BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in 1994 and released through Highline Records, known for combining alternative rock, j-rock, and j-pop with emotionally direct songwriting. The band’s name, "Bump of Chicken," was intended to mean "Attack of Coward," a contrast that reflects the group’s memorable image and offbeat sense of character. The group is made up of four longtime members whose roles and personalities have shaped its identity. Motoo Fujiwara （藤原 基央）, born April 12, 1979, blood type O, height 176 cm, serves as the composer, lyricist, guitarist, and main vocalist. He has written most of the music and also drew the artwork for the albums The Living Dead and Yggdrasil, making him the creative center of the band’s lyrics and sound. Hiroaki Masukawa （増川 弘明）, born December 20, 1979, blood type A, height 180 cm, is the guitarist and also writes most of the hidden joke tracks for albums. He is known as the shy member of the band and describes himself as pessimistic. Yoshifumi Naoi （直井 由文）, born October 9, 1979, blood type A, height 168 cm, plays bass and is referred to as the "crowd pleaser." Also known as Chama, he jokes that he "falls ill exactly four times a year," and he has described himself as an anime and game otaku as well as a "rare genius." Hideo Masu （升 秀夫）, born August 10, 1979, blood type A, height 166 cm, is the drummer and the creator of the band. He describes himself as an introvert, says that he has good eyesight, cannot write kanji well, likes to go outdoors, and often gets headaches. For anime listeners, BUMP OF CHICKEN is especially relevant because the band has been closely tied to major anime projects, including the ending theme for My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON and the ending theme song music video for the anime film Cosmic Princess Kaguya!. That combination of long-running chemistry, distinctive personalities, and theme-song work has made the group one of Japan’s most recognizable names in anime music.