” (Still Walking), and he also composed the film’s original score. The single was released on May 25, 2016.
From March 3, 2017, he held the “Namae no Nai Tour” across 18 performances in 17 cities, which was a great success. The 10th anniversary Blu-ray & DVD of “Laughin’ 10th Anniversary Event La Zoku ga Mata Yatte Kita, Juu! Juu! Juu!”, recorded in 2016, was released on April 26. In October, he released his 7th original album “SHINJITERU”, featuring songs performed during the “Namae no Nai Tour”, including the new track “Blueberry Gum” and his hit “Shinkokyuu”. His nationwide tour continued until December, with a finale at Tokyo’s International Forum Hall A.
In 2018, Hanae Gumi embarked on a nationwide tour with 14 concerts across 14 cities. The concert in Akasaka was sold out immediately, leading to an additional performance at New Kiba Studio Coast, which also sold out. In October, he teamed up with Fujifabric for a special project “Hanaefuji LIVE TOUR ‘Takarabune’ Bokura wa Sudeni Mochi Awase te Iru” for their first ever tour.
In 2019, he participated in various events. In late May, he began a nationwide tour “Hanae Gumi with U-zhaan ‘Takashitaburatachi’”, which was held in 6 cities.
In February 2020, he held a solo hall tour “THE MOMENT” in Tokyo and Osaka. He also performed with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Suzuki Masato from LITTLE CREATURES in two unique shows titled “THE MOMENTHORN NIGHT” and “THE MOMENTSTRINGS NIGHT”, both of which were well-received.
His new song “Quiet Light” was released on January 19, 2021, as the theme song for Kracie’s “Kampo Therapy”. On March 31, 2021, he released his first original album in over 3 years, “Hakkotai” (Radiant Band), and embarked on a nationwide Zepp tour in May.
In February 2022, he began his first solo tour in 6 years, “Faraway so Close”, which continued into 2023.
In March 2023, Hanae Gumi joined Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra at the Vive Latino festival in Mexico, one of the largest festivals in Latin America, where they performed “Mekureta Orange” and “Tsuioku no Lilac”, along with “Cielito Lindo”, a beloved Mexican song.
In September and October 2023, he held performances at the Hattori Green Park and Hibiya Outdoor Music Hall in Tokyo and Osaka, featuring the release of the limited edition live CD “Big Smiles” at the concert venues. In November, his first drama theme song “MY Dream” was released as a digital single.
Looking ahead, in March 2024, he will hold the special live concert “THE MOMENT 2024” in Tokyo and Osaka with a quartet and horns.
In September 2024, his 9th original album “GOOD DAY” will be released, and he will embark on a nationwide tour “TOUR GOOD DAY” from October to November.
Over his quarter-century-long career, his deeply warm voice and exceptional vocal ability have captivated a wide range of fans. Recently, he has also been expanding his career into acting and narration, in addition to his musical endeavors.
